(23 reviews) Author: ISBN : Product Detai New from Format: PDFDespite the widespread belief that natural is better when it comes to sex, pregnancy, and parenting, most of us have no idea what "natural" really means; the origins of our reproductive lives remain a mystery. Why are a quarter of a billion sperm cells needed to fertilize one egg? Are women really fertile for only a few days each month? How long should babies be breast-fed?
In How We Do It, primatologist Robert Martin draws on 40 years of research to locate the roots of everything from our sex cells to the way we care for newborns. He examines the procreative history of humans as well as that of our primate kin to reveal what's really natural when it comes to making and raising babies, and distinguish which behaviors we ought to continue - and which we should not. Although it's not realistic to raise our children like our ancestors did, Martin's investigation reveals surprising consequences of - and suggests ways to improve upon - the way we do things now. For instance, he explains why choosing a midwife rather than an obstetrician may have a greater impact than we think on our birthing experience, examines the advantages of breast-feeding for both mothers and babies, and suggests why babies may be ready for toilet training far earlier than is commonly practiced.
How We Do It offers much-needed context for our reproductive and child-rearing practices, and shows that once we understand our evolutionary past, we can consider what worked, what didn't, and what it all means for the future of our species.
- Audible Audio Edition
- Listening Length: 11 hours and 7 minutes
- Program Type: Audiobook
- Version: Unabridged
- Publisher: Audible, Inc.
- Audible.com Release Date: June 11, 2013
- Whispersync for Voice: Ready
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00D981KRW
How We Do It: The Evolution and Future of Human Reproduction PDF
Heard about this book in the Chicago Sun Times and thought it sounded interesting. Not being particularly scientifically literate, I decided it was probably above my pay-grade. I saw the author discussing the book on TV and changed my mind. He had a way of explaining things that made intuitive sense, so I thought I'd give it try.By tgmurphy11
I'm so very glad that I did, an absolutely fascinating and highly accessible read.
Interesting topics discussed herein: declining sperm counts, benefits of breastfeeding, contraceptives, potty training, etc.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in human biology, human evolution, human reproduction, or interested in science generally. But no need for extensive scientific training, Martin has a way with words that makes complicated topics easy to follow and comprehend. For being as widely accessible as it is, his writing is not overly pedantic or condescending, just very informative and accessible. Those coming to the book with a some prior scientific training will also find plenty to enjoy as he seems to draw on a wide range of scientific research and methods from which to draw his conclusions. Best of all, he adds a bit of humor to boot.
I found "How we do it" a very intriguing book. As a biological anthropologist, I'm familiar with the topic of the evolution of human reproductive biology, but Robert Martin achieves a to present a superbly coherent picture of it. It is not easy to narrate science for a broad audience without being imprecise, but this book is a prime example that it is possible. And, rather than re-telling an old story, Martin presents his own ideas, supported by a variety of neglected studies and recent publications, in a very convincing way. For me, the two crucial points are that, first, male fertility is declining in many populations worldwide, and second, there is no "window" for conception in women. I think it is an important book, as these astonishing facts should be known by every teacher, to be told to every youth with the aim of replacing the common misperceptions that prevail even in well-educated people around the world.By Alu Poo
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