Active Birth: The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally

I was very much interested in having a drug-free delivery and have read/browsed a lot of books/birthing methods including Hypnobirthing, Bradley's, Ina May and a bunch of others. I liked the concept of Hypnobirthing but don't believe it's for everybody. But I firmly believe that active birthing is something that EVERY woman who wants a natural birth can follow. It is extremely intuitive and after having a pretty quick labor I can attest to the fact that being active was what helped me the most to get through the labor with pain that I could manage and cope with. I had intense back labor and there was NO WAY I would have managed it by lying down on my back the entire time. I instinctively felt the need to get up on my feet and lean forwards on a support and I could get through my contractions without feeling the need to scream or yell or exhaust my energy in a negative way. It was easier to let the contractions do what they were trying to thereby reducing my labor period. I think that what the book tells you will come to you naturally when you are in labor and instead of fighting with your urges by lying down in the semi-reclining position, it's best to do what your body wants you to do to reduce the discomfort. Labor is intense and at a point the pain can feel excruciating but if you can let go and be active the whole time it does not become a negative experience. I was being made to lie down and offered an epidural when I was 8cm. And just because I knew that this was transition and although it was hard work I knew that I was close to meeting my baby and I was able to fight with the hospital staff and stay on my feet. I had a small tear but I am pretty sure that was all because of the pulling by the doctor while pushing when I could not fight them off. Had I been left alone to push naturally and in an upright position I am sure I could have gotten off completely unharmed. I was in a very good shape after the birth and could have gotten up and cooked a meal if need be (although I rested for quite a bit!!). Labor is LOTS of hard work and very intense, it's not something I would call painless. I do understand that there are circumstances where a laboring woman will need medical help and I would never say she shouldn't take it. Drugs have their own place in the whole scheme of things and should be used where necessary. I have been on that side of the equation too and would never blame someone for making an informed choice. But if someone tells you that c-section is "safe and easy these days" or episiotomy is "routine and ok" or epidural is so much more fun...don't believe them blindly. A drug-free birth is painful but the pain is manageable if you have the right information and you trust your body. And to return to a more relevant topic (as a review on this book), this book will provide you with a ton of information on how to do it. The exercises are very helpful to prep your body for the hard work and even useful otherwise to get back in shape after the birth. Information about the different upright positions, what helps what kind of labor pain etc is also extremely useful. This book made the most sense to me of all the books on labor and was something that was practically useful. I would recommend this book to everyone who is interested in a drug-free birth.

Bought this book for pregnancy #3, determined to learn how to give birth upright and without tearing. (Baby #1 was born in a hospital with a miserable cascade of interventions and a loooong recovery. Baby #2 was born with midwives at a birth center - an indescribably better atmosphere - but still reclining in a bed and with a 2nd-degree perineal tear.) I opened this book expecting just another methodology. But, I was surprised to feel so confident and empowered reading Ms. Balaskas's words. She does a fantastic job of presenting scientific research AND addressing the very personal physical, spiritual, and emotional components of pregnancy and birth. (I loved the "How You Feel" subcategory under each stage of labor in Chapter 6, particularly because it helped me put vocabulary on things I'd never successfully communicated to my husband.) Ms. Balaskas clearly has a deep and holistic understanding of birth, and a gift for helping each woman find her natural connection to herself and her baby through the process. The book is very easy to read. The prenatal exercises and birth positions are explained and illustrated with clarity and simplicity. There are many suggestions to help each woman figure out what type of birth environment she wants, who she wants present, and what she will want to have on hand at the birth. Everything from massage to supporting positions are laid out plainly for birth partners. For the first time in my life, anticipation is outweighing fear surrounding the actual process of delivering a baby. (I'll write an update next month after the baby arrives.) I also highly recommend "Your Best Birth" (Lake and Epstein) as well as anything by Ina May Gaskin for women who want to go into birth with awareness and preparation. ******UPDATE****** DD3 was born in the fastest, easiest birth I could have imagined! After months of effective visualization and occasional practice of the suggested exercises, it turned out like this: 1.5 hours total labor - upright or pitched forward (mostly in the 50-minute car ride to the midwifery - we just made it!) 4 pushes total - delivered on hands and knees Able to walk immediately and was home in 3 hours. WOW! I'd do it all over again. :) It was intense, but I honestly wouldn't describe the experience as painful. This is my 3rd baby in 4 years and my body is familiar with the process. (This would be an uncommon scenario for a first-time mom.) But, I can now attest to the fact that birthing upright and listening to your body makes for a much faster, easier, more satisfying and joyful labor and delivery than I ever thought possible!

I’m in my second pregnancy and I want get some update. There is a lot of information about exercise what for me wasn’t necessary once I workout with a physician daily. But the part about positions during labor is a must for every pregnant. Also has some material to help moms that want to breastfeed. Again was good to remember about the positions during labor, this time I won’t able to pay for a doula like the first time.

This is a wonderful book, with great information about birth to help a woman prepare for giving birth. A must read for pregnant women.

This book is fantastic! As a first time mother to be, I had so many questions and fears around the natural birth. This not only answered that but also provided to many new insights. The writing is straight to the point. Loved it!

Having been to some active birth yoga sessions, I wanted to read more about active birth. Some of what is written is a little on the heavy, 'trying to shock' side, but so much of it makes sense - from an upright (as opposed to lying down) position, to useful movements to help with pain, circulation etc, its a really amazing way to help you to feel as though you are in control of your birth, with the doctors there to support you when you want them to. I really do recommend mothers to be read this - haven't given birth yet, but I'm glad I've found this as its made me feel a lot more prepared, aware of my options and empowered to ask for what I would like.

I'm currently pregnant with my first baby. I found this book to be very informative and thought me a lot about natural birthing. It has really encouraged me with my ability to birth. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Lots of good exercises in the book and after it was recommended by Barbara O'niell, I had to read it

The only book I really needed to prepare for birth, it helped a lot!