It comprises a collection of chapters covering all aspects of waterbirth as well as a look at how waterbirth practices differ around the world. Topics include: * Why a waterbirth? Marsden Wagner, Janet Balaskas and Michel Odent * The physiology of waterbirth. Gerd Eldering and Konrad Selke and Paul Johnson * Waterbirth and the family. Jayn Ingrey and Roger Lichy * Technology and childbirth. Beverley Lawrence Beech and Rosemary Jenkins * Waterbirth and the mid-wife. Caroline Flint, Cass Nightingale and Dianne Garland. * Waterbirth and the obstetician. Jole Muscat, Michael Adam, Patrick Snora, Michael J Rosenthal and Faith Haddad. * Waterbirth internationally. Athena Vassie, Piera Maghella and Anne Uller. * Waterbirth - the way forward.Judy Bothamley, Joanne Chadwick, Yehudi Gordon and Lesley Page.