Table of Contents

Foreword 7

Translator’s Note 11

Dedication and Acknowledgments 15

Chapter 1: How I Switched to Natural Childbirth 17

Chapter 2: Natural Childbirth is Life-changing 57

Chapter 3: Science-Oriented Western Medicine Has Spoiled Childbirth 77

Chapter 4: Childbirth is a Spiritual Experience 115

Chapter 5: In Search of a Society with Life 131

Conclusion 153

About the Author

DR. TADASHI YOSHIMURA is a Japanese obstetrician and natural birth advocate. His maternity clinic in Okazaki, Japan, is known internationally for its incredibly positive birth outcomes including a 5% cesarean rate, despite the clinic accepting many high-risk patients.

Reviews

“Joyous Childbirth provides an insightful look at the secrets that giving birth holds, as told through the amazing story of one physician awakening to the 'Spark of Life!' Dr Yoshimura fills us with nurturing information that will guide you to claim your power, release fear, find joy, and birth yourself and your baby in love.” —Debra Pascali-Bonaro, Director of Orgasmic Birth

“Joyous Childbirth Changes the World is a masterpiece of truth and wisdom and hope. May its message transform the way we approach birth.” —Christiane Northrup, M.D., OB/GYN and author of the New York Times bestsellers Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom and The Wisdom of Menopause

“Dr. Yoshimura’s courage and vision in fashioning a clinic to meet the needs of women during pregnancy and birth have been remarkable, to say the least … So here, at last, is the story of how [he] reached a philosophy of birth that is in harmony with nature but accepts that modern technology, too, has an important place in optimal maternity care.” —Ina May Gaskin, from the foreword