In our latest newsletter, we discuss the difference between right-brained and left-brained ways of knowing and being. Birth is primarily a right-brained process though our Western culture feeds us instructions in a left-brained way.  (If you would like to know more and are not part of our newsletter list, please email me at danette@awakenyourbirthpower.com and I will add you to our newsletter list and forward this newsletter.)

In what way did you prepare for birth or birth in your instinctive right-brained ways?  How can we help first time mothers and first time pregnant mums access this innate knowledge?

Danette 5 Jan 2010

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A wonderfully outspoken childbirth educator from Texas has posted a great review of our book on her site (see below!)  Here’s the link to her great site:  http://www.banned-from-baby-showers.blogspot.com/

I recently came upon a book titled “25 Ways To Awaken Your Birth Power” and love it. Love it for several reasons. First off, the artwork is beautiful and inspiring. So much so that I ordered one of the prints for my Bradley bathroom that my students use. The quote is mine.

The book comes with a CD of all 25 exercises, read in a soothing Australian accent with pleasant music in the background. Your partner can read it or you can use the CD. I would recommend both.

I love the name of the book. The word “awaken” is what strikes a cord with me. All women have this instinct to give birth, to breastfeed their babies, to nurture their young. Most women, however, do not even know their capabilities. Fear of birth surrounds us in all that we see and hear. Some women know they can give birth naturally, but most, I believe, need to awaken their birth power.

And how about the words “birth power” — that’s what it is — power. Power from her body, of course, but even more, power from her mind, her heart, her baby, her partner, her doula, her midwife. She becomes more powerful than she ever thought possible during the act of birthing her baby. This power carries her through everything that comes afterward in her life. She will reflect upon the things that she learns about herself during birth throughout her lifetime. Her power and the power that birth gave to her.

If you would like more info on how you can order your own copy, check out www.awakenyourbirthpower.com. Enjoy.

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Stephanie and I wanted to offer a special New Year’s gift to women, babies and their families.  So we are offering $100 off our February Birth Power Retreat Weekend.  The weekend is $400 plus $200 for accommodation at St. Clement’s Retreat Centre.  We hope you and your baby can join us for this very special weekend.  Please call us on 02-63833553 or 02-62277844 or visit the link on our website under Products & Services if you would like to find out more.

“I think every woman should find a way to attend one of the Birth Power workshops.”  Caroline, midwife

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Dear Danette & Stephanie,

Expressing gratitude is a very important part of my everyday life, so I am writing this letter to you to express gratitude to you both for your awesome book.  I not only want to thank you but to let you know just how transforming reading your book was for me.

With the birth of my second child fast approahing I began to become quite fearful of the impending birth, simply because I knew what I was in for this time around!  Even though the birth of my first son, Eden, just 20 months before, was truly magical and so empowering (Eden was born at home after a very straightforward 3.5 hour labour) it was still painful (of course) and as I talked with my midwives and husband about this next birth, my memories particularly with regards to the pain experienced, were triggered and the fear began to set in.

I came across an advertisement for your book while reading the Wellness magazine and was immediately struck by the absolutely beautiful artwork.  After reading the advertisement I thought that this might just be what I needed to help me address my fears…and well what can I say it certainly was…it rocked my world!!!

‘25 Ways to Awaken Your Birth Power’ enabled me to do just that and to completely turn my fear and negative thoughts around.  I became inspired and excited and my fears just melted away.  I read your book everyday for the last four weeks of my pregnancy and I picked out a handful of affirmations that particularly resonated with me, wrote these out and read them several times throughout the days leading up to the birth.  They were also part of my birthing preparations on the day with my husband having them ready for me if I requested them.

As Eden was a very nice sized baby (9.5 lbs - 4.2 kgs.) and with my due date having been and gone, and not to mention just how enormous I was, it was no surprise that my midwife confirmed that we would be expecting a large baby.  I prepared myself for a 10 lb. baby.  With your help I was feeling confident in my abilities to successfully birth a 10 lb. baby at home as planned.

At 6:30pm on 8th June (nine days after my due date) I went into labour.  Throughout my labour I went over and over the affirmations I had memorised (and include done of my own ‘this pain is bliss’ inspired by your book!) and after just four hours our beautiful (not so) little boy Harry was born at the bottom of our bed at home.  It was truly magical.  Harry weighed in at a whopping 11lbs 5 oz or 5.1 kgs!

I was blown away- how did I birth such a huge baby, at home with no intervention and with absolutely no injury (I woke up the next morning feelings so awesome and not believing that I had just had a baby!).  Your beautiful book had a significant influence on me being able to do this and I thank you both so much.

I have given your book to all my pregnant friends as well as telling my story to (hopefully) inspire pregnant women to show them that they are amazing, that their bodies are incredible and that they can birth babies (no matter how big!!).

Thank you Danette and Stephanie, your books and your work to inspire and empower women is truly awesome and so admirable.

Kindest regards,  Terri Scott

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Birth can be challenging and frightening, but it can also be one of the most powerful and deeply fulfilling experiences of your life.

You DO have everything you need within you to meet the challenges of birth and to feel satisfied and empowered. We give you the tools to realize this yourself.

Give yourself and your baby the gift of this positive, inspirational weekend.  What could be more important?

Includes accommodation and all meals and activities from Friday night to Sunday afternoon.

2008:
July 25-27
October 24-26

2009:
February 13-15
May 29-31
August 21-23
October 30-Nov 1

Register Here or call 02-63833553

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