Mind over Labor: A Breakthrough Guide to Giving Birth (Penguin Handbooks) [Paperback]

Carl Jones (Author), Marian Thompson (Foreword), Emmett E. Miller (Foreword)

Book Description

Release date: February 2, 1988 | Series: Penguin Handbooks

In his breakthrough book, Jones introduces a new, highly effective method of childbirth preparation using mental imagery. He shows expectant parents how to prevent the pain and fear associated with childbirth.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"This book will show you how to create the kind of birth you want," writes Jones, author of After the Baby Is Born, etc. He compares childbirth to lovemaking in terms of the potential joy for the woman and claims that the key to a "safe, happy birth" is mental imagerythe art of creating vivid pictures in the mind to help the woman "surrender" to the "pleasure" of childbirth. Mental-imagery exercises include thinking of a "Special Place," such as a favorite beach, or envisioning the child in the womb and asking "what he or she needs." Jones stresses the importance of a mellow labor environment and subtly promotes the idea of delivery at home or in a childbearing center, but he fails to spell out the risks of a nonhospital delivery. His goal of a well-informed, positive-thinking pregnant couple is admirable, but his insistence that attitude can overcome virtually any problem is questionable.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Books; Reprint edition (February 2, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140467629
• ISBN-13: 978-0140467628
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #112,847 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful for childbirth January 17, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I found the relaxation and meditation exercises in this book to be wonderful preparation for childbirth. I read the book and practiced the techniques before having my first child (which I was able to do without drugs) and I plan to buy a copy so that I can read it again before the birth of my second child in several weeks. I will definitely use the techniques again this time whether I have drugs or not.

Although not all of the exercises and imagery examples worked for me, some of them did and the book helped me develop some of my own which were quite effective. The book also gave me the confidence that I needed to attempt a drug-free delivery by giving me a way to deal with the pain rather than simply worrying about it.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I REQUIRE this for ALL my students!! September 7, 2001

By Nicole S. Tengwall

Format:Paperback

I teach natural childbirth classes and I acutally buy this book for all of my students! I don't think you can just read this once or twice and breeze through labor, but if you practice (at least once a day for 3 months before), it WILL have a positive effect on yoru labor/birth. So many women say, "Yeah, I read it and it didn't work for me." You have to wonder how much time they acutally put into it. I also love his views on the place of birth. I think one reason why so many women say this doesn't work is because they are giving birth in places that do not truly support natural birth. If you are the least bit uncomfortable with you birthing environment--your labor will probably be affected in a negative way! I always tell my students, if you could not have an orgasm at your place of birth, then it is probably not the right atmosphere!! You need to be able to let go and surrender to birth--not try to "fit" into some pre-determined model of labor/birth (like at most hospitals). GREAT book and I highly recommend it!

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A father overcame his own fear with this book August 31, 2000

By Erling Mork

Format:Paperback

My wife is shortly planning to give birth naturally, and believes strongly in mind-body connection. It seems the "only" father books out there are the humorous kind that ridicule the process. I have been full of anxiety about the birth, but this book helped me see that it is a natural process, and has relieved my own fears. I also believe the less anxious I am, the less stressed my wife will be. I am an amateur actor, and know a bit about relaxation techniques, so I recognize the approach and know how good it can be for one's body. This book also gives the father/partner good ideas for mental imagery techniques to use both before and during the birth.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful for me June 19, 2004

By Missy

Format:Paperback

I think this book really helped with making the birth of my child turn out to be a great experience for me. I was set on not having an epidural. I was able to deliver my baby within five hours at the hospital without an epidural, with the help of some things I learned from book along with other things. I would say if you want to deliver without pain medication use this book along with other methods that will make you feel comfortable and relaxed.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars OUTSTANDING book, but be prepared.... May 24, 2000

By S. Hadley

Format:Paperback

This book helped me tremendously before the birth of my child. I was scared and would cry at every birthing film that was shown to me. The brain is a powerful thing. If you can relax and use imagery then, your chances of an easier labor are good (barring complications). Caution: Kinda a goofy use of images that HE gives, I used my own....gear it to whatever makes YOU feel comfortable.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Please Run Out and Buy This Book! April 11, 2002

By M. Rocha

Format:Paperback

Buy this book for yourself if you are expecting and anyone else you know who is expecting. I bought this book after a very traumatic experience with the delivery of my first child. I read it over and over and practiced the exercises diligently every day for two months. My daughter was born after only a two-hour labor, with no medication whatsoever; and my recovery was so incredibly easy. The book truly speaks to the mind-body connection, and one's ability to overcome fear in a challenging situation such as childbirth. It empowers women to participate in the birth experience and to help determine its course and outcome, rather than to just go along with all of the recommendations and protocols of the medical system. It enabled me to have a life changing experience and my daughter to have the best possible start in life. M. Rocha

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and affirming book for childbirth preparation November 2, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

There are a number of things that make labor nearly intolerable. One of them is fear, which has not only a physiological effect but also a psychological one. This book will go a long way toward reducing fear and helping promote relaxation in labor. It's an invaluable tool for preparation for childbirth.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential part of natural childbirth preparation May 14, 1999

By [e-mail]

Format:Paperback

As a mother who has given birth naturally three times, I couldn't have done it without preparing myself mentally. Mind over labor will guide you to your inner strength that is so powerful and empowering that it will not only soothe you better than any drug, but will untap the powers available to you that you can use during other physical and mental times of stress. As a certified nurse midwife, I always recommend this book to anyone who is expecting whether they plan on using drugs or not. Easy to read, and can be used as a guide by rereading certain chapters and phrases while in labor.