The Yoga Birth Method: A Step-by-Step Guide for Natural Childbirth

Prenatal yoga teacher, doula, and childbirth educator Guerra has created a natural birthing method using the principles or “eight limbs” of yoga as its underpinnings. She explains techniques to manage attitude, pain, and physical and mental energy. Using safe asana (pose) sequences for each stage of labor, as well as breathing techniques to help manage pain and encourage progression, Guerra guides readers toward an “enlightened” birth that emphasizes connection between mother and baby. Encouraging laboring mothers to get into the “yogini groove,” the author claims her method decreases fear and anxiety, and helps women avoid pain medication by improving pain tolerance. Also included are 40 mantras (one for each week of pregnancy), appropriate asanas for each trimester, and a chapter on partner support (though a partner is not required). Readers also hear from a number of women who have used these techniques. Experienced yoginis will no doubt find Guerra’s enlightened approach easy to follow; the instructions and helpful illustrations also make the technique accessible to women who have never practiced yoga. Yoga practitioners and those seeking to avoid medical intervention and manage labor through natural methods will welcome Guerra’s gentle, natural, and mindful birthing approach. Agent: Jeff Herman, Jeff Herman Agency. (Aug.)