Birthrites

An inclusive and sympathetic workbook for anyone wishing to create personal rituals and celebrations that mark the many different events surrounding all aspects of becoming a parent.

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Birthrites offers practical advice for potential parents. However, rather than concentrating solely on pregnancy, birth, and motherhood, this book also explores "Becoming a Father," "Adoption," and "Miscarriage" (to name but a few). Jackie Singer emphasizes the importance of ritual and ceremony in marking life-changing events, and sharing this experience with others. The suggested ceremonies are varied in nature, ensuring wide-ranging appeal. Some simply involve quiet contemplation, whereas others incorporate a specific activity. Throughout the book, Singer emphasizes the individuality and adaptability of ceremony; nothing is set in stone. The author's personal experiences are interspersed with quotes and real-life accounts. Singer provides reassurance and support in this relaxed, friendly guide and achieves a considered balance between practicality and sensitivity. Birthrites identifies an ancient facet of human activity forgotten by some of us and overlooked by many. Far too often in modern life, the importance of pausing for thought is disregarded.