Synopsis
'An essential read for anyone who cares about the misogyny inherent in modern medicine. This is a highly original, deeply validating and entirely engaging addition to the canon of birth and parenting writing.' Clover Stroud
'I start to see my own experience not as a woeful result of a system or a body that has let me down, but as a birth experience as ancient, rich and potent as any other kind of birth.'
Back in 2017, journalist Hannah Marsh was about to give birth to her son after months of preparation, reading and hypnobirthing classes. Following thirty hours of induced labour, Hannah was quickly acquainted with a caesarean section: a process she had not physically or emotionally prepared for.
In an attempt to heal, Hannah began interrogating the following questions: why do the words 'caesarean section' bring up feelings of doubt, shame and judgement for some, but a sense of safety, relief, validation and reassurance for others? Why are those two powerful words rarely spoken of in the ecstatic tones with which we celebrate so-called 'natural', or vaginal birth? Why is the procedure rarely called 'beautiful', or associated with an innate sense of feminine power?
Working her way through history, culture, and folklore, it wasn't long before Hannah stumbled upon the pioneering voices and fascinating tales history seems to have forgotten. Weaving in the arc of her own experience, a journalist's insatiable curiosity, and the stories of both contemporary and historical women who endured and drove developments, Thread is an unflinching but compassionate examination of a procedure which is much more than surgery and medicine.
'I start to see my own experience not as a woeful result of a system or a body that has let me down, but as a birth experience as ancient, rich and potent as any other kind of birth.'
Back in 2017, journalist Hannah Marsh was about to give birth to her son after months of preparation, reading and hypnobirthing classes. Following thirty hours of induced labour, Hannah was quickly acquainted with a caesarean section: a process she had not physically or emotionally prepared for.
In an attempt to heal, Hannah began interrogating the following questions: why do the words 'caesarean section' bring up feelings of doubt, shame and judgement for some, but a sense of safety, relief, validation and reassurance for others? Why are those two powerful words rarely spoken of in the ecstatic tones with which we celebrate so-called 'natural', or vaginal birth? Why is the procedure rarely called 'beautiful', or associated with an innate sense of feminine power?
Working her way through history, culture, and folklore, it wasn't long before Hannah stumbled upon the pioneering voices and fascinating tales history seems to have forgotten. Weaving in the arc of her own experience, a journalist's insatiable curiosity, and the stories of both contemporary and historical women who endured and drove developments, Thread is an unflinching but compassionate examination of a procedure which is much more than surgery and medicine.
Details
19 June 2025
9781786584489Imprint: Leap
Reviews
An essential read for anyone who cares about the misogyny inherent in modern medicine. This is a highly original, deeply validating and entirely engaging, addition to the canon of birth and parenting writing.
Thread is a beautiful, surprising, lyrical and important book. By bringing the long history of caesareans into the light and back into the wider context of women's health, lives and experiences, it may well change the whole way you think about this way of giving birth. Hannah Marsh's writing, her research and her generosity make Thread a fantastic addition to the new canon.
A brilliant book that made me appreciate the advances in science to ensure c-sections are an integral part of a safe birthing plan.
