Rating: 
Summary: Vision of the Future
Review: This work is a beautiful testimonial to the living of one's truth and vision. In this case, the vision of birth as an ecstatic and healing experience for mother, father, and baby; in the author's words, Freebirth. This is not a return to any tradition prevalent before the advent of medical management of childbirth, this is a vision of future possibilities, wherein the parents of a child take full responsibility, and experience full ecstatic immersion in the process, from conception through birth. While the dedication to this ideal was apparent in the second edition, with the birth story of Quinn, it reaches its maturity in this 3rd edition with a continuation into the next generation. Other recommended practices for bonding within the family seem to pale by comparison to this living expression of Jeannine Baker's vision of Freebirth. Which begs one caution: as the author says, on page 100, "To embrace one's real birth experience is perfection." During this period of transition from one major form of childbirth, with reliance on doctors and hospitals, to new possibilities, it is important to remember that each individual needs to consider many things in deciding the ideal circumstances in which to give birth. Choice in the matter is very important, as well as an honoring of the choices of others. However, without the vision of what may be possible, we will not have a full range of choices. Jeannine Parvati Baker's courage and eloquence, through her writing and the living of her deepest beliefs, has given us all a vision others have not even dreamed possible.
Rating:
Summary: A "real" gem for women
Review: Through my two pregnancies, I sought a gentle strength that would allow me to pass through the birth process with grace and dignity. I practiced Hatha yoga as I'd been taught it, while struggling to interpret the advice given to pregnant women in Geeta Iyengar's "Yoga- A Gem for Women". I took prenatal yoga classes where the instructors taught the physical aspects of yoga, in order to keep the body strong and supple, but neglected to teach the mental and spiritual aspects of yoga, though they are so valuable to a birthing woman. Meanwhile, I nourished my mind by reading stories of ecstatic birth, freebirth, and unhindered birth, knowing that I could create my own reality.Now, having given birth twice and having discovered my own path to birth at its best, Jeannine Parvati Baker's "Prenatal Yoga" has found its way onto my bookshelf. Oh, how I wish I'd had this book when my first child was conceived! With its simple, clear explanations of the exercises and postures, beautiful photos, and soothing birth stories, this book encapsulates much of what I have learned through my own childbearing experiences. Prenatal Yoga occupies a special place on my bookshelf, and it will be at the top of my list for books to give to friends who are preparing for childbirth.
Rating:
Summary: A "real" gem for women
Review: Through my two pregnancies, I sought a gentle strength that would allow me to pass through the birth process with grace and dignity. I practiced Hatha yoga as I'd been taught it, while struggling to interpret the advice given to pregnant women in Geeta Iyengar's "Yoga- A Gem for Women". I took prenatal yoga classes where the instructors taught the physical aspects of yoga, in order to keep the body strong and supple, but neglected to teach the mental and spiritual aspects of yoga, though they are so valuable to a birthing woman. Meanwhile, I nourished my mind by reading stories of ecstatic birth, freebirth, and unhindered birth, knowing that I could create my own reality. Now, having given birth twice and having discovered my own path to birth at its best, Jeannine Parvati Baker's "Prenatal Yoga" has found its way onto my bookshelf. Oh, how I wish I'd had this book when my first child was conceived! With its simple, clear explanations of the exercises and postures, beautiful photos, and soothing birth stories, this book encapsulates much of what I have learned through my own childbearing experiences. Prenatal Yoga occupies a special place on my bookshelf, and it will be at the top of my list for books to give to friends who are preparing for childbirth.
Rating:
Summary: Still Powerful, After All These Years!
Review: Twenty-five years ago, as a young mother in my twenties, I cherished "Prental Yoga and Natural Birth" as by Best "Yoga" Friend throughout the Childbearing Mysteries.Today, as a grandmother, I wholewheartedly recommend this classic to any expectant mother seeking a timeless guide on the sacred journey through pregnancy and childbirth. Breathing, squatting, Shakti ~~ it's all still here! And the Progressive Relaxation process remains the most profound in its field. "Your participation in life's oldest ritual will be totally conscious, and yet you will retain non-attachment, the flow..."the author wrote way back in the 1970's~~~when no one else was "speaking that lamguage" for birthing women. Jeannine Parvati Baker and I have birthed and raised our families, side by side, over the years. And all along, I have honored this groundbreaking book as my Perennial Support Companion. "Prenatal Yoga and Natural Birth"deserves its next audience, among our daughters' generation! May these new mothers gain courage and inspiration from Parvati's Real Life Birth Stories and her stunning family photo album. Yes! All of this ~~~ and much more ~~~ lies between the covers of this latest edition of "Prenatal Yoga and Natural Birth." "Giving birth is initiation into women's mysteries," says the author, who has dedicated her life to midwifing other womeninto this most universal of initiations.
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