In an "active birth" a mother moves about freely, finds comfortable positions for labour and delivery, and seldom needs drugs or obstetrical interventions.  In Active Birth, Janet Balaskas teaches mothers to develop all of their bodily resources for giving birth, to follow their own instincts, and to take full control of the childbirth experience.  Active Birth includes:

• Fully-illustrated exercises for a comfortable, energetic pregnancy
• Massage for pregnancy and labour
• Ways to create the ideal setting for an active birth in the hospital or at home
• Positions for labour and birth, for maximum comfort and efficient contractions
• The latest information about water birth, and how to plan one
• Exercises for recovery and relaxation after the birth
• Helpful tips for partners and birth attendants

Waterbirth is an all-natural, gentle, pain-reducing, fulfilling and empowering birthing method, in which mother and infant start out their new life together in a relaxing and deeply familiar environment: warm water.  But is it safe?  How does water reduce the pain?  And is it really more beneficial to your baby?

In this complete guide to waterbirth, a yoga instructor and mother of six "water babies" relates her own experiences in the tub while providing the important information that every parent needs to understand, prepare for and undertake waterbirthing:

• The basics of natural birth
• How water immersionn promotes the feeling of well-being while reducing pain
• Exercises designed to relax and strengthen the mother
• How  to create the ideal birthing environment
• Practical advice for breast-feeding, baby massage and more

In addition, Choosing Waterbirth contains a complete prenatal yoga program with exercises and breathing and relaxation techniques designed to prepare the mother for an easier labour and delivery.  More than 80 photos, including some of the author giving birth in water, bring the experience vividly to life.

If you are interested in creating a loving, positive, empowering and fulfilling birth experience, Choosing Waterbirth will provide you with all the information, practical guidance and insight you'll ever need.