this is a truly amazing book. it has always troubled me that newborns are treated so roughly after birth. this book explains the leboyer method, which advocates a more compassionate birth with dim lighting, a quiet atmosphere and most importantly, gentle handling of the newly born baby. it is a beautiful book with incredible photos of smiling newborns. ( )

I can appreciate how this book is historically significant for being one of the first books advocating for a more natural birth process. However, it just isn't very good.

Many other books published since are much more useful, complete, and direct. ( )