After having given birth to my first child naturally I wanted to read this book because I felt as though I naturally brought myself into a state of hypnosis to manage pain. I can't say that I've ever been hypnotized or would care to be, but this book is more about using the power of your mind to manage a complete state of relaxation throughout birth and better manage any fears or pain that you might be experiencing. While the idea is to have a completely pain-free birth, I feel that there can be circumstances outside your control in a hospital setting that may interfere with your ability to have the perfect pain-free birth, which is apparently the goal (however lofty). However, I agree with many of the ideas and techniques in this book and hope to use them in my upcoming labor.

I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to have a natural birth. Though I hadn't read it before my first, I feel that I used similar techniques to manage pain. I also feel that giving birth naturally will empower you throughout the rest of your life. I often say to myself in a tough situation, "I gave birth without any pain medication. I can do this." It is an achievement that I will never regret. I am a total advocate of natural births and water births after my experience, but I do feel that you must have the right environment, including your psychological environment to be successful. This book will help guide you (with great relaxation techniques, exercises, birthing positions, and more) toward your ultimate goal of giving birth to a healthy, unmediated, alert baby. A baby that will look you in the eye and have a complete connection from the moment he or she emerges. It's a beautiful experience.