Great book about preparing for childbirth ( )

Presents a very different approach to childbirth preparation -- one that brings partners together to support the birthing woman in the way that best taps into her natural power and individual needs. Suggests unique approaches to help the woman expand her awareness and assertiveness before giving birth and communicate her needs to her partner. Includes partners as full participants in the process and helps them understand their role through communication with the birthing woman.

The one drawback to BFW is that it is very light on the biological/physiological process of birth, so if you don't know about that side of it you should definitely look elsewhere for that part of your preparation.

Birthing From Within mentors now lead workshops across the country as alternatives to more traditional Lamaze and Bradley approaches. My husband and I took one when I was pregnant with our first child and loved it -- highly recommended. The writer's website is www.birthingfromwithin.com. ( )

I read this in preparation for my childbirth classes that start next week. It's a wonderful book, but it's a lot to take in. I'm glad I'll have the classes to help reinforce some of it. However, I didn't do the exercises as I was reading. Maybe it would have stuck more if I had tried them as I went along. ( )

As I approached the end of my first pregnancy, I began to become increasingly anxious about the possibility of a cesarean section. The woman teaching my prenatal class gave me her copy, suggesting that I work through the exercises in order to process my fears. The stories told are empowering and encouraging; the exercises were therapeutic. ( )