The Calm Birth Method: The Practical Guide for Modern Mamas to Create a Calm, Positive Hypnobirth

by Suzy Ashworth

The Calm Birth Method is the book for modern mamas-to-be looking to create a calm and positive birth experience. Offering a direct and no-nonsense approach to birth preparation, this book is designed to give mothers, fathers, birth partners and everyone involved, confidence in the birth process. Hypnobirthing expert Suzy Ashworth explores the physiology and psychology of the mind and body during pregnancy and birth, and shares tools and techniques to help women work with the physiology of the birthing body rather than against it. 

This book explores:

Why women are fearful of giving birth and how to eliminate these fears during pregnancy Practical tools and techniques promoting deep relaxation and mindfulness  How to unify birth partners and care providers, to ensure the birthing environment is stress-free and has the most conducive set up for a calm and relaxing birth Breathing techniques and visualizations to help with the sensations of birth

Birth is a natural and normal event and, while it can be unpredictable, this book will show how women can make it a gentle and enjoyable experience, and a positively memorable first step into motherhood.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Audiobook

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 4, 2017

Reviews

[Thea | (unapologetic_bibliosmia) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good accompaniment to some Hypnobirthing classes I paid for. As part of the price, my teacher gave each couple a copy of this book to reiterate the methods taught in the class. I think it was good to be able to recap the methods learned, and the breathing techniques, positivity mantras etc, but I'm not sure I would have learned as much/equipped myself as much with just this book alone.

I love the principle though of forgetting and clocking out all the negative ideas and images of birth that the media sells us, and creating a space to plan and create your very own positive birth plan. I really will use all of the breathing techniques, and I'm so grateful for learning what my body is going to do in labour and why it's happening.. I think this is really useful to know and understand so that panic and fear doesn't set in.

I'm the type of person who needs to know exactly why and what everything is that's happening and I do really feel like I understand labour and the various stages and why they happen etc now and that can only be a good thing.

I'm ready!!!

[Annie Bruza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite birth book. It's not perfect, but it's extremely practical. In my experience, the advice works. I read this for the first time before the birth of my second child and revisited parts of it with my third, but I figured it was time for a full rereading as I prepare for the birth of my fourth. One of my favorite things about this book is that it sounds fully self-aware of how cheesy some of the techniques sound. As I read it and found myself questioning some of the advice, the book often addressed my skepticism and asked for my trust even if it sounded a little kooky. For example, the idea of having a kind of "happy place" I go to in my mind during contractions sounded very weird at first and felt weird even as I practiced it throughout my pregnancy. However, being able to "escape" during labor to a calm environment that I had grown extremely familiar with was one of the most helpful tools I had access to. I don't think I would have done it if it wasn't for the acknowledgment that it sounded crazy. I'm so grateful that there is a book that promotes natural childbirth that also has a tone that remains on planet Earth.

[Emily Horvath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread: Second pregnancy reread. Still my favorite birth book.

After reading a couple birth books this is my favorite. It focuses on empowering you for any type of birth and experience that might come your way and this was a breath of fresh air after other books. It focuses on how there isn't one right way and that you can remain centered and calm no matter what journey your birth takes.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

EDIT: I have no given birth and can confirm that what I felt was certainly not “pressure” 🙃

I feel like I’ll take away some info from this book, especially the breathing techniques. However, I feel like a lot of this book was kind of toxic positivity?? My preferred method with things is being realistic. And trying to call what you will feel during labour “pressure” and not “pain” just made me feel like things were being under played, and again just toxic positivity.
I’m saying this when I haven’t given birth yet so who knows, and think this may work better for the right person

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Calm Birth Method is based on the Monslay method. The Calm Birth Method is a newly developed method (whilst the Monslay technique has been around for over 25 years). The Calm Birth method discusses the importance of visualization and being as relaxed as possible. It discusses that births can be enjoyable and that the media portrays a negative image of what births are like. The method uses techniques such as focusing on your breath. The author also suggests to write your ideal birth scenario in past tense with a focus on how you felt. Also, it is important to use positive affirmations (in present tense) such as: "I am surrounding myself with positive birth stories, I am doing daily breathing exercises, I am creating an amazing and positive birth, and I am imaging my positive birth with feeling". Suzy Ashworth also discusses having a birth plan in place. There are chapters dedicated on the role of a support person andwhat labour can be. Suzy also suggests preparing as much as possible before the birth (e.g., looking into a lactation consultant). I read this book through audible books.

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating is kind of arbitrary and only reflects that what different people would find helpful going into labor certainly varies. I found this book tremendously helpful and am so glad I listened to it around 30 weeks. It’s about ‘hypnobirthing’ which I would argue is poorly named, and instead I’d call this book ‘how to use basic visualization and meditation techniques as well as positive affirmations to get excited for and successfully navigate your birth experience.’ Ashworth does a good job of pointing out how negatively the media portrays birth: awful, painful, lots of screaming, women yelling commands at staff and partners. There are a variety of real stories sprinkled in from women who have had all sorts of experiences. These made it clearer what kinds of choices you might have to make and what changes to your vision of the big day you should be prepared to navigate and accept. Also, there were several very easy, practical breathing and visualization techniques shared. Highly recommend.

[Areej Kiwan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hypnosis is not magic.. it is about bringing you back to nature.. your instinctive power, away from misleading extreme birthing scenes in movies!
By the end of reading, I feel that Suzy has equipped me with understanding, calmness, confidence and other needed kits for my 'own' birth experience ..
At the beginning of reading this book, I was annoyed feeling that the book was more like a publicity for the online calm birth school, but with continuing reading till the end I can say Suzy is offering the whole knowledge in different styles whether book, online course or mp3s, and you choose.
I recommend this book to parents to be, both moms and dads or whomever be a birth partner.. Thanks Suzy! Looking forward my birth experience to tell..

[Ali Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not given birth yet and although I was unsure about the whole hypnobirthing thing and some parts do not sound like something I will do. It has allowed me to come up with some of my own ideas to keep me calm during the process. I also liked that there was no judgement made about how you have to do birth a certain way as everyone is different.

In a couple of months I will be able to see if this book helped me get through the birthing journey.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great natural birthing book I would recommend to any mom wanting a natural birth experience.

[Shannon Monroe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book insofar as it introduced and provided some practical guidance for hypnobirthing. However, I was put off by the book's (and author's) constant reinforcement of brand. The technique of Hypnobirthing, or the Mongan Method, was exclusively referred to as "The Calm Birth Method" or "TCBM," the author's own brand and company. Every interview with a mother who had used the method was pulled from those mothers who had used "TCBM" and had a positive experience, and therefore a positive review of the author's company. This was an unbalanced approach and made me distrustful of the book's content, even though I admit that it's light tone was pleasant and approachable. Having now read Marie Mongan's book (updated in 2015 as the 4th edition), I can identify this offshoot as less helpful and more derivative.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a friend and at first, I was extremely skeptical - but it did in fact change my mind on how birth can go, which I'll count as a win. I felt a bit traumatized and scared after the hospital birth class, and this book turned that around. It helped me feel really prepared for birth (which hasn't happened yet, so I can't confirm the results) and helped me educate my birth partner on what I expect from him. It is definitely geared towards natural birth, but it felt WAY less judgemental than other natural birth resources, was based on science, and I do think the principles apply to every type of birth you may have or may want to have. I'm glad I listened to it in my third trimester.

[seffron holroyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little conflicted.

I am not sure how to feel about this book. It seems a little airy fairy, but I am willing to give the exercises and suggestions a shot and see for myself. It did give me some comfort and confidence for some reason that I am not feeling scared of the labor process, even though I have been through it five times and know what to expect.
The breathing exercises are a bit hard to do though when you have the normal pregnancy stuffy nose though.
I loved the birth stories in the book .
It was a good simple read all in all.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book! I guess I can’t give a full review until baby is in the world, but this book made me feel super empowered and prepared for my birthing journey! Some parts of the book I know are not for me, but the parts that are are were wonderful! I actually have noticed I’ve been using many of the breathing exercises already just for stressful situations! I also loved that it has a website to download all the tools mentioned in the book!

[Vicky Liu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly concise introduction to the principles of hypnobirthing. I admit the "hypnobirth" terminology has always made me skeptical of this approach, but Ashworth does a good job of explaining that most of the ideas are backed by science, anatomy and psychology. I would have liked more of a practice guide but there really isn't that much to do. There are 3 breathing exercises and if you want to listen to affirmations, you can find videos on YouTube.

[Rebekah Macmichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book I’ve read so far about child birth and preparation. I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical about the whole hypno-birthing thing, but honestly I’m so excited about it now. The book approaches all of the kinds of birth situations and how to be prepared/have the most positive outcome not just unmedicated home births. I felt like the research was well shown and after reading it I feel much more relaxed and prepared going into this birth! 10/10 recommend for every pregnant couple!

[Lisa Petronio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would classify this as more strategic than tactical in its nature, but it’s very much aligned with the mindset that I want to have approaching birth. I appreciated that it seems to be written (in my opinion) with the idea that these breathing techniques can be used in a spectrum of birthing experiences, especially if the unexpected occurs.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several pregnancy / childbirth books already so I didn't learn a TON of new information from this book.

However, compared to Hypnobirthing, I liked that the breathing techniques were laid out more simply and tactically.

Would recommend this to anyone wanting to equip themselves for a natural birthing experience!

[Sabrina Constans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this expecting a woowoo situation and there are some elements of that, but overall I enjoyed the tone of this and the information and techniques seem like they'll be genuinely useful for delivery.

**The edition I read did not use inclusive language for birthing parents, but I understand this has been corrected in the revised edition.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of encouraging stories and tips for keeping yourself calm during labor. Highly recommend for expecting moms, even if you aren't going for a hypno birth. This book teaches you how to remove the panic the labor can bring.

[Rachel Madzima · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful reminders and tips for labor.

[Jonas Stephan Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good day all is well please this is i faith a great book through a nativity a person live the life thanks so much god bless proper have it good.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for preparing for labor and delivery. I used some of these techniques in births of my first 3 children and it’s a good refresher as I prepare for my next baby.

[Rachael Reid Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it really really good book reading it for the second time now so many helpful tips in a totally un bias way :)

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved that all Birth stories are good Birth stories in here! I was inspired to take in person classes after reading this and had a Calm (& easy) natural birth!! Highly recommend!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tool for preparing for labor and delivery.

[Genna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me feel much more comfortable with the whole birthing experience in general. The breathing techniques also helped me deal with the anxiety I was experiencing throughout my pregnancy

[LinaMaria Corrigan]

I feel ready now

[Lonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for expecting moms, especially first time moms. I felt the methods in this book to very practical and was comforting when you don’t know what to expect during childbirth.

[Cosmo and Wanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's alright.

[Sasha Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt like there was advertising in every chapter. That completely took me out of the moment every time. Disappointing.