Book excerpt: A comprehensive manual of holistic herbal therapeutics for pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. The book is based on the author's experience and knowledge gained during 35 years of clinical practice in the UK and Ireland, and is written for herbalists and herbal students, as well as birth-keepers, midwives, doulas and other health professionals. Packed with practical examples, the book describes the author's personal therapeutic approach, reflecting how herbs and a holistic approach can support women and their babies from the time of conception until the months following childbirth. The various stages of childbearing are clearly explained with details of conditions encountered in practice and the safe herbal treatments and supportive care that practitioners can provide. Throughout history, medicinal plants have played a significant role during childbearing, and the accessible and extensive material in this book aims to equip practitioners with the skills and confidence to continue this valuable age-old tradition.