Well researched, and providing a strong understanding of current parenting. Overall, I found this book intriguing, and would recommend it to those who want a firmer understanding of parenthood, and labour associated, health care and other issues.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book.

I have been on a quest lately, trying to read and learn as much as I can about what contemporary motherhood looks like. I'm on a personal journey to decide whether or not I want to have my own children one day, and when in doubt, I read. Fortunately, The Cost of Labour is the book I did not know I needed.

First, I must express my gratitude to the author for the incredible and thorough research conducted to write this book and the vulnerability, wisdom, and humility necessary to share her personal experiences and the challenges faced during her pregnancies. Talking about pregnancy, the good and the bad -but mainly, the bad- is the only way to demystify the experience of being pregnant: it is crucial because pregnant people are still learning the importance of advocating for themselves amid a system designed to silence them. For this reason, I will always celebrate this book.

To say that I was fascinated with this book from beginning to end it's an understatement. I thoroughly enjoyed how Kon-yu could interweave dry hard facts -and scary ones- with storytelling, continuously maintaining a good balance between academic research and biographical elements. I also appreciate the full-on roller-coaster of emotions this book made me feel: from compassion and empathy, to utter sadness and pure rage. Some stories were hard to swallow, and some data was challenging to process; nevertheless, they never felt more relevant.

I was also utterly captivated by Kon-yu's examination of the health care system in Australia and how it affects pregnant people, from conception to childbirth and then motherhood. Kon-yu advocates for politics that protect and truly support pregnant people. In doing so, she does not forget Aboriginal people, who fare way worse than any other people in this country.

Overall, The Cost of Labour is a relevant, must-read exploration of reproductive matters that affects us all. I'm grateful I had the chance to read this book and learn so much more about the lived experiences of people through pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood.