Preparing for a Gentle Birth: The Pelvis in Pregnancy

by Blandine Calais-Germain, Nuria Vives Pares

An illustrated hands-on guide to the dynamics of the female pelvis for expectant mothers, midwives, and birth professionals

• Provides fully illustrated exercises to help the expectant mother prepare her pelvis for birth and gain confidence in her body’s innate ability to birth her child

• Details the anatomical intricacies of the female pelvis and its capabilities for expansion and return to its original form

• Presents movements and positions to ease discomfort, enhance the productivity of contractions, aid the internal expansion of the pelvis, and prevent and treat issues that may arise such as “failure to progress”

The dynamic power of the female pelvis is the key to a gentle birth. Throughout pregnancy, hormones soften the ligaments and joints of the pelvis in preparation for labor, a time when the four bones of the pelvis--the two ilia (hip bones), the coccyx (tailbone), and the sacrum--do their intimate dance of release, rotation, and counter-rotation around the soon-to-be newborn.

In this hands-on guide based on 15 years of research and workshops in maternity wards, movement teachers and health professionals Blandine Calais-Germain and Núria Vives Parés detail the anatomical intricacies of the female pelvis and its capabilities for expansion and return to its original form. Providing fully illustrated exercises to help the expectant mother prepare for this pelvic transformation and gain confidence in her body’s innate ability to birth her child, they also present a variety of movements and positions for use during the different stages of labor to ease discomfort, enhance the productivity of contractions, aid the internal expansion of the pelvis, and prevent and treat issues that may arise such as “failure to progress.” Ideal for the expectant mother and her birthing partner, this book will be a welcome addition to the library of every midwife, obstetrician, doula, and movement professional who teaches pregnant women.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published July 18, 2012

Reviews

[Katieloowho · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Doula here) A little overwhelming with all the scientific terms, but incredibly useful and worth my time to bully through. I was especially interested in the last 2 chapters which really broadened my understand as hip squeezes, counter pressure and birthing positions!

[Lexi Zuo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very detailed teaching on the structures of the pelvis and the way they work in labor. Highly recommend for ALL doulas, L&D nurses, midwives and OBs!

Bonus… beautiful illustrations throughout!! 💗

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lesser-known work of Calais-Germain's (famous in Pilates circles for her Anatomy of Movement). This was helpful for preparation for labor. Her illustrations are just amazing!

[Ali]

Very technical

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit, I merely skimmed the first six chapters and focused primarily on the final two, which discuss the application of all the science of the earlier portions when it comes to actual motions and positions used during labor and delivery to move baby along through the birth canal. If I were at an earlier stage of pregnancy than "hey, these contractions seem to be more consistent today," I likely would have dedicated more time to the earlier portions of the book. I highly recommend it to midwives and doulas, though, as I think it would be very beneficial information for helping mothers try different positions during labor. <3

[Jalice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and easy to use. This book was uniquely detailed enough in anatomy to be an excellent reference for doulas, midwives, and other medical practitioners. Yet it was still accessible and helpful for first time moms like myself. I like that it was designed for skipping around and that the illustrations and instructions were so clear that I could literally feel the flexibility of my pelvis by experimenting at home.
Well done and refreshingly free of fluffy, parenting magazine style condescension.

[Angela Jacobsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting information, but a little difficult to get through if you aren't familiar with anatomy