The Red Tent

[Birthkeeper]

Recently I got my hands on a copy of the book The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. I'm halfway through it, and while I'm not sure how I feel about it on a spiritual level, I'm loving the birth stories.

I'm also loving the idea of women going inside of a tent for the duration of their period, and being amongst one another. Maybe not modern women, as we tend to be quite bitchy and emotional during our periods...but these women seemed to pamper each other during this time, and during the time of pregnancy. Reading of them massaging each other with oil, eating sweet breads, braiding each others hair...this sounded like the way to spend the duration of a period.  ;)

I was also in awe at the idea of being inside of a specific place for birth, and having your sisters and friends surround you and embrace you with love and encouragement while birthing a baby. Nursing one anothers babies if there was a need. Tending to each others children, and loving each others children as their own.

It was a testament to how birth used to be. Life was accepted, as well as death. When a baby died, there wasn't a hunt to find someone responsible. It was a part of life, and accepted as such. When this happened, the circle of women surrounded the grieving mother. This seldom happens in modern society.

I have always said that if I were to get pregnant again, I would have an unassisted birth, but would want close friends surrounding me. This is still something that I desire, even though I don't think I will be having anymore babies. IF I got pregnant again, I would want a birth that is my own. I would want a birth where I have my close friends and sisters in birth surrounding me with love and encouragement and support. I think that would be a beautiful birth. No one else checking my cervix, or my blood pressure, or anything else. It would be me in tune with my body, my baby, and knowing what was going on inside.

This book has been an entertaining, and capturing read for me.

[dsteiner23]

Jan. 7, 2009 at 1:29 PM

Cool.  I borrowed it from a friend a while back and let my mom have it since I was reading something else.  I finally got it back and it's on my shelf to read once I'm done with the two books I got for Christmas (one down, one to go).  Reading your comments about it has me really excited!  Thank you!

[celticreverie]

Jan. 7, 2009 at 1:47 PM

that sounds like an amazing book. i need to read it! (can i borrow yours lol)..

i want a birth that is peacefull and beautiful, and can not wait for our homebirth! Just beautiful!

[Birthkeeper]

Jan. 7, 2009 at 1:49 PM

Hey! I wouldn't mind sending it to you when I'm done, at all!  Remind me, and I'll get your address and send it off as soon as I'm done.  :)

(Original Poster)

[evasmamma]

Jan. 7, 2009 at 2:03 PM

i'm just now starting this book!! i've been telling tom that i've been wanting to read it for a year now and he picked me up a copy at half price books! he even wants to read it after i'm done! sounds like an amazing book!

[NoNonsenseMama]

Jan. 7, 2009 at 2:38 PM

I have tried to read this book for a long time.  It has a slow start IMO and I can hardly ever get quiet down time to read.  :(  I've been very interested in getting through the first few pages!  Gah.  Thanks for the review :)

[mrsaprilmayc]

Jan. 7, 2009 at 3:29 PM

I'm so glad you are reading this book. I picked it up after a Red Tent event I attended. The event was just...amazing. I will never, ever, forget that night.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to live in such a tight knit community?

 

[Birthkeeper]

Jan. 7, 2009 at 3:33 PM

Yes!!! It would be.

There is a local natural-mommy boutique that has held two Red Tent nights as well...I haven't been able to make it yet. I'd really like to attend the next one.  :)

(Original Poster)

[asaffell]

Jan. 7, 2009 at 4:09 PM

This has been my dream birth too, Christy. Just a lot of support and love  to celebrate the birth of our next child. Sounds awesome.

I'll have to pick up that book.

[reflect1light]

Jan. 7, 2009 at 4:20 PM

I just finished reading the book! I love it... although I did disagree with parts of it. I love the idea of the special time when you are on your period with the other women in your family. My husband and I have been reading "Raising a Modern Day Knight" and they talk about knighting ceremonies to make your sons entry into manhood. After reading "The Red Tent," I really want to mark my daughter's entry to womanhood. No more of the questions about "when do I become a woman" or "what makes a woman." She will know and I will know. :)

[cali4niachef]

Jan. 9, 2009 at 1:03 PM

I have the book on my shelf waiting to be read, along with dozens of other books. I will get around to it :o)