A Holistic Guide To Embracing Pregnancy, Childbirth, And Motherhood

by Karen N. Salt

The newly pregnant woman faces a multitude of changes in her mind, life, and body, some of which are addressed by traditional medical care but many of which are not. In this holistic guide, the expectant mother will find warm and reassuring advice that will help her stay calm, focused, and energized during this exciting time and beyond.Rather than treat the arrival of a baby as strictly a one-moment-in-time medical event, author Karen Salt provides advice and wisdom to "treat" the whole woman-her emotions and her physical changes-and covers the entire year-long experience of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Salt's holistic approach unveils for mothers-to-be the backbone of the doula role-to provide support, information, advocacy, and facilitation to women during pregnancy, labor, and early motherhood-and teaches her the many ways to use the doula philosophy to nurture herself through the process. From meditation and relaxation exercises, to fitness and nutrition advice to tips for achieving "positive energy living," this comprehensive guide puts mothers in control of their pregnancy, their birthing experience, and their approach to this wonderful and life-altering time.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 27, 2002

Reviews

[Tess]

3.5

[Stephie]

Skip This One...

I read the ebook version of this book, which literally went from chapters 1, 2, and 3 (and 3 again) to chapter 7, so maybe my opinion would be different, if I had the missing chapters, but this was definitely one of the more boring and basic books on pregnancy that I have read.

[Sarah]

This book suffered from being read concurrently with The Birth Partner, which is much more comprehensive (and much longer)and had been updated more recently. This book pays attention to mental, emotional, and physical aspects of pregnancy and birth, including some nice relaxation exercises and helpful suggestions for dealing with different aspects of both pregnancy and birth. I think it would be more appreciated by a first-time mother early in her pregnancy/childbirth reading.

[Rachel Maxwell]

This was a little too hippie dippy new agey even for me.

[Shilo Quetchenbach]

Some really great advice on having a natural pregnancy and childbirth - and some good meditation and relaxation tricks and tips.

[Tracy]

Quick and easy read. It is a try at having a "holistic" experience no matter what your circumstances. Some good ideas, but not my favorite read.

[Rachel]

I read this book to help write some assignments in my Doula training. Excellent information for the pregnant mamma!!!