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Birth Territory and Midwifery Guardianship steps boldly into the relative unknown exploring the effects of the physical space on birth, the impact of a mother’s emotional wellbeing on a developing baby and the role of a midwife as the ‘guardian of birth territory’. This new and provocative thought flows into chapters on contemporary midwifery practice, where continuity and women centered practice are shown to have considerable benefit to women and midwives. Some of the leaders in the theory and practice of optimising childbearing have contributed to this book in addition to the editors: Bianica Lepori, Lesley Page, Michel Odent, Nicky Leap, Pat Brodie and Jennifer Parratt.

In summary, the book is divided into three sections. The first section deals with theories related to power, birth territory, midwifery guardianship and spiritual practices in pregnancy and birth. The second section deals with optimising the environment in order to optimise the physiology of both the woman and the baby. The chapters in the second section consider the relationship between the space for birth and reproductive physiology of the woman, the emotional territory of the unborn baby and using innovative architecture to promote mind–body–spirit integration. The third section is about midwives, obstetricians and maternity service mangers working together to transform services to childbearing women so that the ideals of birth territory and midwifery guardianship can become real.

For women this book will inform and empower, helping to establish that critical balance of birthing rights and responsibilities. For midwives many of the chapters will inform and inspire, challenging depth of practice, ultimately concluding the importance of forming relationships with women, particularly through continuity.

As a woman who has just become a mother for the 7th time; I found Carolyn Hastie’s exploration of the ‘biology of emotion’ particularly fascinating. As a mother it can be daunting to take on the fact that every part of your being will impact the development of an unborn child. The importance of this should not be missed. Childbearing women need to demand care that addresses their emotional needs and engages in their lives. Midwives need to reflect on their practice and the environments they are working to critical assess how women’s emotional needs are cared for. Midwifery care that understands the impact of a mother on her developing baby and engages accordingly should be considered as the ultimate in ‘early intervention’.

Just after the reader’s interest peaks with new and stimulating information, the essential discussion of practical implementation is presented. How can such ideals be adopted into practice? How can we develop and nurture the ‘new midwifery’? This gives the book grounding, making it a very worthwhile read.

If you are a pregnant woman deciding on care options read this book. If you are a midwife struggling with taking the leap into continuity read this book. Most importantly read this book if you feel disheartened and feel unable to make positive change. I put this piece down feeling a renewed vigour and clarity. Birth Territory and Midwifery Guardianship demonstrates the undeniable need for midwifery reform. It also highlights the strength of midwives truly being ‘with woman’ and the creation of the benefits that live with women spanning generations.