9 Quotes by Grantly Dick-Read

It is as great a crime to leave a woman alone in her agony and deny her relief from her suffering as it is to insist upon dulling the consciousness of a natural mother who desires above all things to be aware of the final reward of her efforts, whose ambition is to be present, in full possession of her senses, when the infant she already adores greets her with its first loud cry and the soft touch of its restless body upon her limbs.

What manner of mind considers this holy estate [pregnancy] which women are privileged by the Almighty to attain as a slur upon the social conscience?

The newborn has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breatfeeding satisfies all three.

No other natural bodily function is painful and childbirth should not be an exception.

If left alone in labor, the body of a woman produces most easily the baby that is not interfered with by its mother’s mind or the assistant’s hand. If left alone, just courage and patience are required.

Fear can be overcome only by Faith.

Male science disregards female experiences because it can never share them.

A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three.

Faith eliminates fear.