As a Relationship Counselor and Clinical Sexologist, of course, I heard about Orgasmic Birth – the possibility of experiencing orgasms while giving birth. In fact, it was one of the dissertations presentations I sat through while I was pursuing my doctorate studies. Needless to say, I was intrigued and proceeded to watch the movie Orgasmic Birth (also by one of the authors, acclaimed filmmaker Debra Pascali-Bonaro) before I read this book of the same title.

I expected to read birth stories after stories revolving around pleasure, sensation, and orgasms in the book. Instead I was pleasantly surprised and impressed that the authors chose not to go that route (how cliché would it be), but woven quotes into the book as different themes were explored. There are essentially three parts of the books (in my own words): Orgasmic Birth explained; Orgasmic Birth preparation trimester by trimester; and lastly Resources in the Appendix alongside the birth stories.

Since I am a Sexologist and Doula in training, I am obviously pro natural birth. However, I liked how the authors took the time to logically and systematically debunked several myths or misconceptions around childbirth – not just orgasmic birth. For instance, Part 1 of the book: How to Have an Orgasmic Birth, there are six steps according to the authors and chapter 1 already went into how birth is more than birth – but one of intuition and listening of one’s body wisdom.

There’s much more to unpack in the book, and I rather than you read it. It’d be well worth your time if you fear labour and are terrified of childbirth. Be healed! The authors emphasized that despite that book title, it is less about the goal of having an orgasmic birth as “taking control one’s own body and making the most informed decisions to have a safe, memorable, and joyful birth day.” I agree. From one educator to another, this is an eye-opening book and I highly recommend it because it is much, much more than Orgasmic Birth.

About the Authors

Elizabeth Davis has been a midwife, women’s healthcare specialist, and educator for more than 30 years. Cofounder of the National Midwifery Institute, she lives in CA.

Debra Pascali-Bonaro is a Lamaze-certified childbirth expert and award-winning documentarian. She lives in NJ.

About the Reviewer

Dr. Martha Tara Lee is Founder, Relationship Counselor Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching. She is a certified sexologist with a Doctorate in Human Sexuality. She provides sexuality and relationship coaching and counseling for individuals and couples, conducts sexual education workshops and speaks at public events. She is the author of the books Love, Sex and Everything In-Between, and Orgasmic Yoga. She is also the host of the weekly radio show Eros Evolution on OMTimes Radio. For more, visit www.ErosCoaching.com or email info@eroscoaching.com.