Nicky Wesson has a long-standing interest in childbirth, both current and historical. She has been an antenatal outreach teacher, chair of her local Maternity Services Liason Committee and founded the West London Homebirth support group almost 20 years ago. She has attended many births - both at home and in hospital - and has six children. She has written six books on pregnancy, childbirth and alternative therapies including Alternative Maternity, Home Birth, Morning Sickness, Labour Pain and Alternative Infertility Treatments. Nicky is a medical herbalist living and practising near Hampton Court. She has an especial interest in working with fertility, pregnancy and childbirth and children.

Preface to the fourth edition
Acknowledgements
Preface
Introduction
History
Why women want their babies at home
Safety
Deciding to have your baby at home
Obtaining a home birth
The high-risk pregnancy
Complications of pregnancy
The birth
Do-it-yourself delivery
Problems in labour
Problems after birth
Death at birth
Rest after birth
References
Further reading
Useful addresses
Index