Mindful Birthing is a
beautifully written description of the Mindfulness-Based Childbirth
and Parenting (MBCP) program. Mindfulness is an ancient meditation
practice that teaches the experience of the moment and suspension of
judgement. This program takes the attitudes of mindfulness practice-
beginning mind, non-judging, patience, non-striving, trust,
acknowledgment, letting be, and kindness- and works them into the
process of preparing for birth, giving birth, and handling the highs
and lows of parenting. While there is some discussion of the
mechanics of birth, the pain and fear surrounding birth, and the
realities of the high-tech obstetrical experience most American women
will experience, Ms. Bardacke goes above and beyond and gets to the
heart of the matter- teaching skills that benefit parents long past
those hours of labor and the birth of their child. The true beauty of
this program is the transformation from where a mother and her
partner are during the pregnancy into a self-awareness that helps
them cope and grow beyond the birth.
For mothers-to-be, this is a book that
can help you and your partner through pregnancy and beyond. Exercises
for learning mindfulness and how to use mindfulness during labor and
birth are clearly explained and practice guidelines are given. There
are also examples of how mindfulness helps as you parent your new
baby and grow as a couple and family.
For doulas, childbirth instructors, and
care-providers, this book offers a look at techniques that can help
mothers and support people we work with. Many techniques will seem
familiar- breathing, walking, relaxation- but seen through a mindful
awareness.
“Your labor will be as
unique as you are in this moment...”
“These attuned moments
of interaction between you and your baby and between your baby and
intimate others are forming her or his neurological pathways,
pathways that develop their capacity to form strong bonds, tell them
that people can be trusted and that the world is basically a safe-
and pretty interesting- place. Its part of setting a tone for their
entire lives.”
To learn more, visit Nancy Bardacke's website.
