Synopses & Reviews
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 womens 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 womans self-esteem during pregnancy and delivery.” - Gayle Peterson, Ph.D., author of Birthing Normally and An Easier Childbirth
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.
Synopsis
Revolutionary natural-childbirth book by world-renowned authority promotes comfort and safety.
Synopsis
In an “active birth,” a mother moves about freely, finds comfortable positions for labor and delivery, and seldom needs drugs or obstetrical interventions. In
Active Birth, Janet Balaskas teaches mothers to develop all of their bodily resources for giving birth, to follow their own instincts, and to take full control of the childbirth experience.
Active Birth includes: Fully-illustrated exercises for a comfortable, energetic pregnancy
Massage for pregnancy and labor
Ways to create the ideal setting for an active birth in the hospital or at home
Positions for labor and birth, for maximum comfort and efficient contractions
The latest information about water birth, and how to plan one
Exercises for recovery and relaxation after the birth
Helpful tips for partners and birth attendants
Synopsis
Janet Balaskas led a movement of women who refused to give birth lying down. She has been teaching women about “active birth” ever since. In this updated and Americanized guide, Balaskas explains how to prepare for and experience a truly natural birth. She leads the pregnant woman through yoga-based stretching exercises and massage practice, and describes the stages of labor and comfortable positions for each, at home or in a hospital. Balaskas has also included a chapter on water birth as well as postpartum exercises.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [239]-241) and index.
About the Author
Janet Balaskas organized the first Active Birth Conference in London. A mother of four, she has written many books on pregnancy and childbirth. She runs a childbirth education clinic. For more information, please visit Balaskas website, ActiveBirthCentre.com.