30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rich and nourishing, April 9 2005
By Dr. Sarah J. Buckley "MD, Author of Gentle Bi... - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives: A Holistic Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth (Paperback)
Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives is a deeply nourishing and inspiring book for expectant mothers, their partners and attendants.
Drawing on the centuries-old philosophies of Ayurveda and yoga, Deepak Chopra and his Chopra center colleagues David Simon MD and Vicki Abrams (who runs the Magical Beginnings birth education programme) have created a rich blend of mind-body medicine for pregnancy and childbirth that recognises childbearing as a spiritual, as well as a physical, process.
Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives is both beautifully written and practical, offering excellent information on nutrition (from an Ayurvedic perspective), alternative remedies for pregnancy complaints and a simple pregnancy yoga routine. Chopra and co also emphasize the many benefits of meditation during pregnancy. Throughout, there is a gentle emphasis on slowing down, being mindful and paying attention to our internal signals.
As a family physician, writer on pregnancy birth and mothering, and mother of four (with a large collection of pregnancy and birth books!) I particularly welcomed the chapter for fathers and the advice on changing relationships, which are not often covered. Chopra et al advocate Dr Marshall Rosenberg's nonviolent communication (NVC) techniques which are wonderful tools to enhance conscious communications.
I also relished the philosophy, woven all through this enlightening book, of respect for mother and baby and for the amazing changes that happen over the months of pregnancy and birth.
New insights in mind-body medicine are confirming the traditional wisdom that a mother's mental and emotional state in pregnancy can have long-lasting effects on the well-being of her child. Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives provides the tools and insights to help us all to nourish our babies and ourselves at this important time. As the authors conclude, `The souls of our children are the potential for tomorrow's world.'
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Empowering and connecting...., Oct 12 2005
By Rikkie "Mommy to be...." - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives: A Holistic Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth (Paperback)
This book is exactly what I have been looking for.
It has empowered and inspired me in so many ways.
There are wonderful visualizations and exercises throughout the book which have helped me to connect deeply with my unborn baby and body.
Because of this book I have become much more aware of how my daily stresses affect my unborn baby and have used the suggested exercises to create a more peaceful space inside me. Nothing could make me happier.
I recommend this book to every pregnant woman. The information throughout will help you become more integrated in your mind and body and much more in-tune with your unborn baby.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
I love this book, Nov 24 2005
By andromedarl "andromedarl" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives: A Holistic Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth (Paperback)
This book takes you on a journey to the spiritual side of pregnancy and childbirth. For my second pregnancy the last thing I needed was another book telling me what stage of development my fetus was at. This book takes a look at all the deeper emotional things that are going on.
I recommend this book for everyone, especially second time moms that had a bad experience the first time. It's been pretty helpful for me, facing my fears and helping to make my own informed decisions about my pregnancy and the birth of my baby.