Intimate History of Premature Birth: And What it Teaches Us About Being Human

Life
An Intimate History of Premature Birth is a memoir and rigorous reporting that tells the story of neonatology and explores the questions raised by premature birth. It is a place where humanity, ethics, and science collide, and it delves deep into the history and future of neonatology, one of the most boundary-pushing medical disciplines.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Life, An Intimate History of Premature Birth is a powerful and moving exploration of the complex and often bewildering world of premature birth.
A captivating and empathetic blend of memoir and rigorous reporting, "An Intimate History of Premature Birth" delves into the realm of neonatology, exploring the profound questions raised by premature birth. Drawing inspiration from Sarah DiGregorio's harrowing experience of giving birth to her premature daughter, this book offers a definitive account of this medical specialty. Written with urgency, clarity, beauty, and compassion, DiGregorio seamlessly weaves together her role as a clear-eyed reporter and a mother who has firsthand knowledge of neonatal intensive care. Her masterful balance of these two narrative strands results in a narrative that is both compelling and deeply personal.

"A Popular Science Book That Deserves Its Place Among the Best." – Francesca Segal, author of "Mother Ship"

At the heart of many hospitals lies the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a place where humanity, ethics, and science converge in dramatic and deeply personal ways. Parents, doctors, and nurses grapple with profound questions: When does life begin? When and how should life end? And what does it mean to be human?

For the first time, Sarah DiGregorio unveils the complete story of neonatology, delving into its historical roots, evolution, and the ongoing political, cultural, and ethical challenges it faces. Through her own experiences and those of NICU clinicians and other parents, combined with meticulously researched reporting, "An Intimate History of Premature Birth" offers a profound exploration of this medical discipline.

Originally published as "Early Life," this book is a powerful and moving testament to the complex and often bewildering world of premature birth. It sheds light on the experiences of premature babies, their families, and the medical professionals who care for them. It also raises important questions about the ethical implications of medical advancements and the impact of premature birth on society.

"An Intimate History of Premature Birth" is a must-read for anyone interested in medicine, parenting, or the human condition. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of compassion in the face of adversity.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008354947