Book Review: 25 Ways to Awaken Your Birth Power

25 Ways to Awaken Your Birth Power
By Danette Watson and Stephanie Corkhill Hyles
Watson & Corkhill Hyles, 2004
Hardcover, Book & CD Set, $24.95.
ISBN: 0-646-44337-2
www.awakenyourbirthpower.com

Reviewed by Molly Remer, MSW, ICCE
http://talkbirth.wordpress.com

“If you have heard enough birth ‘war stories,’ advice, and medical information… If you are beginning to doubt yourself and to feel confused and worried about giving birth… It is time to focus on something simple, positive and inspirational. It is time to come back to center and listen to your own inner wisdom. It is time to Awaken your Birth Power.”

I was experiencing my third pregnancy when I received the book and CD set 25 Ways to Awaken Your Birth Power and was able to read and listen as both a consumer and a reviewer. I found both the book and CD very nurturing, enriching, and affirming. The book is a collection of 25 short breathing meditations each accompanied by a beautiful (and whimsical) drawing. The final section of the book contains brief sections exploring the body-mind connection, “what actually happens when you awaken your birth power,” a chart of characteristics awakening power and those that block power, and specific suggestions for how to use each of the 25 meditations in the book.

The enclosed CD has 3 tracks–the first is called “awaken your birth power for pregnancy” and consists of the relevant meditations from the book read aloud. The woman reading has a pleasant, soothing voice with a slight Australian accent. The second track on the CD is “awaken your birth power for labour and birth” and consists of 48 minutes of the relevant meditations from the book read aloud. The third track is an abbreviated almost 8-minute guided meditation. The CD would be perfect to listen to while in labor.

With its gentle illustrations and relaxing words, 25 Ways to Awaken Your Birth Power is a nurturing, confidence-inspiring, birth-power-enhancing, reflective, time-out for use during pregnancy or birth.

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Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.