Peter E. Sifneos

Feminite et Maternite

This French book deals with the theoretical and practical aspects of childbirth without pain. The findings presented here by Dr. L. Chertok, an analyst with a longstanding interest in psychosomatic medicine, may be criticized because they have not been proved beyond doubt. The author anticipates this criticism and states that in the final analysis the warm and human attitude which developed toward the patients by the doctors and the hospital personnel as a result of this work constitutes a progressive step in obstetrics.

Analgesie Psychologique en Obstetrique (Psychological Analgesia in Obstetrics)

The Society of French Psychosomatic Medicine has collected and published in book form nineteen papers dealing with various aspects of psychological analgesia in obstetrics. Obstetricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists from France, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal and Spain discuss the medical, psychological and social problems encountered in childbirth without pain. Throughout the book, which is written in French, the emphasis is placed on the psychological preparation of the future mother. The different methods of psychological preparation described by various authors are all claimed to be highly successful. The general consensus of opinion is that the childbirth must be experienced as a natural act, and therefore it should be painless.