This book is unique in that it is co-written by natural childbirth pioneer Janet Balaskas and Yehudi Gordon the ground breaking consultant obstetrician who has pioneered the concept of integrated practise - both pioneers of the Active Birth Movement. In this book all options are available to women. There is fi rstly an understanding of the natural physiology of pregnancy and birth as well as an acknowledgement of the huge emotional changes involved in this challenging journey. Then there is also the benefi t of modern science as back up or choice - and/or of complementary care with alternative therapies. Any or all of these may be used as needed against a background where the primary expectation is that pregnancy is a state of health and birth is a natural physiological process.