New Active Birth

New Active Birth by Janet Balaskas

A concise guide to natural childbirth Bestselling guide to active pregnancy and childbirth. Brings back the common sense that is overlooked by modern obstetrics. When this book was first published it was totally groundbreaking.

In a decade, Janet Balaskas has gained the respect of midwives and challenged hospital general practice to change to better suit pregnant women. Throughout time and the world over, women in labour have chosen to move about freely and actively – to find the most comfortable position for child birth. Only recently have women have been told to lie on their backs – in a position that defies the laws of nature and gravity. Active Birth helps parents to prepare for and to experience a more liberated, more natural and therefore more comfortable childbirth.

Active Birth wisdom applies throughout the pregnancy. This book shows how to develop the body’s natural resources and to deal instinctively with the experience of childbirth.

Replacement Value: $45

Contents
Preface by Janet Balaskas
Foreword by Sheila Kitzinger
Introduction by Michel Odent
1 What is an Active Birth?
2 Your Body in Pregnancy 18
3 Yoga-based Exercises for Pregnancy 30
4 Breathing 79
5 Massage 83
6 Labour and Birth 89
7 Water Birth 139
8 After the Birth 149
9 Postnatal Exercises 155
10 Active Birth at Home or in Hospital 161
11 AZ Reference 191
Active Birth Manifesto 201
Recommended Reading 204
Useful Addresses 205 Reference List 207 Index 209