The Birth Space

I wrote The Birth Space in 2020 while pregnant with my third child. Within its beautifully designed pages, I dig deep into the conception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum landscape and share my knowledge alongside wise women working in this space as well as mothers who have generously shared their heartfelt and personal stories of love, loss and motherhood.

I am very proud of this book and hope that it empowers and informs you no matter what kind of birth you are hoping to have.

 
 
  • "A work of art, full of knowledge, thoughtfulness and beauty. When it comes to birth education, books like this are so rare and as both a midwife and a mother, I’m a big advocate for autonomy regardless of care provider or birth environment. Well done Gabrielle for providing birthing families with an unbiased and authentic piece of wisdom. Knowledge is power."

    Chloe Mackie, midwife

    “Blending heartfelt storytelling with the wisdom of a doula and a mother, The Birth Space will educate and empower you to own your birth experience and make informed choices that feel right to you. A must-read for all birthing families.”

    Abby Epstein and Ricki Lake, filmmakers, The Business of Being Born

    “Is there an issue of more importance for humanity than how we birth? Is there another subject of such importance for which we have casually surrendered our autonomy? In her very thoughtful book, doula and author, Gabrielle Nancarrow, renews our appreciation for the magnificence and wonder of the process. From preconception to matrescence with sensitive storytelling and beautiful photography, her words of wisdom bring back normalcy and common sense. The Birth Space fills a large void in the world of pregnancy books and I highly recommend it.”

    Stuart J. Fischbbein, MD FACOG

    “There’s a lesser-known pathway through conception, pregnancy, birth, and becoming a mother the medical model does not offer (or know), yet that has the potential to transform your experience from one of fear and intervention, to vibrancy and empowerment. Gabrielle Nancarrow has gathered and shared the wisdom of this pathway, honed by midwives, doulas, and mothers, to which she’s added her own special sauce of lived experience and stories, blended with the latest in innate birthing practices. The result? The Birth Space, in which you will find the information and support that will take you from conception through matrescence, with deeper calm, confidence, and power. As a midwife and MD, I welcome you into this sacred space, with joy.”

    Aviva Romm, MD

    Author of The Natural Pregnancy Book, Natural Health After Birth, and Botanical Medicines for Women’s Health

  • “I haven't been able to put this book down, and it's certainly not something I bought thinking I'd read from back to front (honestly, I just really liked the cover). This is the Up The Duff for the 21st century, and reading it three months after giving birth, I have never felt more seen. I really wish I'd read it - and nothing else - before my bub was born because I'm learning so much I wish I knew about the birth experience. Know someone who is pregnant or trying? Give them this book, because that's my plan from now on.” Molly

    “A constant and beautiful source of comfort on the journey to baby and beyond plus hugely valuable information about navigating it all. My go to through conception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum - I still pick it up every now and again to read back. A true unbiased source that’s so hard to come by. I’ve gifted it to so many friends as well.” Justine

    “I wanted to reach out and thank you profusely for your stunning book. I couldn’t put it down and especially blitzed through the last 150 pages (literally in 1.5hrs). I have been through a traumatic birth and have a beautiful child and I really wanted more info. Your book went over and above providing more than I thought I ever needed. I loved that it covered supportive and essential information all the way from conception through to postpartum! It made me laugh, cry, feel unbelievably justified and supported in every single feeling I’ve had about everything. And has made me feel very strongly about my upcoming birth of my second child. I will lovingly pass this book onto my beloved expectant mothers to pass on your support and wisdom to them. I want you to know how much your book meant to me.” Rhylka

    “Gab’s words in The Birth Space meet you like a warm, inviting and empowering hug, a true gift not just for birthing people but for anyone in a supporting role. I’ve found every opportunity to bring [this book] up in conversation and have recommended it to friends conceiving or who are already on their journey into motherhood. It’s content covers an abundance of important yet rarely spoken about topics such as mental health, loss, fear, boundaries, trusting your instincts and finding a home in your new body. Thank you Gab for sharing your wisdom and to the contributors who share their vulnerable stories throughout. I know this book will be of service to many.” Vanessa

    “Holy moly. This is the book I would go back in time to deliver to pre mama me (and exactly what I need right now to remind me how big and beautiful this gig is). No matter where you are in your parenthood journey, this is the book you need. It covers everything - matrescence, birthing options, village building, relationships, sex. A must read.” Charlotte

    “Some pieces I have really felt in my heart as I am in the beginning phases of the motherhood journey, trying to conceive and it has not been easy. Your words have inspired me to share more of my journey with others and let go of the fear of judgement. Thank you.”

    “A book you can open at any page and find pure gold.” Kendyl