mommymedia : spirituality

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.

Spiritual Midwifery

Satya — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:37:00 GMT

If you’ve ever wondered how birth occurs when conducted with a hands-off approach, this book is for you. Ina May Gaskin describes many exhilarating birth stories, most of them at home and with little medical intervention. Gaskin, a renowned midwife in the birthing community, has a resilient belief in a woman’s natural ability to give birth and has spent her life devoted to helping women have safer, more enjoyable birthing experiences.

Though it is written as a guide for midwives, the information is valuable to any expecting parent. After getting a firm view of how a natural birth can occur in a variety of circumstances you’ll be left feeling empowered to deliver without fear. The book also covers common pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, breech birth, multiple births, stillborns, genetic deformities, stalled labor, cord prolapse and much more.

The book is a gem of birth stories that evoke the whole spectrum of emotions. You’ll read birth stories that have heavy partner involvement and are filled with love and a sense of the divine, even when things take a turn for the worse.

Surely though, there are some parts that will leave the reader with raised eyebrows, like the woman who was told to drink alcohol to prevent early labor. Some may have heard of this author and may feel it’s too “earthy, crunchy” for them or simply unbelievable, but to so easily dismiss this book would be a mistake. This book is refreshing for its heart-open approach of letting nature take its course and contains basic lessons about birth that every pregnant woman should know but is rarely ever told. Pick up a copy here.

Body, Soul, and Baby: A Doctor's Guide to the Complete Pregnancy Experience, From Preconception to Postpartum

Satya — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:53:00 GMT

This is a wonderful book for any pregnant woman, whether you are in your first or your third. Ms. Gaudet challenges the reader to step out of the norm and experience her pregnancy as a journey.

Gaudent teaches the reader to check in with her body, soul and her baby through journaling, imagery and other devices. The stories of other moms-to-be using these tools are remarkable and demonstrate their power and importance.

Gaudet doesn’t preach radicalism and believes in hospital births; but more fervently, she pushes the reader to make conscious decisions every step of the way. She explains that women who are educated about what to expect as well as what “can” happen will have better outcomes overall. She urges the reader to question themselves over and over again to be sure that they are making the right decision for themselves.

Beyond her understanding of the pregnant mind and spirit, she gives wonderful descriptions of what is going on biologically. She identifies which hormones cause what symptom, what the baby is going through, and what to look and listen for on a daily basis. She also provides insight into what doctors commonly recommend and why.

She truly understands the relationship of the mind to the body and encourages women to embrace how they are feeling, no matter the circumstance. She speaks not only as an experienced doctor but as a fellow woman. Women could save themselves a lot of grief by reading this book thoroughly and practicing the tools mentioned. It is a great companion throughout pregnancy and early postpartum. Pick up a copy here.