In her book, midwife Ruth Ehrhardt very simply explores, as the title suggests, how the basic needs of labouring women can be met. It takes into consideration the subtle effect environmental factors have on labour and what those attending births need to be aware of. Drawing on the work of Michel Odent, it focuses quite plainly on the physiology of labour, childbirth and postpartum. This book is aimed at pregnant mothers as well as those attending births, whether in the capacity as caregiver (doctor, midwife, doula) or partner.

"To bring together what is important in such a small number of pages is a feat. I hope that, on the five continents, all pregnant women, midwives, doulas, doctors, etc. will take the time to assimilate the contents of this chef d’oeuvre: it will be a turning point in the history of childbirth and therefore in the history of mankind." - Michel Odent