mommymedia : childbirth

Painless Childbirth

Satya — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:56:00 GMT

Painless Childbirth sounds very alluring but it might not be what you think. The books’ author, Giuditta Tornetta mostly encourages the reader to sort through their issues and find a spiritual center. While Tornetta emphasizes that no belief in God is needed for her techniques, her strong sense of God fills the pages. Tornetta is a doula and clinical hypnotherapist and her book is a strong reflection of herself. At times, her writing will make you feel like you’re being hypnotized or meditating. She tells stories of spiritual births, of pregnant women working out issues under hypnosis, and shares her own pregnancy and painless birthing experiences.

At no time, however, will you get a step-by-step guide to a painless childbirth. You will find a couple techniques for hypnotism, ideas for dealing with subconscious issues, and some techniques for enduring childbirth, but she focuses primarily on advocating that a painless childbirth has more to do with mindset and involves a strong sense of spirituality. For example, she refers to contractions as “hugging” the child out.

The book contains very little information about fetal development and almost no information about problems you might encounter. Each chapter is devoted to a month of pregnancy, but the writings in each chapter are not necessarily based on that specific month; in other words, the information can seem scattered. Tornetta begins each chapter with a description of the ruling chakra for that month and closes the chapters with a prayer. If you’re looking for a practical, medical book to accompany you throughout your pregnancy then this is not it. However, if you are looking to deepen the spiritual experience of having a child or sorting through personal issues while pregnant, you would get a lot out of this book. Pick up a copy here.

Babies and Other Hazards of Sex: How to Make a Tiny Person in Only 9 Months With Tools You Probably Have Around the Home

Satya — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:53:00 GMT

Dave Barry has an impressive following. Not only is he the author of more than 20 books, but he is also a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist whose articles appear in hundreds of newspapers every week. What draws millions of readers to Barry’s work is his uncanny ability to see everyday things from a uniquely humorous perspective. In “Babies and Other Hazards of Sex,” Barry shares these perspectives on everything from sex to childbirth to parenting, referring to natural childbirth as “a pop phenomenon of the 1960s that, along with paisley bell-bottoms and creative sideburns, deserves a rest.” This book is a fun and entertaining read for everyone, whether you’re a parent, non-parent or parent-to-be. While its comical exaggerations will make you laugh until your sides hurt, as all of Barry’s books do, “Babies and Other Hazards of Sex” also provides an accurate description of pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood. One reader says “Dave Barry hits the nail right on the head” with his advice to adults about dirty diapers, burping bibs and other not-so-pleasant baby behaviors. We think you’ll find Barry’s candid and humorous approach refreshing, especially if you’ve read other baby books that may have led you to believe that a baby will bring you nothing but joy and wonder. Basically, as this book tells you, be prepared for the gross stuff, too! Pick up a copy here.

They Lied! True Tales of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Breastfeeding

Satya — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:39:00 GMT

In a compilation of true-life stories submitted by parents around the world, co-creators of the book They Lied! True Tales of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Breastfeeding Theresa Kane and Tamara Talbot provide an outlet for mothers everywhere to share their funny, priceless, offbeat and often touching stories of pregnancy and parenthood. Filled from page to page with real-life experiences that celebrate the entire childbearing experience, from pre-conception gymnastics to infants dancing while they nurse, They Lied! is truly a delightful read.

With a heavy dose of humor and an equal touch of candor, an hour reading this book is like an hour spent with a pregnancy and parenting support group. One reader says, “You can’t understand the total experience of pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding without reading this book.” If you’re looking for a break from all the medical information you’ve received from your doctor and other pregnancy books, consider adding They Lied! to your baby shower gift registry. After experiencing countless uninvited belly rubs and “leaking” breasts, you’re sure to find relief in knowing that many women before you have survived uncomfortable and often embarrassing situations. Hilarious and heartwarming, They Lied! does a wonderful job of enlightening a topic that sometimes seems overwhelming, and helps expectant mothers realize they’re not in it alone. Pick up a copy here.

Birth: The Surprising History of How We Are Born

Satya — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:59:00 GMT

While “Birth” by Tina Cassidy doesn’t give you information on how your child is growing inside of you or what method of birthing will give you the best experience, it is a book you won’t be able to put down.

Truly an eye-opener, “Birth” presents a factual history of childbirth all over the world, from what it might have been like to give birth in medieval or Victorian times to labor and delivery in America in the 1970s. Instances of doctors spreading infection from woman to woman and crushing babies’ skulls to extract them from their mothers will make you question doctors, hospital practices and the trust you may have initially had in them. You may even come to the conclusion that a homebirth with a midwife and a doula is the safest way to birth a child.

Regardless of your opinion of the book when you’re done reading it, you’ll walk away with a wealth of knowledge about the history of childbirth and a new understanding of how the birthing process came to be where it is today.

While I wouldn’t recommend “Birth” to a first-time mother-to-be in search of prenatal advice, I would recommend it to anyone who has or will eventually have children. The author’s message to trust your instincts before anyone else will stay with you long after you’ve closed the book. Pick up a copy here.