Active Birth - Revised Edition - by Janet Balaskas (Paperback)

About the Book

Designed to help women develop all their bodily resources to deal with the instinctive processes of labor and childbirth, this guide is also intended for midwives, partners, teachers, and others involved in making the experience a more active one for the mother. Contains a wealth of information for pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. 100 illustrations; 100 photographs.

Book Synopsis

It's time to empower yourself and just say no to giving birth passively.

This is the book that has revolutionized childbirth, turning birthing mothers from subdued and passive "patients" to active and empowered owners of their childbirth experience. Janet Balaskas started a movement of women who refused to give birth lying down and she has been teaching women about "active birth" ever since. She emphasizes the importance of movement during labor, the wide range of options and positions for delivery itself, and the many natural alternatives to heavy sedation and other medical interventions. Her book is eminently useful whether you are planning to give birth in a hospital, a free-standing birth center, or at home. If such options as water birth or hypno-birthing are appealing to you, this is an essential book; at the same time, it is non-judgmental and encourages you to give birth in whatever manner and position you see fit. It covers:

• Exercises for pregnancy, to prepare you optimally for childbirth
• Massage and yoga during labor
• Labor and birthing positions that maximize your comfort and encourage efficient contractions
• Essential tips for birth partners, spouses, doulas, and other attendants
• Relaxation and recovery exercises, for the postpartum period

Janet Balaskas shows you how to prepare for and experience a truly natural, joyful, and empowering birth.

From the Back Cover

PRAISE for ACTIVE BIRTH ""Active Birth" will inspire and instruct those who want to give birth through their own efforts by following their own instincts." - Penny Simkin, author of" Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn " "An empowering approach to labor and birth." - Barbara Katz Rothman, author of "In Labor "and "Recreating Motherhood " "Clearly written, carefully documented, and copiously illustrated, this new edition celebrates the inherent wisdom of women's birthing instincts. It also serves up a complete course of preparation to guide those of us who need to be reminded just how natural childbirth can be." - Adrienne B. Lieberman, author of "Giving Birth" and "Easing Labor Pain" "This book strips away the false complexity of modern obstetrics. Read this book. Claim its wisdom." - Robert Scaer, co-author of "A Good Birth, A Safe Birth" "Janet Balaskas captures the psychological essence of giving birth and the spirit of active participation so important to a woman's self-esteem during pregnancy and delivery." - Gayle Peterson, Ph.D., author of "Birthing Normally "and "An Easier Childbirth"

About the Author

Janet Balaskas is the founder of the active birth movement, which has led to important changes in childbirth practices all over the world. A mother of four, she runs the Active Birth Centre in London, where she trains childbirth educators and teaches classes for expectant parents.