Practical and well writtenFebruary 15, 2001 34 out of 35 found this review helpful
Having had four children of her own, Balaskas is the person to go to to find out about active birth. You know the information she gives you has been tried and tested, by her! What I found most useful about this book were the yoga postures which she sets out that help during pregnancy and birth. I used them myself and they made a big difference to me. The pictures were easy to follow and I enjoyed it because it allowed me to practice in the privacy of my own home. Something quite important when you're the size of a small basking shark!
Informative and balancedApril 29, 2000 29 out of 29 found this review helpful
The book builds up a case for active birth very well. It avoids unresearched comments about "conventional" births so that its arguments for active birth stand on their own with no need to critsise or condemn other methods.
It offers information, support and intelligent advice and guidance - something I have found lacking elsewhere. It has given me the confidence to proceed with the home birth of my third child and is an excellent way to inform your birth helpers as to what you want to achieve.
The appraoch makes sense physically as well as emotionally and makes its points quietly and without sensational claims for it being the only way. This I respect and therefore accept the concept more readily.
Finally, it is refreshing to read a book around birth that clearly considers its readers to be able to make their own minds up based on good facts and well laid out information.
