Mindful Birthing by Nancy Bardacke, CNM: A Book Review

Walking through the bookstore- one of my favorite places to be- I happened on a bright yellow birth preparation book that I had never seen before. Prominently displayed in the front of the store, the book's cheerful cover beckoned. A quick examination of the back cover and the table of contents piqued my interest even further. As a birth advocate and doula, as well as slight familiarity with the practice of mindfulness, I was doubly curious to explore this unique text.

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.