Pregnancy books: Birth stories

Katrina O'Brien

Allen & Unwin $34.99 pb

There is nothing more deeply personal, moving or unique than the birth of a child. In Birth stories women from all walks of life share one of the most private and profound experiences they will ever have.

Featuring high profile women such as Nikki Gemmell and Amanda Keller, and not-so-famous but equally fabulous mums, each story gives a fascinating insight into what it is to bring a new life into the world.

Every birth is unique, and so too every story told here. Some mothers give birth naturally; at home, in the garden or even in the bush - either by choice or, in Jenny's case, necessity! Others are thankful for the medical professionals who helped bring their baby into the world, be it for the caesarean that saved little Laura's life, the epidural that saved many a mum's sanity, or the after care that got Penny and baby Max through. Some women seem to fall pregnant and give birth at the drop of a hat, others have had to struggle from day one, be it through IVF or in Alison's case surrogacy, to make the dream of a child of their own come true.

All will touch and move you, and each and every one intimately illustrates that regardless of how a child comes into the world, the only thing that matters is the love they find when they arrive.

Next: Up the duff by Kaz Cooke

This article was created for Kidspot – New Zealand's parenting resource for during your pregnancy

Find more:

• Complete pregnancy and parenting books list
• Share your birth story with other mums at Kidspot Social