I loved this book! I am a first time mom who just had a wonderul home birth and this book was one of the things that helped me. The ideas that visualizations can help you; that you may need to face emotional/sexual issues before going in to the birth; and that your body knows how to birth; were all great. I highly recommend this book.

My midwife actually recommended this book, but I was very dissapointed with it. I found that the information was dated and some of the thoughts were rediculous. I was raised in a family of "long haired hippies" and even I found this book to be way over the top. Carl Jones has obviously never given birth himself but is full of opinions about the pleasurable and borderline orgasmic experience that it can be. Give me a break! Labor is gonna hurt regardless of how many pretty flowers you invision and just because a baby comes out of the same place a woman has intercourse does not mean they are similar experiences for the woman. Take my advise and get Easing Labor Pain by Adrienne Lieberman. It gives great tips on visualization and relaxation techniques for a natural childbirth and she explains the entire birthing process in a realistic way.

I love this book. It totally reminded me how to clam and relax myself, and not be a freaked out anxiety ball. I will let you know if it's still my favorite after the baby is born! :)

I think this book really helped with making the birth of my child turn out to be a great experience for me. I was set on not having an epidural. I was able to deliver my baby within five hours at the hospital without an epidural, with the help of some things I learned from book along with other things. I would say if you want to deliver without pain medication use this book along with other methods that will make you feel comfortable and relaxed.

I found this book to be helpful in some ways, but the obvious bias against hospitals/doctors was a little annoying. I would say if you're looking for some relaxation techniques, you'll probably enjoy this book, but my advice would be to look for something with a little more open-mindedness.