Unassisted Childbirth Author:Laura Kaplan Shanley Laura and her husband delivered their first child without the aid of a doctor or midwife. Laura alone delivered the next three children, assisted by her belief that giving birth was a natural process for which a woman's body had been well designed. Shanley's birth experiences, combined with subsequent research, have confirmed her belief that wit... more »h the proper mindset, delivering one's own baby is the safest, most fulfilling way to give birth. Shanley gives numerous references, both historical and contemporary, to support her theory. She tells of her own experiences in childbirth as well as those of other women who have given birth without medical assistance. Although many contemporary writers deal with the concept that we create our own reality according to our beliefs, Shanley is the first to fully apply this to the birthing experience.« less