Rating: 
Summary: Essential Book for Pregnancy and Birth
Review: If I could recommend one book for my clients (I'm a doula), it would be this one. For most of us in the field, the information isn't new (upright positions are best; being able to center yourself and relax are extremely important; moving around is a vital coping mechanism..), but for many pregnant women and their partners, this information will be new and invaluable. The yoga exercises are practical and simple, and I found the how-to section for partners (for the "dangling" positions) fabulous... a lot of other books suggest a supported squat, but they don't tell the partner HOW to support the squat safely.. this book does. It is also very confidence-inspiring, realistic, and affirming. If you are pregnant, BUY THIS BOOK! It may change your whole outlook and perception of pregnancy and childbirth. It ought to be required reading!
Rating:
Summary: Essential Book for Pregnancy and Birth
Review: If I could recommend one book for my clients (I'm a doula), it would be this one. For most of us in the field, the information isn't new (upright positions are best; being able to center yourself and relax are extremely important; moving around is a vital coping mechanism..), but for many pregnant women and their partners, this information will be new and invaluable. The yoga exercises are practical and simple, and I found the how-to section for partners (for the "dangling" positions) fabulous... a lot of other books suggest a supported squat, but they don't tell the partner HOW to support the squat safely.. this book does. It is also very confidence-inspiring, realistic, and affirming. If you are pregnant, BUY THIS BOOK! It may change your whole outlook and perception of pregnancy and childbirth. It ought to be required reading!
Rating: 
Summary: Great content, poor pictures.
Review: It is hard to take the information in the book seriously when there are 25 year old pictures in it. I kept checking the date of publication to make sure the info. was not outdated. The info. was good and informative, a little too anti-doctor though.
Rating:
Summary: Completely Inspiring!
Review: Like many first-time pregnant women, I've felt overwhelmed and a little unsure of myself. Reading this book was completely inspiring. It's "empowering" in the most literal way--Balaskas lays out compelling, in-depth information that shows you how to trust your body's natural physiology, and reminds you that we are absolutely built to do this! Everything in the book encourages you to learn how to prepare for the positions and methods that will most contribute to a healthy and wonderful experience for you, your partner, and the baby. I've been telling everyone about this book. It has made me feel wonderful about the whole childbirth process.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful preparation, excellent information, great book!
Review: Of all the books on childbirth I've read (and there are quite a few), this one is my absolute favorite. How I wish I'd known some of this information before my first and second births! I might have been a lot more comfortable and the births might have gone a lot more smoothly if I had only known more about the actual physiology of birth and which positions are most helpful in labour. Ah, well, this time, I'm ready, and a lot of it is due to this book! I cannot recommend this book enough. It's absolutely wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: Must-Have for Natural Childbirth Preparation
Review: Of all the many books I read when preparing for the birth of my first child, this was my favorite. I used the exercises every night and they made a real difference in the ease of my 6 hour delivery. The focus is on physical preparation for labor through easy yoga postures, along with deep breathing and relaxation. The exercises are presented in an easy-to-use sequence, with clear pictures. The remaining text covers issues of pregnancy and birth with a focus on the the physicality of the entire process, espousing the importance of being ACTIVE throughout the process of labor (the antithesis of the traditional medical practice in which women are encouraged to labor from a supine position, despite the fact that this position is the hardest for both mother and baby and does not take advantage of the way our anatomy is designed to work.) The author encourages women to follow our bodies' instincts to discover the best way to move through labor, and illustrates the many different positions and postures that women have found to be comfortable to adopt and that help facilitate labor. The exercises prepare the reader to be comfortable in the positions she may choose in labor, strenghtening the muscles involved in squatting, pushing, etc. It includes good information on home birth and waterbirth. It is a succinct and very empowering book. I reccommend it to all mothers-to-be and their loved ones.
Rating:
Summary: Boring-- couldn't finish the book
Review: There's a lot of yoga type poses that the book recommends for exercise and birth, but without photos, I couldn't figure out the poses. I'm not that familiar with yoga poses, so that may have been a hinderance.
This book didn't help me much with prepping for birth, except to encourage deep breathing. I highly recommend THE BIRTHING PARTNER. The book is for the birthing partner, but I learned every little thing there is to know about the birthing process.
Rating:
Summary: This is a must have book
Review: This book is an excellent discussion of why it is not a good idea to give birth laying on your back. Lots of pictures and information on how to make do with your average delivery room that may not have many options for alternate positions. Good exercises too. The only birth book that I have read that said that the birth experience is enjoyable as well as painful.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Resource!
Review: This book is exactly what the title describes. It is about giving birth naturally and "actively."
What I like about this book is that it did not lean towards birthing in a hospital as oppossed to home birthing, or prefer a doctor over a mid-wife. Instead, it gave neutral and clear facts about medications and birthing procedures.
I was frightened about childbirth before reading this book. Now I am looking forward to the experience! I feel very prepared mentally and emotionally, because I know exactly what to expect. This book took me through the birthing process step by step, eliminating my fears!
This book has a section of helpful excersises as well, which are yoga based, and great for stretching those muscles that will be used during labor!
Although the book touches on breast-feeding, it does not cover it extensively.
The book also touches on water birthing, with an entire chapter dedicated to it. I found that chapter a bit outdated, but the information was still very useful and helpful.
This is an excellent book for those wanting to take control of their birthing process/experience, and learn more about how a woman's body is designed to open up to give birth.
There are some pictures of women giving birth, that are not pretty but helpful to get a better idea of positions. There are also many diagrams that do the same thing.
I would recommend this book to anyone experiencing a first-time pregnancy or anyone planning on giving natural birth. It was extremely helpful, interesting, informative and mind-easing.
Rating:
Summary: Not for the feint of heart
Review: This book is not for everyone. We were a bit surprised when we opened it that everyone in the photos was completely nude. Of course, it is probably the best way to give birth, but it was not what we were expecting. Otherwise the book was very good and gave great information for labor and delivery. We have told several friend who were expecting and wanted natural childbirth about it.
|
