Karen Salt Reviews

Added November 27, 2002

A Holistic Guide to Embracing Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood

Author: Karen Salt
Publisher: Perseus Publishing
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: December 2002
Genre: Non-Fiction: Health/Pregnancy
Format: Paperback
Price: $15.95
ISBN: 1-55561-282-2
Reviewer: Cyndi Witkus

When I was given the chance to read and review this book, a couple of my friends laughed at me considering that I'm all done with being pregnant and having babies. However, I knew of Karen Salt from one of the online writing sites that I'm a member of. I also believe in taking holistic approaches to things in our life. So I read Karen's book with interest as I do have friends who want to have children.

A Holistic Guide to Embracing Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood is a book I wished for when I was younger and getting pregnant with my kids. It's sage advice from a doula. A doula is an advocate for the woman and her family from the beginnings of pregnancy through childbirth and early post-partum time frame. Within these pages are words of love, encouragement and the joy of this process of life-giving. Karen has a wonderful way with making the reader feel at ease with the entire pregnancy issues.

I really enjoyed some of the suggestions she encourages pregnant women to do as their pregnancies progress. From using relaxation techniques to help the mother-to-be to relax and touch with her unborn child to keeping a journal of thoughts and feelings, you truly can see how doulas are there to help a woman enjoy the entire process. I found the relaxation techniques recommended work well for those of us who are parents and need time to recenter ourselves and de-stress.

Karen covers a wide range of topics in an upbeat and caring manner. She speaks on eating healthy as well as encouraging a positive spirit for the mother. The recommendations on how to keep a positive spirit daily are something mothers can use long after they've given birth. Her suggestions of positive things to do, think on, say, and live are truly things we all should keep in mind. As she points out in her book that women have a tendency to do for others and neglect themselves. By teaching them how to renew their positive energy, they make positive changes for themselves and positive things happen.

Since I remember the horrors and joys of giving birth to my children, it was great to see Karen touch on the different options for families in deciding where the delivery will take place as well as who will be there at the childbirth. She gives examples of how deliveries can go in each setting from hospital, birth center, and homebirths. She encourages the parents to have a birth philosophy on how the things done at childbirth will provide a foundation to build on for the entire family. Karen deftly goes over labor and delivery and has a chapter dedicated to pain relief by medications and natural methods. Her explanations of the process of childbirth were factual and reassuring at each stage. Her words are like a warm embrace holding, guiding, and comforting the woman as she gives birth to her child. She also gives practical tips on preparing for this chapter of becoming a parent.

Now that you're the parent to this miniature creature that eats, cries, and does its business in a diaper, and sleeps so much, what happens next? Part three of the book has got to be my favorite. She goes over the early days of your post-partum period. She brings up the concerns of first time parents, especially the fears of the mother. She acknowledges sometimes they're irrational fears, but gives them voice so no new mother feels she's alone in feeling that way. Karen reassures and provides books for reference as well as some great advice on adjusting to being a parent. From time management tips, to balancing your mental energy and getting to know your changed body, Karen shows you how to enjoy parenthood and more.

Throughout the book, this doula encourages active participation of the father as well. Karen touches on the spiritual connection parents share with their newborns. The celebration of the little things, like a smile or a response to your voice, helps you feel bonded to your child. This book considers all aspects of what a mother goes through from physical, mental, and spiritual. The clear, easy to understand explanations of the physical aspects make a person feel more at ease with the entire process. The techniques and ideas to help keep mental and spiritual balance are something that can be used well after childbirth. When you've begun trying various ideas, you'll find that a weight lifts from your shoulders and you don't feel so pulled in one or more directions.

I can't say enough wonderful things about this book. I really can't. From the listing of resources in the back through the well thought out, holistic approach to one of the most fulfilling and change filled moments of a woman's life as well as her mate's, this book guides you step by step. It's like having your own personal doula there holding your hand. I highly recommend this book for any woman wanting to have children, currently pregnant, or thinking about becoming pregnant again. I wish I had this book to help me when I was pregnant with my kids. If you know someone who's pregnant, give them the gift of this book. It'll be something they will thank you for far into the future.

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