Hypnobirthing Paperback – March 7, 2019

This book is a phenomenal read! Whether you are planning on doing a natural labor or not, I still think it has great techniques that will be used throughout life, not just birth; such as practicing calming down, lowering heart rate and managing pain.

The only thing I didn’t know before starting this book is Siobhan is from the UK and there are some things that don’t relate exactly to the United States. I had to look up a couple things because I’d never heard of them. But don’t let that keep you from the wonderful knowledge that is this book. It’s chuck full of valuable information. She even includes affirmations, relaxation scripts, and a detailed example of a birth plan. I am impressed that she accounts in her book for plan B and acknowledges that having a plan for things we don’t expect can empower us even more. The book flows well. I found myself not wanting to stop reading. I’ve had 2 babies and 27 weeks with #3. I learned some things about my first 2 deliveries that I wish I would have known. I’m very excited this time to feel like I have more knowledge and thus more control. This book has made me want to do this thing right now. It’s so encouraging and uplifting.

I highly recommend this book to any woman who is pregnant and wants tools to help with preparing to give birth. I spent my whole life being terrified of giving birth and once i become pregnant i really wanted to conquer that fear. I knew there had to be another way of bringing life into this world other then just going into a hospital blindly trusting the system, relying heavily on an epidural and not knowing what the heck was going to happen to me.This book taught me so much about my body, laboring and birth. Learning how to work with my body and not against it. That childbirth is a beautiful and natural gift that woman have that we can embrace. We don’t have to be terrified of it!I also loved how she was super open to whatever you wanted to do for your birth whether go natural or have epidural, she really just took the time to educate you.I ended up having an induction at 38 weeks due to complications with my baby and this book gave me the courage to go into my induction ready to relax and work with my body. I ended up having a very positive induction, my body started to contract on its own (i fully believe this is because of hypnobirthing breathing and relaxation tips) and i labored to 10 cms all on my own. From the beginning of my induction to when i pushed my baby out was only 12 hours. Which is really amazing for an induction!Again i credit this to hypnobirthing and all the tips this book had about embracing birth and working with your body. And of course full credit goes to the Lord Jesus Christ who gave me the grace to endure my birth!!

As a 38 yr old woman having my first child, I knew I wanted the medical comforts of a hospital birth, but wanted to do it as naturally as possible. I've heard a lot of these types of books really shame anyone who does anything but a homebirth, so I wanted to choose carefully. I can say I'm about 1/3 of the way through the book and know I made the right choice. The author is so non judgemental, fun, real, explores all different options and encourages an open mind because really- we can plan all we want but sometimes the universe has a different plan and medical intervention is needed. She covers techniques to apply to our everyday stressful modern living and my blood pressure has actually gone down since implementing some of the techniques. Such a great read, I highly recommend for others who want a natural and beautiful birth but understand that home birth isnt always the safest option for every women.

I highly recommend this book for learning the facts around birthing in order to advocate for yourself during your pregnancy and labor. It’s honest, straight forward without. It helped me to make informed decisions during birth.

Great book to read before giving birth. The mindset techniques in this book really help.

Super easy to read, a tad repetitive but probably good for learning and making sure the lessons stick. Feeling calm and prepared for labor. <3

Really liked this book! I’m pregnant and about to be a first-time mom, so I’ve done a lot of research and reading. I’ve also taken courses through my hospital, read “what to expect” and “ina may’s guide to childbirth” and while it’s all been helpful, if I could only pick one of then it would be this book. It’s got the science, the “toolkit” and instructions on how to employ which tools at which stages of labor, and gives great advice on advocating for yourself and ensuring you are making informed decisions. Partners would also benefit from reading - mine likely won’t get through the whole book so I circled the chapters I think are most important from his perspective. Definitely recommend.