The Twelve Gifts of Birth

Book Description

There is no more magical moment than when a newborn baby is laid in a mother's arms. What was for many months a dream and a mystery is now a miraculous new person at the threshold of a life filled with possibilities.

Through a tender, inspiring tale, The Twelve Gifts of Birth reveals the birthright inheritance that all children receive at this moment. Wise women, otherwise known as fairy godmothers, announce the twelve gifts in the form of blessings and show how to use them to enrich one's life.

This keepsake book encourages new parents to nurture and protect the wondrous qualities that have been bestowed on their tiny miracles. When shared with young children, this message helps form within them a strong foundation of self-respect and values. For teens and adults, this story offers healing and hope during times of diminished self-esteem and uncertain transition. It reminds all readers to see the dignity that is inherent in themselves and others.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Book.......2007-09-26

I bought this book for my sister who is having her first baby and then had to buy one for my son. The book brought tears to 3 generations in my family. It is an excellent book for all ages.

A 5-star gift for a 5-star book!.......2007-09-07

I purchased this book for my beautiful new grand-daughter. Even though she won't be reading it for a while, I felt it really conveyed the message of self-importance and worth. It makes a wonderful gift for a new baby, but it is also a reminder to us all that we were born with inherent gifts and abilities.

Great Book for Baby Gifts.......2007-08-14

I recieved this book at my baby shower. I love it and now give as a gift at all baby showers I attend. It has a great message and the picturs show the diversity of people in terms of age and race. I really love it.

Twelve Wonderful Gifts to Share.......2007-05-15

Twelve wonderful gift to share with your child as you read to them. This makes a great gift for a new parents or grandparents to share with a child.

Beautiful Thoughts Beautiful Gift.......2007-02-14

I stumbled across The Twelve Gifts of Birth when researching ideas for decorating our playroom. Someone had actually used a passage from this book on the wall of a child's room. When I looked for the book online and found out more about it, I ordered it immediately. The book is beautifully illustrated. I will probably give it as a baby gift from now on. The book focuses on all of the positive traits that every child is born with and inspires your heart to look for and appreciate those traits in all children - not just your own.

Chicken Soup for the Expectant Mother's Soul

Average customer rating:

Loved but expected different stories
Charming
beautiful
Marvellous book, best of all Chicken Soup series
The Spritual Side of Pregnancy

Chicken Soup for the Expectant Mother's Soul
Jack Canfield , Mark Victor Hansen , Patty Aubery , and Nancy Mitchell Autio
Manufacturer: HCI
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Family Health | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Motherhood | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Mysticism | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Accessories:

ASIN: 1558747966

Book Description

Every year, millions of women wait with anticipation as they watch their test strip change from white to pink, thus beginning the awesome adventure of becoming a mother. This latest Chicken Soup book will find a place in the loving hearts and anxious minds of expectant mothers (and some fathers, too!). Written by expectant mothers, veteran moms and fathers-to-be, these stories relate the physical, emotional and spiritual joys and challenges of each stage of motherhood, from "barely showing" to the awkward last months, from labor and delivery to watching and caring for Baby. Some stories offer hope when the pregnancy isn't medically perfect; others offer light-hearted humor to cope with weight gain, morning sickness and other pregnancy woes; and still others offer words of wisdom for the seemingly daunting responsibilities of choosing a name, going through labor and bringing a new life into the world. By relaying the insecurities and triumphs of a variety of moms and moms-to-be-including multiple births, premature births, adoptions, and single-parent families-this book will tug at the heartstrings and ease the fears of any expectant mother, regardless of her situation. Chapters include: Special Moments, Delivery Day, Challenges, On Adoption, Advice from Others, For Expectant Fathers and The First Few Years. Chicken Soup for the Expectant Mother's Soul will be a must-have on every baby-shower gift list, and an essential requirement for every birthing bag.

Customer Reviews:

Loved but expected different stories.......2005-07-18

I really hate to give any "Chicken Soup" book less than a 5 star because I am a huge fan.

I was slightly disappointed in the content of this book. I really was hoping and expecting that it would have more stories about giving birth. It says on the cover that the 101 stories inspire and warm the hearts of soon-to-be-mothers but I felt like the subjects were too general.

For example, the contents are 1. We're Pregnant, 2. Nine Months and Counting, 3 Expectant Fathers, 4. Challenges along the Way, 5. Special Delivery 6. Small Miracle 7. Memorable moments, 8. On Motherhood, 9. Expectant Wisdom.

I didn't find many birth stories - in fact, I don't think there was even one.

However, in spite of my need for positive birth stories, I still love the stories that they put in the book.

Sheri Menelli, childbirth educator, doula, speaker and author of "[...]"

Charming.......2004-05-12

If you're an expectant mother you will appreciate the stories in this book. They are touching and funny and strike a universal chord that make you realize you're not alone. Five stars! Debbie Farmer, parenting author of 'Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat'

beautiful.......2004-04-20

this book was exactly what i needed to help me love the feeling of being pregnate. during my second pregnancy i wasn't feeling all that hot until my hubby came home with the book. i read this book three times already, even my four year old loves the stories. i cried and laughed and cried some more...read this book if you're looking for something to cheer you up while you're feeling down! An excellent book--I promise!!!!

Marvellous book, best of all Chicken Soup series.......2003-05-05

Although I read almost every single publication of Chicken Soup, I must say this is definitely my favourite, especially that we are expecting our third child.

Before reading this book, I must admit I was not sure if we did the right thing to concieve a third child but now I know more than missing to cherish every moment of our pregnancy.

This book has moved every kind of feelings in us from happiness to excitement, to sadness at some times and made me thankful for this beautiful gift from God.

This is a must for every expectant parent.

The Spritual Side of Pregnancy.......2003-03-14

I was not familiar with the "Chicken Soup" books until someone gave me this one as a gift. I must say it makes a very thoughtful gift for a preganant woman, but otherwise you should treat yourself to it. The short stories in this book are written by different authors, all with real-life expectant parent stories. Some stories are sad, some joyful, some downright miraculous- but all of them are inspirational. The stories relate to a wide variety of expectant parents including those who adopt, struggle with infertility, experience an unplanned pregnancy, suffer loss, and juggle a large family. Read all the books you want on physical pregnancy health, but put this one on your list for spiritual pregnancy health.

The Alexander Technique Manual: Take Control of Your Posture and Your Life

Average customer rating:

Excellent Alexander Technique book with great pictures
a basic intro - not much beyond that
Excellent introduction to the Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique Manual: Take Control of Your Posture and Your Life
Richard Brennan
Manufacturer: Connections
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Alexander Technique | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Pregnancy | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Injuries & Rehabilitation | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Stress Management | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 185906163X

Book Description

The Alexander Technique is a simple yet profound way to release muscular tension throughout the body. It teaches us new ways of sitting, standing, and moving that put less stress on the bones and joints and help us move more gracefully. Developed by Fredrick Matthias Alexander, this technique explores the physical law of cause and effect and applies it to everyday common ailments.

The Alexander Technique Manual explains how to reduce stress levels to achieve a happier and more fulfilling lifestyle and reveals how Alexander made his unique discoveries. Simple step-by-step instructions aided by specially commissioned color photographs will enhance your understanding of the underlying principles of the technique. Special sections covering a wide range of sports as well as pregnancy and childbirth make this simple yet comprehensive book a must for anyone wishing to improve their lifestyle.

The Alexander Technique Manual will help you move through life with greater ease.

* A step-by-step guide to improve breathing, posture, and well-being

* The first complete color-illustrated guide to this world-famous technique

* Written by an established author in this field

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Alexander Technique book with great pictures.......2007-08-11

This is one of the best Alexander Technique books I have seen in the 30 years I have been interested in the technique. The author is an Irish Alexander teacher and trainer of other Alexander teachers.

I have put into immediate use some of the exercises in the book and it has helped me dramatically.

I very highly recommend this book!

a basic intro - not much beyond that.......2003-03-06

This book was a big disappointment. From the title and the other customer's review, I assume that it really was a step-by-step guide to achieving at home the good breathing and posture habits that one learns in private lessons. I have taken many lessons from a wonderful teacher, and thought this would help supplement my lessons through home maintenance.

Well, this book is nothing more than a very basic intro to which areas of life Alexander can be applied. It says the same thing over and over - how great poise and good breathing can be for sitting, standing, golf, dance, singing, pool. I would think that your average person who has puchased this book would have already made up their mind that Alexander was a good thing and wouldn't need a glorified, extended promotional pamphlet to confirm this.

There are about 8 pages in the whole thing that give you some tips on self-evaluation and positioning, but other than that, it is really not of much practical use. Yes, there are many photos of people "before and after" alexander in particular positions, but that wasn't enough for my $13.

If you are looking to see how alexander can be applied to your life, maybe then this book would provide some value, but in truth, the Gelb book does a better job doing that anyway.

Excellent introduction to the Alexander Technique.......1998-07-17

This is a great book for anyone who has heard about the many benefits of the Alexander Technique and would like to find out what it is. The Alexander Technique is often described in very mysterious terms when, in fact, it's quite a simple and practical process. And a very powerful process of self-transformation. Brennan's book is particularly valuable for the newcommer because of its great photographs. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and this is certainly true for explaining the ideas of the Alexander Technique. The book also shows how the Alexander Technique can help with various specific activities. It also has some very interesting case histories. If you have an interest in learning more about the Alexander Technique, I'd get this book. Two other good introductions are "Body Learning" by Michael Gelb and "Fitness Without Stress - A Guide to the Alexander Technique" by Robert Rickover.

Parenting Begins before Conception: A Guide to Preparing Body, Mind, and Spirit For You and Your Future Child

Average customer rating:

Fascinating, comprehensive, and beautifully written

Parenting Begins before Conception: A Guide to Preparing Body, Mind, and Spirit For You and Your Future Child
Carista Luminare-Rosen Ph.D.
Manufacturer: Healing Arts Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Family Health | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

ASIN: 0892818271
Release Date: 2000-05-01

Book Description

• Shows prospective parents how they can lay the foundations for a healthy and happy family life even before their child is conceived and born.

• Shows parents how they can optimize their children's physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

• Guides parents through a unique program designed to prepare them for the myriad changes, adjustments, and joys that accompany the major transition to parenthood.

An inspiring and groundbreaking book, Parenting Begins Before Conception shows prospective parents how they can lay the foundations for a healthy and happy family life even before a child is conceived and born. New research contends that prenatal life and the birth experience are often profound determinants of human personality and aptitude. Hundreds of university and hospital studies conclude that unborn children see, hear, and feel in the womb.

Dr. Carista Luminare-Rosen explores the universal forces underlying conception and shows parents how they can optimize their child's physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health by considering a host of important issues well in advance. Weaving together modern preconception and prenatal health knowledge with ancient wisdom, the author guides parents through a unique holistic program designed to prepare them for the myriad changes, adjustments, and joys that accompany the major transition to parenthood. Dr. Luminare-Rosen helps readers consider their own readiness for parenthood--physically, psychologically, and spiritually--so that when the child of their dreams arrives, they are fully prepred to welcome this new being--body, mind, and soul.

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating, comprehensive, and beautifully written.......2000-10-15

My husband and I have read a number of books to help us fully understand what it means to be a future parent and what we can do to prepare for a successful and healthy conception. Dr. Rosen's book offered us an incredibly comprehensive view of the issues -- everything from practical tips on nutrition and lifestyle to explorations of the emotional links to your future child's soul. You'll find pearls of wisdom in this book that your own parents probably never even considered! It's well written, easy to follow, and the questions at the end of each chapter allow you to tailor the information to suit your unique needs.

Average customer rating:

The Herbal for Mother and Child
Anne McIntyre
Manufacturer: Thorsons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Herbal Remedies | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Pharmacy | Pharmacology | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Accessories:

ASIN: 0007139284

Book Description

This is a comprehensive guide to the use of medicinal herbs for mothers with young families.

Meditations for Pregnancy: 36 Weekly Practices for Bonding with Your Unborn Baby

Average customer rating:

I especially enjoyed the CD with this product!
Great book!
What a Special Book & Cd. I Adored Every Moment
MEDITATIONS FOR PREGNANCY

Meditations for Pregnancy: 36 Weekly Practices for Bonding with Your Unborn Baby
Michelle Leclaire ONeill
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Meditation | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Family Health | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Motherhood | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Meditation | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

ASIN: 0740747118

Book Description

Pregnancy can inspire an overwhelming host of emotions. A woman may feel excitement about the new life growing inside her, yet apprehension about the changes it will bring. Her body is expanding; her hormones are out of control. Everyone offers unsolicited advice. What she really needs is a way to calm her fears, center her thoughts, and focus her mind on her prenatal child.Meditations for Pregnancy is written by an expert in pregnancy and birthing to provide guidance and comfort to a mother-to-be throughout the weeks of her pregnancy. For each week, beginning with the fifth, the book provides a thoughtful meditation that speaks to the specific needs and joys of that phase of pregnancy. Inspirational quotations and a short affirmation accompany each meditation, along with a brief description of the development of the growing fetus that week.Best of all, an audio CD features a 20-minute guided meditation to calm the expecting mom's emotions. It is read by the author and accompanied by soothing music. Meditations for Pregnancy is a wonderful way for women to explore their feelings and calm their nerves in preparation for the transformative experience of birth.

Customer Reviews:

I especially enjoyed the CD with this product!.......2007-01-06

The CD that comes with this book was very relaxing. A woman speaks in a calm voice and has you close your eyes and basically focus on your breathing and practice visualization. It really calmed me down during anxious times (and I'm an anxious person)! The book is alright...a little eccentric and new age but what do you expect w/ a meditation product. I will listen to the cd with my next pregnancy...

Great book!.......2006-12-19

Of my stacks and stacks of pregnancy books, this is my favorite. Each weekly chapter gives you a few paragraphs that really help you think about what is going on in your body and help you to connect with the baby. The CD is also great - a simple guided meditation.

What a Special Book & Cd. I Adored Every Moment.......2005-11-02

Such a beautiful way to begin my relationship with my baby. I listened to the CD every day. I am so happy to have had this way of understanding the new life that was within me.. This is the book every mother NEEDS to enhance the health and bonding of every mother and child. Attachment parenting begins in utero and Dr Leclaire helps with gentility,humor and understanding. What a celebration of Life. Dr Leclaire's mission is "Bringing Peace To The World One Baby At A Time. " I'm so glad I joined the prenatal Peace Movement.

MEDITATIONS FOR PREGNANCY.......2004-10-23

ALL I NEED TO HAVE THE CONFIDENCE,PEACE,COMFORT ,INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE AND CONNECTION TO MY BABY AND MY OWN BODY.THE WEEKLY MEDITATIONS AND EMOTIONAL AND GROWTH INFORMATION IN THE BOOK IS SO BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED AND THE CD GUIDED MEDITATION WITH MUSIC IS SOMETHING I LOOK FORWARD TO DAILY AND WILL NEVER FORGET.IN A WORLD OF SUCH TURMOIL THIS GIVES ME THE PEACE I NEED TO GROW A HEALTHY BABY.THANKYOU

Pregnancy Fitness: Mind Body Spirit (Health & Fitness)

Average customer rating:

This Book Helped Me!
I wish I could give it zero stars.
There must be better pregnancy fitness books than this
All reading and unclear pictures
Not aimed at women who already exercise.

Pregnancy Fitness: Mind Body Spirit (Health & Fitness)
Fitness Magazine , and Ginny Graves
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Pregnancy | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Family Health | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Obstetrics & Gynecology | Specialties | Medicine | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

ASIN: 0609801597
Release Date: 1999-08-17

Book Description

Pregnancy Fitness, by the experts at Fitness Magazine, provides expectant mothers with all the information they need to exercise safely and effectively throughout their pregnancy.

Whether you're a hard-core triathlete or just starting a fitness program for the first time, proper exercise can ensure a healthier pregnancy, an easier delivery, and a faster recovery. Pregnancy Fitness guides you carefully through every trimester, covering the physical changes and common complaints for each one, from shortness of breath to dizziness to morning sickness. In each section, chapters on Cardiovascular Fitness and Getting Stronger help you develop the aerobic capacity and muscles to carry your growing child with greater comfort and prepare you for labor. Illustrated exercises show you how to enhance flexibility, build strength, and relieve pain as your pregnancy progresses.

Q&As throughout the book cover specific concerns: Can I continue running in the second trimester? Can I lift more than ten pounds? And How to Cope sidebars address common conditions from swollen joints and sleep problems to cravings and gestational diabetes.

Based on the latest medical research and designed for women of every fitness level, Pregnancy Fitness is the ideal and essential exercise resource for every mother-to-be.

Customer Reviews:

This Book Helped Me!.......2006-05-31

This book helped me with specific movements to get strength and stay limber during and after pregnancy. I'm now 2 lbs lighter than before I got pregnant and getting my figure back was mostly due to this book. I highly recommend it!!

I wish I could give it zero stars........2006-01-07

The advice for exercising and breastfeeding is wrong. It says breastfeeding hurts. It is out of date. It quotes that study that purported to show that exercise made milk taste bad/be less good for babies, and then recommends a complicated regimen not feeding that milk to your baby. It treats formula feeding as a reasonable strategy, despite how dangerous formula is for babies. It urges very tight, compressive, supportive exercise bras for breastfeeding mamas, and does not allow for the probability that might lead to plugged ducts/mastitis in many women.

The duck squat line drawing is laughable. In addition to not showing a form of the squat that would allow for a pregnant belly, it shows a woman in a very deep squat, with feet flat on the floor, not leaning forward and not holding onto anything or supported at her back. Physics sezs: Not Possible!

Overall: mostly useless, pretty dull, unhelpful if you exercise out of doors by engaging in interesting activities. Get Aneema Van Groenou's book instead.

There must be better pregnancy fitness books than this.......2004-11-23

As the other negative reviews indicate, this is a very wordy book with few pictures. There aren't that many exercises in here, and those that are there are pretty boring and basic (the kind you'd find in any fitness magazine or book), especially in the First Trimester section. The bulk of the book, involving information relating to pregnancy, was no different than the stuff usually given out in doctor's office pamphlets. This is a big book that doesn't have too much to offer.

All reading and unclear pictures.......2004-09-29

Usually when I buy an exercise book I expect clear concise directions and maybe a picture to illustrate what exactly the correct form would be. Well, if you are expecting this out of this book you my as well forget it. Although it was very informative, black and white pictures that aren't even shown for all exercises is not going to cut it. For example for a tricep kickback it doesn't really show you the ways that it would be wrong which can lead to an injury. If you are looking for information go for it; but if you want something that will show you the right way with pictures, skip it.

Not aimed at women who already exercise........2004-07-30

I purchased this book because I want to know how I should work out now that I'm pregnant. It's marginally helpful in that it calls attention to abdominal exercises and indicates when to stop running and when to start up again. Beyond that, it's not very helpful. The exercises are described, but the suggestions for reps or sets are sporadic at best. I saw only a few exercises that gave recommended reps, and none of them talked about sets. There's no way to chart or plan your workout schedule or progress. I realized this book wasn't aimed at women like me when I read that I shouldn't feel bad if I can't do more than 3 or 4 bench presses with a 3-pound weight.

I think this book tries to be too many things: It tries to be a fitness book, and introduction to exercise book, and an overview of pregnancy. It goes into loving detail about how much of your body will be destroyed, and refers to you as a 'breastorant.' I would prefer a book that treated me as a thinking, fit woman who wants to optimize her fitness regimen for carrying, giving birth, and recovering.

If you've never exercised and you want to start during pregnancy, go for it! And maybe this book will be helpful for you, although you'll have to do some additional research to optimize your fitness. If you are already in good shape, or know how to work out, skip this book.

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful Read
Poetry and practicality for the pregnant and new mom
A treasure

Great with Child
Debra Rienstra
Manufacturer: Tarcher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Family Health | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Motherhood | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Accessories:

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 1585422320
Release Date: 2003-04-24

Book Description

In Great with Child, Debra Reinstra weaves the story of her own pregnancy, son's birth, and first year of mothering with the experiences of women everywhere. Through recounting the details of her own story-the sonograms, the labor pains, nursing in the middle of the night-Rienstra lays bare how motherhood can alter and deepen a woman's views on just about everything else. And she reveals how-so much more than just an odd assortment of physical changes and fetal developments-bringing a child into this world reshapes the soul.

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Read.......2007-06-27

A friend loaned me 'Great With Child' while I was expecting my own baby. I was immediately drawn to the author's thoughtful insight and beautiful prose. Rienstra reminds you, in the midst of the nausea and exhaustion, that you are participating in the creation of new life, which is an awesome priviledge and responsibility. Parts of the book were incredibly funny, and I found myself reading bits aloud to the amusement of my husband. Many of Rienstra's observations are so incredibly poignant that I would recommend 'Great With Child' even to non-pregnant friends.

Poetry and practicality for the pregnant and new mom.......2006-02-03

Reinstra's Great with Child is a refreshing look at motherhood from a mother who is currently in the midst of having her third and last child. This book sees birth in a spiritual and soulful way and provides a new voice to be added to all the medical books you will probably also be reading. I am so glad I read this book. It changed the way I saw my pregnancy and made me even more confident of the awe that should be given to pregnany and motherhood. You will not be disappointed.

A treasure.......2004-01-25

This book is wonderful! It hits home at so many levels in the journey of becoming a mother. I felt like I was sitting with a friend when I was reading it. At many points, I felt like saying, "PHEW, I'm not the only one who's feels that way." The book is a treasure.

Average customer rating:

Funny and real

How Not to Be a Perfect Mother
Libby Purves
Manufacturer: Thorsons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Funny and real.......2007-03-25

This book was a great read - funny and real. Highly recommend it for anyone who is watching the illusions of perfect parenting evaporate as life gets more and more challenging.

Joyful Birth: A Spiritual Path to Motherhood (Includes 2 CDs)

Average customer rating:

Nice calming music CD
Beautiful Book for Nurturing a Mother-to-Be

Joyful Birth: A Spiritual Path to Motherhood (Includes 2 CDs)

Manufacturer: Rodale Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 1579546528

Book Description

Joyful Birth teaches pregnant women to diminish fears and stress and instead focus on creating calm within. The books sections deal with each of the key aspects of pregnancyfrom the changing body to the miracle of the birth itself. Each chapter invites women to join the community of motherhood, through stories and interviews, readings and rituals drawn from spiritual traditions around the world. Joyful Birth helps moms-to-be embody the profound transformation that occurs in pregnancy. The book features beautiful four-color images that evoke the sacred nature of this transition.The CDs hold six guided meditations and breathing exercises set to the relaxing sounds of acoustic music and natural tones. Mothers-to-be learn to use the meditations to adjust to the powerful physical and spiritual changes they are experiencing. The mental focus helps them relieve stress and develop the meditative stamina they will need for childbirth.This special set will appeal to todays mothers-to-be, who actively seek out the means to a positive and meaningful preg- nancy and birth experience.

Customer Reviews:

Nice calming music CD.......2007-02-14

I liked the calming music for rest, but didn't find the meditations all that fantastic. I did feel disappointed with some foul language the author used in the book.

Beautiful Book for Nurturing a Mother-to-Be.......2003-03-23

I'm not a "new age" person and I probably wouldn't have even browsed through this book in a store, however I received this book as a gift during the peak of holiday stress and the beginning of my second trimester. I found this book a wonderful antidote to the popular pregnancy "manual" I was reading at the time -- a weighty book that left me feeling overwhelmed and convinced that I wasn't living up to all of those expectations. In contrast, Joyful Birth helped me relax and enjoy my pregnancy by accepting the profound life-changing nature of this transition.

The book consists of five essays by five different authors. Each essay focuses on a different aspect of becoming a mother with each author lending her unique point of view. I can't remember how many times I've re-read the first essay by Anne Cushman. She recounts the huge variety of experience that different women have with pregnancy and birth, from smooth by-the-What-to-Expect-book deliveries, to the moments during her own natural labor when she screamed for an epidural. The essay is refreshingly honest and fully admits the discomforts and worries of pregnancy and birth, while never losing sight of the joy of the transformation.

The second essay, "Nurturing Your Body," describes the benefits and provides guidance for practicing yoga to ease physical discomfort and promote relaxation. It includes pictures of specific, basic poses, and detailed descriptions. If, like me, you have trouble translating a pose in a book into movement, you'll want additional help. Ideally, I recommend taking a prenatal yoga class with an experienced instructor -- there's just no substitute for having someone who can work directly with you to improve a pose. As another option, I'd recommend using the DVD version of Yoga Journal's Yoga for Beginners (ASIN: B000067D1C) -- in the pose guide section of the DVD, you can select specific poses one at a time and hear Patricia Walden's serene, detailed instruction on proper and safe form for each pose. Unfortunately, the DVD doesn't include all of the poses in the essay, but the basic ones are included. With or without additional help in mastering the form of the poses shown in the book, once you learn them, you can use them at home to relieve stress and the aches and pains of pregnancy.

The third essay focuses on bonding with your baby, inspiring and reassuring readers that bonding is something you simply let in rather than force. Celia Straus writes, "If we can stop second-guessing ourselves and forcing ourselves to feel whatever we're conditioned to believe we ought to feel, bonding will simply happen."

In the fourth essay, "Calming Fear," the author, a Buddhist teacher, relates her personal experience and balances down to earth admission of the fears and anxieties that seem to be an inseparable part of pregnancy and offers guidance on releasing them.

The fifth essay, "Setting Intentions," helps the reader visualize what kind of mother she wants to become. I expect to revisit this essay again and again in the final months of pregnancy, as well as the first years of motherhood.

In addition, there are 5 "practices," 1 or 2 pages of instruction on a specific meditation, aromatherapy, or journaling exercise. Each practice follows one of the essays, reinforcing elements of the essay without making the book feel like a workbook.

The first CD is a companion to the meditation practices -- the calm, steady voice of Acharya Judith Lief guides the listener through four brief (5-8 minutes), non-threatening meditations.

Finally, the book includes a second CD, "Music for New Moms," based on the principles of psychoacoustics. I'll confess, when I put the CD in the first time, I dreaded hearing pan flutes and droning bells. Instead, the CD contains two tracks of classical music, played on harp, cello, violin, piano, flute ... and ok, there's one part with Tibetan bowls and tubular bells, but by then I was so relaxed, I barely noticed. The first track, "Ease," is 20 minutes of variations on a classical theme (Clair deLune, I think) designed to leave you feeling relaxed but alert -- it makes great background music at the office in the morning. The second track, "Deep Sleep," is 40 minutes, designed to prepare you and baby for sleep.

The book itself is beautiful, trim and square, printed on good quality paper, with every page illustrated or washed with a soothing color. All in all, this book is a gift that I treasure.

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