“Dr. Frederick Leboyer was the first physician to challenge society’s deeply held beliefs about awareness in the newborn. His pioneering works on birthing, including “Birth Without Violence”, have forever revolutionized the course of prenatal care and the way babies are introduced to the world. He also pioneered introducing infant massage to the Western world.”

The publishers Pinter and Martin have given Lactivist a copy of Birth Without Violence to celebrate the re-launch of the book.

“Birth without Violence revolutionised the way we perceive the process of birth, urging us to consider birth from the infant’s point of view. Why must a child emerge from the quiet darkness of the womb into a blaze of blinding light and loud voices? Why must an infant take its first breath in terror, hanging upside down as its vulnerable spine is jerked straight? Why must the infant be separated from its mother after spending nine months inside her nourishing body?”

There is a chance to meet Frédérick Leboyer at the Pinter & Martin home/offices on the 28th May 2011.  Mr Leboyer will read from his classic book and answer questions. The reading will be followed by drinks and a light buffet dinner and guest will have the opportunity to get books signed. The admission fee goes towards author’s fees and expenses.

In addition guests will be sent a voucher code to buy any Pinter & Martin book in stock at 33% off, including Birth without Violence.

Venue: Pinter & Martin, 6 Effra Parade, London SW2 1PS

Date: 28th May 2011

Time: 7pm – 9.30pm (reading expected to start at 7.30pm)

Advance booking essential. Tickets will not be on sale on the evening.

Nearest tube Brixton (Victoria Line) – 10 minutes walk, nearest rail Brixton & Herne Hill - 10 minutes walk, buses 3, 37, 196 stop outside (Effra Parade/Dalberg Road stop).

If you have any queries or would like to book over the telephone please call us on 020-7737 6868.

If you want to book online please visit www.pinterandmartin.com

This is an interview with Frédérick Leboyer in 2006. He is an amazing man with a vast expanse of knowledge – anyone who says ‘pregnancy is not a sickness’ gets the thumbs up in my book!

To win a copy of Birth without Violence just comment below with your top tip for a calm birth. Each tip gets you one entry and you can get extra entries for tweeting and sharing on Facebook, blogs and forums – please let me know how many entries you are claiming in your comment.

Comp ends on the 28th May 2011 and is only for people in Europe – sorry!

The winner will be drawn at random and notified by email.