"Ancient Map for Modern Birth" by Pam England Book Review

"Pregnancy puts you on the threshold of a great rite of passage. To progress from "here" to "there" without getting lost, you will need a map."

Written by Aurora Goff

I read Ancient Map for Modern Birth by Pam England while I was in my third trimester of pregnancy. Just from the beginning of this book, I felt that I could totally resonate with what she was saying - and it was hard for me to not just put everything she was saying in my notebook. I really felt I could relate when she talked about this complex, ancient map for pregnant women that is made up with many layers throughout their body. She said that women must follow this map throughout their journey of pregnancy and that this “inner map” is like a compass for them, leading them the right way. At the beginning of my pregnancy, I was not following my inner compass. But, luckily, later in my pregnancy I learned how to.

England says even though there is also this “modern map” with doctors and midwives and the obstetrical system, there is also an ancient map within us that truly holds the wisdom that has been passed down to us. I very much agreed with this and felt I was following this ancient map during my pregnancy with my son, going through this “hero’s journey” myself. I have been able to really feel it now that I am coming to the very end of this journey, and these primordial feelings are kicking in.

This book leads you on a hero’s journey, as if you are the hero of your birth story. As a teen mom, this idea of “rites of passage” is really important to me. I didn’t have a blood ceremony when I got my period. And I felt that since I didn't get that ceremony, and that form of a rite of passage, that my pregnancy and the birth of my baby boy is my own version of that rite of passage into womanhood.

This book also has helpful exercises and nice art. I would recommend it to any woman that is pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. It will help you to get in touch with your inner wisdom for conception, pregnancy and birth.