Highlighting aspects of birth often taken for granted, ignored or left silenced, this book questions the art and meaning of childbirth. Addressing spirituality in and around the start of life from a variety of thought-provoking perspectives, it examines the apparent paradox of impersonal biomedical-technocratic systems operating alongside the meaningful experiences encountered by those involved. Themes covered include:








Notions of holism and spirituality, culture, religion and spirituality







Childbirth significance at societal level







Spiritual care in maternity care provision







Birth environment, mood, space and place







Spiritual experience of all those involved, including health professionals







Spiritual experience when birth is complex and challenging







When birth and death are juxtaposed.








Although there is considerable literature on spirituality at the e