*This give away is now closed. Congratulations to Marnie – please check your email to arrange delivery of the book.*
Labyrinth of Birth: A Map, Meditations and Rituals for Your Childbearing Year is written by Pam England, who is also the author of Birthing From Within. It is a beautifully presented book, filled with illustrations and inspiration. The premise of the book is that the symbol of the labyrinth is also the perfect symbol for a woman’s inner-journey through the childbearing year, and especially during labor.
Through the book you learn about childbirth labyrinths from other cultures, rituals and meditations they you can use to reduce stress during pregnancy and labour. The whole concept of Labyrinth of Birth was a new one to me, but it was one that I could understand:
Once you enter a labyrinth, the continuous, winding, twisting-and-turning pathway eventually leads you to the center and out again. The same thing happens once your water breaks or contractions begin; there is nothing you need to plan in order to walk, one contraction at a time, to the center where you meet your baby, and then find your way out of the postpartum labyrinth.
And it is the inclusion of the postpartum experience that I find so appealing about this book. So many books about childbirth, spend little time looking at how a mother may feel and act once her baby is born.
After reaching the center of your laborinth, after giving birth, your journey is not yet over. You cannot stay cocooned in the Center forever, and you cannot cross lines to get out quickly……..On paper, exiting a labyrinth is smooth sailing; but living through postpartum rarely is. It is especially difficult for present-day mothers because we don’t have many wise elders or rituals to guide us on our way back.
In the chapter on Birth Story Labyrinth, England takes you step by step through this labyrinth process so that you can really listen to your own birth story.
Lucky for Australians, Pam will be in the country in September running birthing mentor and doula workshops in both Sydney and Melbourne. Dates are listed below, but see the website for full details.
The Art of Childbirth Mentoring – Sydney
- September 18, 19 & 20, 2010
- Facilitated by Pam England and Virginia Bobro
- 21.5 contact hours (This workshop has been approved by the Australian College of Midwives for 20 MidPLUS points)
The Art of Childbirth Mentoring – Melbourne :
- September 23, 24 & 25, 2010
- Facilitated by Pam England and Virginia Bobro
- 21.5 contact hours (This workshop has been approved by the Australian College of Midwives for 20 MidPLUS points)
Give Away!
As there will be no more childbearing years for me, I would like to give away this copy to someone who be able to use it and enhance their childbirth experience. To enter the give away, simple leave a comment to let me know you are interested. The give away will be open until 12pm AEST on Friday 17th September. Only one entry per person. The winner will be drawn randomly and be notified via email only, so make sure you enter a valid email address. Good luck! [Edit: Apologies I should have stated that this is for Australian residents only.]
The Details – Labyrinth of Birth
Published: 2010
Format: Softcover
RRP: $13.95 via the Birthing From Within website.
ISBN-978-1-61623-037-1
Publisher: Birthing From Within Books
Origin: America
Category: Pregnancy and Child Birth
Planning With Kids received Labyrinth of Birth: A Map, Meditations and Rituals for Your Childbearing Year courtesy of the author.