Customer Reviews

Calm Birth: Empowering Preparation for Childbirth

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I have been reading many books on natural childbirth methods, and the common thread is to not fear pain and breathe deep slow breaths(no panting), and visualizations. This book's methods are based heavily on Buddhist meditation with some references to physics and natural energy fields of the body. Yes, I did say physics in a pregnancy book. The author writes this book like a published research paper and it can be VERY hard to read. For much of the book the author keeps throwing out different names and citing their research and tries to back up the methods up a little too much. It can be a bit overwhelming for a tired pregnant woman, especially if it overwhelms me now just doing research before I get pregnant with child number two. The actual methods, (there are three) are confined to a much shorter part of the book, and I can see where the CD might be all you need if you have done much research. There is a small jab a Christianity and it's ties with the downfall of women as healers in the beginning, so a sensitive religious reader may be offended. This book does not go into the biological process of birth to let you know exactly what is happening with your body. I feel that knowledge of childbirth is part of the empowerment to give birth naturally and should have been included. At the very end it gives childbirth stories, but is written in interview form and that too can be hard to read.
Overall, if this was the only book you read I think you would be able to have a successful childbirth. BUT I recommend you read some other books first: Hypnobirthing by Marie Mongan is my favorite. HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method: A natural approach to a safe, easier, more comfortable birthing (3rd Edition) It made me feel so empowered. Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way is very good too, but is a little negative and very outdated. Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: Revised Edition

Unlike the other reviews, I found this book and CD very helpful. I LOVE it! it helps me go into a deep spiritual prayer and meditation. It was a fast read. I read 60 pages in one sitting. This doesn't mean I understood everything, but you don't have to. It's focus is on meditation and calming in preparation for labor. It's also very holistic. It talks about prenatal and postnatal care and continuing the meditations even after you've had the baby. I plan to use this before, during and after labor. The book has a great section on how to actually do the meditations. You could probably just read that section if you wanted. I got the CD because I prefer guided meditations vs having to read it every time. My husband and I have practiced these meditations together and find it very rewarding and calming. It also helps him feel more connected to the pregnancy. If you want a detailed description of the actual biological process of birth and labor, you need to read another book. But I didn't get this one for that purpose. The title told me that it was a meditation book.

I found this book during my first pregnancy. I am an experienced meditator and yogi, and am actually familiar with the meditation techniques cited in this book. That is why I found the book to be so amazing! These practices have been cultivated over thousands of years as a science of health and spiritual growth. I can understand why it is not for everyone. However, I was able to use the three meditation scripts in the book to practice. This time around, I think I will try the CD.

This entire book is just one long, drawn out sales pitch. Very few actual techniques are discussed or explained. I found the commentary to be extremely judgemental to the point of being arrogant.

Not at all what I expected. A whole bunch of talking about trying to convince your mind to open your hips and what not. It was annoying to listen to.