The Harvard Common Press

Active Birth
The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally
By Janet Balaskas
Active Birth

In London in the 1970s, Janet Balaskas led a movement of women who refused to give birth lying down.  She has been teaching women about “active birth” ever since.  In this updated and Americanized guide, Balaskas explains how to prepare for and experience a truly natural birth.  She leads the pregnant woman through yoga-based stretching exercises and massage practice, and describes the stages of labor and comfortable positions for each, at home or in a hospital.  Balaskas has also included a chapter on water birth as well as postpartum exercises. 

Book Details

  • Paperback, $14.95
    ISBN 978-1-55832-038-3
  • Total Pages: 286 pg.
  • Trim Size: 6x9

Awards

One of Lamaze International’s Top Ten Recommended Books

From the Press Room

 

Praise

An empowering approach to labor and birth.”
-Barbara Katz Rothman, author of In Labor and Recreating Motherhood

“A revolutionary book, helping women to get off their backs and ‘find their feet’ in birthing.”
-Rahima Baldwin, founder of Informed Homebirth and author of Special Delivery