Product Description

This book is unique in that it is co-written by natural childbirth pioneer Janet Balaskas and Yehudi Gordon the ground breaking consultant obstetrician who has pioneered the concept of integrated practise - both pioneers of the Active Birth Movement. In this book all options are available to women. There is fi rstly an understanding of the natural physiology of pregnancy and birth as well as an acknowledgement of the huge emotional changes involved in this challenging journey. Then there is also the benefi t of modern science as back up or choice - and/or of complementary care with alternative therapies. Any or all of these may be used as needed against a background where the primary expectation is that pregnancy is a state of health and birth is a natural physiological process.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #331749 in Books
• Published on: 1989-04-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Review
'marvellously extensive...a book that renders most of the rest obsolete...' VOGUE

About the Author
Janet Balaskas is the founder of the Active Birth movement . Yehudi Gordon is a private obstetrician in North London who is reknowned for his work with celebrity mothers.

Customer Reviews

We call this one `the Bible`
A fantastically comprehensive book which leaves most others looking incomplete...in our house it is referred to as `The Bible'! This book was recommended to me by a friend who also happens to be a midwife - her comment was that it was one of the best she had seen. Excellent birth education, really useful 'self help' sections and an extremely comprehensive medical reference section are just some of the highlights - physical, emotional and intellectual needs are all met, and there's plenty of good down to earth practical know-how too. Every time we turn to it with a question, we come away with the question answered in a complete and satisfying manner. Very readable and lots of inspiring pictures too!

Full of down to earth advice for first time parents
This book contains all the information you need if you are thinking about having an active birth. It offers lots of information about how to prepare for the birth with practical advice on exercises, nutrition, how to care for your baby on the fist days of her life and the most important part, at least for me, the emotional aspects of pregnancy and parenthood. There is very useful chapter on baby and mother massage with very good illustrations and the baby massages work really well!!. It has a handy reference section that I keep on going back to every time I have doubts about what is wrong with my baby and how to deal with it. I recommend this book to any first time mother who wants to know as much as possible about the pregnancy and wants to be well prepared for the arrival of her baby. I had an active birth at home and I have found this book invaluable.

fantastic! The best book for pregnant couples ever!
I first got this book when I was pregnant with my first child, It really helped me through every step of pregnancy. I felt it was so good that I lent it to a friend who became pregnant after I had given birth. I never got it back, as she moved away, and we lost contact, and now that I am pregnant again, I feel lost without it - so I re-ordered it from Amazon - and I will have it by tomorrow thank god!

If you want a book that covers everything you need to know - buy this one, it is the best book for pregnant couples ever!