Book Review- Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy.

Book Review : Like a Mother, a book by Angela Garbes, is a must-read for all women who have never been pregnant, are considering pregnancy, are currently pregnant, have been pregnant, or for any individual who interacts with women pre- and perinatally. Although the subtitle of the book states, “A feminist journey through the science and culture of pregnancy,” it is so much more than that. Like a Mother provides rich historical information about the placenta, episiotomies, the medical language of people who miscarry, breast milk, breastfeeding, pelvic floor changes from pregnancy, women’s healthcare and medical practice. The book also reminds women of the importance of knowing all about their own bodies and how that knowledge empowers and reassures them that any changes their bodies undergo during this radical transformation should not to be overlooked or dismissed. Drastic pregnancy-induced changes should be respected and valued, not disregarded, ignored or belittled.