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Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation |  | Authors: Pam England, Rob Horowitz
Publisher: Partera Press
Category: Book
List Price: $19.95
Buy Used: $6.50
as of 11/21/2009 02:53 MST details
You Save: $13.45 (67%)
New (34) Used (74) Collectible (2) from $6.50
Seller: LightningSoCal
Rating:  139 reviews
Sales Rank: 3322
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Pages: 331
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.5
Dimensions (in): 9.9 x 6.8 x 0.8
ISBN: 0965987302
Dewey Decimal Number: 618.24
EAN: 9780965987301
ASIN: 0965987302
Publication Date: July 1, 1998
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
This holistic approach to childbirth examines this profound rite-of-passage not as a medical event, but as an act of self-discovery. Exercises and activities such as journal writing, meditation, and painting are designed to help mothers analyze their thoughts and face their fears during pregnancy. 144 line drawings. 17 photos.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 139
 "Birth Art" isn't all you need... November 4, 2009
Laura Grout
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book is a poor substitute for the several comprehensive, well-outlined and informative books available. The theory of the book is that "self-discovery" and "birth art" is all a woman needs to get her through birth. Husbands are not given the respect they deserve in the birth process, but are considered basically useless as aides to their laboring wives. Birthing From Within® courses will not adequately prepare first-time parents for the births of their babies, based on the content of this book, and its description of class content.
The authors of this book spend a significant portion of the book describing how "birth art" should be used to help an expectant couple discover all they need to know to get them through labor and birth. Several examples of "birth art" are depicted, with positive and negative connotations and commentary. Birth art may have its place as a therapeutic tool, but I believe most mainstream, first-time parents would be turned off by many of the suggestions made in the book. I certainly disagree with the assertion in the book that birth art will teach a woman everything she needs to know to get through labor and birth.
The book asserts that self-discovery is what is needed to prepare for childbirth, not learning basic obstetric information. I believe education can go a long way in preventing and overcoming fear, which can prevent unnecessary pain and assist in working through pain. Fear of the unknown can cause more pain. Knowing what is happening in your body will help you to work with your body rather than against it.
The concept of a husband as a coach is completely dismissed and ridiculed in this book because it is completely misunderstood. The image of a husband barking orders to his laboring wife is not the reality of Bradley Method® trained husband-coaches, but that is what the book depicts. Dr. Robert Bradley's (co-founder of The American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®) instruction to husband-coaches was to do their best in preparing themselves and their wives for labor by helping the wife to eat carefully, get proper exercise, practice relaxation exercises, practice massage techniques, and plan for a supportive birth environment and attendants. During labor, husband-coaches are instructed to help the wives relax, give massage, give them pep-talks when the going gets rough, and especially to help her tap into the sexuality of birth. Dr. Bradley asserted that no one could do that last part better than a husband.
Birthing From Within® states that pain is inevitable in childbirth. This is contrary to what some women report. To tell a woman to expect pain, without explaining that it is pain with a purpose, and probably unlike any other type of pain a woman will experience in her life, really sets her up to expect the worst. Childbirth is intense, and some women have been able to experience it without pain, however most women do feel pain. The missing part of the statement that, "pain is inevitable," is that childbirth can also be an incredibly enjoyable experience, as many natural (drug-free) childbirth mothers will testify.
I agree with the book's statement, "Childbirth is a profound rite of passage." It's not like having your wisdom teeth removed, or having gall bladder surgery. The experience of childbirth is one that shapes how a woman views her femininity, how strong she is, and develops or destroys her confidence in her body. However, the authors talk about "birthing-in-awareness" and "birthing from within" as goals that a woman should have, without really ever offering an explanation of what that means. The authors state that a woman giving birth by cesarean can still "birth from within." There are women who really do need interventions such as cesarean section (about 7% of the birthing population, or less). However, I think it is a disservice to women to try and make them feel good about being violated by an unnecessary surgical birth. About 25% to 30% of pregnant women in America are having their babies by cesarean section.
The book discusses when the "compassionate use of drugs" is appropriate and desirable. I think the way the discussion is presented might interfere with the confidence that a woman needs to get through birth. It seems to mislead an expectant couple into believing that they probably won't be able to give birth naturally.
The course content of a Birthing From Within® course is indeterminate. The philosophy of Birthing From Within® is that the needs and differences of the expectant couples will determine the course content. While some tailoring of a class to the needs of the couples is desirable, it seems as though anything could be taught in a Birthing From Within® class and still be acceptable. While it is important to tailor childbirth classes to the needs of expectant couples, consumers of this method of childbirth preparation really won't know what they are getting when they sign up for this method of childbirth classes.
When compared with The Bradley Method® of Childbirth, this book and method pales in comparison. Bradley® gives concrete, usable information. You get real techniques to cope with pain. Couples are taught to believe in their body and that most women can give birth without interference or medical assistance. Adequate attention is given to nutrition and exercise. Husbands and wives are encouraged to work together. Husbands are encouraged to actively participate rather than just observing. There are class goals, such as healthy low-risk pregnancy and natural birth. A class syllabus is available to view online anytime by visiting www.bradleybirth.com .
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Laura Grout, AAHCC, is an independent affiliated Bradley Method®educator and doula with the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth, wife, and mother of eight children (nine babies, first one was given up for adoption). She and her husband, Lonny, teach childbirth classes at their home in Sand Hollow, ID and at One Life Chiropractic in Caldwell, ID. Free introductory classes are offered monthly. Visit [...] for more information.
 Enlightening and empowering September 3, 2009
Rechele R. Hoffman (Sarasota, Florida)
I find this book to be incredibly empowering in preparing for labor and delivery. It digs deep into issues and fears you may have. I think it's an essential read for anyone wanting the best birth experience one can have.
 Birthing from within September 1, 2009
Lynn M. Laurence (Wyandotte, Mi USA)
This book was a great book to read. I did feel it could have been better organized as far as the chapters go but over all it was good.
 Weird Birthing Book June 18, 2009
W. Hanson
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
Very "new age" hippy-like birthing book. Had some useful information, but had to filter through the preachy, biased, and over-the-top spiritual and artistic junk to get anything out of it. Skimmed 150 pages, read about 15 pages, and am ready to "retire" this book.
 Best Prenatal Prep book June 15, 2009
Karina L. Ray (Renton, WA USA)
Birthing from Within is not only an "extra-ordinary guide to childbirth preparation" it is one of the few books that includes prenatal art therapy exercises. As an Art Therapist I was skeptical due to the fact that England is not a trained art therapist, but aside from that, she has tapped the power of art in her birth art exercises. Art-making accesses the unconscious material of the mind and pregnancy evokes deep-seated emotions so it stands to reason that birth-art exercises can access deeper emotions than simply talking. I have relished each page of England's book and highly recommend it to any pregnant woman, or for trained art therapists to add to their repetoire of exercises to help clients prenatally prepare for the naturally awesome experience of childbirth.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 139
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