Despatches from a mother who started late (and is running to catch up)

Blog to Book - Fashionably Late

I am writing Fashionably Late, an irreverent guide to having children later in life. Did you become a mother over 35? If so, and you'd like to tell me your story please contact me at mail@motheratlarge.com.

Advertising

Life Insurance
Get a great deal on life insurance
with a policy from Directline
Compare hundreds of life insurance policies with Protected.co.uk

In the news....

Press and radio coverage of this site from around the UK

Spiritual midwifery

6141GGAP87LBO2204203200PIsitbdp500arrowTopRight4564OU01AA240SH20_Small.jpg My copy of Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin arrived yesterday from the Book Depository after the pregnant wife of one of Va-vay's colleagues recommended it to me last week. Many readers of this blog may already know of Ina May Gaskin, (I have to confess I didn't) but for those who don't, she is a 'self-taught' lay midwife who has helped pioneer ideas we nowadays take for granted in modern obstetrics, like fathers being present at births, the usefulness of breathing techniques, and an end to routine episiotomies. She was one of the first people to present pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding from a spiritual perspective and is known as "the mother of authentic midwifery". I stayed up till 2.30am last night reading Spritual Midwifery, literally unable to put it down, fascinated by stories of women giving birth at home in a hippy commune in 1970s Tennessee known as The Farm. Although the photos of beautiful, long-haired Madonnas and bearded husbands date the book to a vanished era, the book has a universality and timelessness that makes it as relevant today as ever. Inspirational and uplifting.

Posted 30 January 2008 11:22

Books Breastfeeding Childbirth Home birth

Comments

DJ Kirkby said:

One of my favorite books when I was a student midwife (a gift from my mother!) and I sitll dip into it now and again when I am feeling a little dissillusioned with 'modern' midwifery. Glad you are enjoying the inherant message of the book, that pregnancy, birth and parenting is life enhancing.

Posted 31 January 2008 07:03

Helen said:

DJ! I thought this might be a book you liked a lot, and as I clicked onto the site I wondered if you'd have left a comment. So pleased to know it's had such an influence on you.

Posted 31 January 2008 12:52

Mother at Large

Welcome to this site. It's based on my personal experiences of becoming a mother a little later in life. If, like me, you waited a while to have children you're in good company. More and more of us are waiting until our late 30s or even 40s to become parents. Some might even say we're fashionably late.

Subscriptions

To receive regular updates direct to your inbox, subscribe by email.

Subscribe in a reader.

About me

Mother at Large dreams of crossing the Pyrenees with her young daughter. For now, getting to playgroup takes all her energy. To find out more read her full profile.

Contact me

mail@motheratlarge.com

Blog roll

Websites I Enjoy

Edinburgh Unesco City of Literature
Mothers 35 Plus: information for older mothers.
Discover this festival city
Pelvic Partnership - invaluable help and advice for women suffering pelvic pain during and after pregnancy. And remember, Edinburgh mums-to-be suffering this debilitating condition can self-refer to hospital physios at ERI. No longer any need to go via your GP.