Drawing upon her forty-plus years of experience, Ina May Gaskin, the nation's leading midwife, shows the benefits and joys of physiological childbirth by showing women how to trust the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience. Based upon the midwifery model of care that recognizes that spontaneous labor in healthy women cannot be improved upon, Ina May's Guide to Childbirth gives expectant mothers comprehensive information on everything from the all-important mind-body connection to how to give birth without technological intervention-as well as how to know when such intervention is necessary. Filled with inspiring birth stories and practical advice, this invaluable resource includes: - Reducing the pain of labor without drugs and the amazing role that touch and free movement play - What really happens during labor - Orgasmic birth-testimonies from those who experienced it - And much more