Visualize a Positive Birth Experience

Now that I am rounding the corner into my sixth month, giving birth to our baby boy is something that is becoming a large reality in the forefront of my mind. It is very important to both Matt and I that this experience of having first breath is something that is positive, organic and beautiful for our baby boy and family. Not know anything but the stories of pain, it was my goal to learn about women's experiences of positive childbirth. Women who felt victorious and walked away without regret, trauma or emotional scars. I've been blessed with loving friends who have told me of their experiences, which were positive... thank you Ben & Liz. So with that in mind, I've been reading to gain new perspective on childbirth. The first book I picked up was The Birth Partner, by Penny Simkin. I found this book all on my own at Powell's and feel like it's by the grace of God I chose it. This book focuses on relaxation and partnership throughout labor, and birth. It explains in fine detail the process my body should go through to naturally give birth. As the title describes, it trains two or more people how to support a woman who is giving birth, without the use of medication or epidurals. The Birth Partner trains both Mother and Coach on the art of managing pain. This book is not void of medical terminology and still offers the idea of childbirth under medical supervision as a proper choice. The second book is the Husband Coached Childbirth, by Robert A. Bradley, M.D. This book was kindly given to us by Ben & Liz and it piggy-backs on the Birth Parter. Matt and I have glanced through the book, but have yet to read it front to back. It is my understanding that the Bradley Method actively involves the husband in the birth of the child (which I find encouraging). It speaks to the man in the relationship about how a woman's body should react to birth and how he, as the husband, can be most effective during this process. I am really looking forward to reading this one. Hypnobirthing, by Marie F. Mongan, M.Ed., M.Hy is an excellent read! My kind friend and co-worker Beth gave me this book and prior to opening it, I had never heard of Hypnobirthing. Don't let the name fool you! This read focuses on maximum relaxation, breathing techniques, and painless childbirth. By far, it is the most organic and wholesome form of childbirth I've yet to visualize. The only catch, I don't know if it really works. This book is convincing. It conveys the idea that your child can be born without trauma, medical intervention (under the right circumstances), and pain. Is that possible!? The above three books are my main focus right now. I have plenty of literature and other books to look into... but these three have been most signifigant in shaping my mental image of how my labor and delivery will span out. The most important thing, a positive and drama-free delivery! If you have books or articles you think will be encouraging, please share! I need all the shaping and motivation I can get. I hope this note encourages you also.