As with many things, if you can take the positive bits and ignore the snark, there’s some really great information and guiding principles in here. In this review, I'd like to share the contents of this book to give an idea to those who are interested in reading it as well. In this book, Siobhan debunks common myths about hypnobirthing and explains why she believes it can make every type of birth a better experience – from a water birth at home to an unplanned caesarean in theatre. Through her teaching she seeks to educate and empower women—and their birth partners—so that they can enjoy amazing and positive birth experiences, however they choose to bring their babies into the world.

Being a first time mum yet to experience labour it’s really help prepare me and put any worries I had at bay. It was very informative behind how the body works during labour and birthing your baby which I found useful to know as I’m now aware of what my body will be doing and why!EVERY birth is so so so different, and the author also does such a wonderful job making space for every one and every choice, from hospital birth to home birth. Siobhan's advice and guidance will change your mindset and enable you to navigate your birth with practical tools that ensure you feel calm and in control throughout.

Siobhan Miller very convincingly argues that this view of childbirth, which we all (men included) soak in from an early age through TV shows and films, gives us a warped idea of childbirth.I loved this book, it's so informative, empowering and just makes you feel so much more relaxed about labour – I am actually looking forward to it now and can't wait to experience this special day. However, it was a bit too ‘zen’ for my liking, and not portraying a good light on all medical staff that have years of experience and know what they’re doing. the problem with this is for a first time mum who has not given birth before, it might set some unrealistic expectations. The author gave an informative account of how to have a mindful pregnancy and be in-charge of your birth. It is somewhat anti medical (again, unrealistic for the majority of births) medical intervention and pain killers are demonised a little which might make first timers feel inadequate if their birth doesn’t end up looking like the ideals put forward in this book.

Essentially, it's a form of antenatal education, an approach to birth that is both evidence-based and logical. After a difficult past labour I was very apprehensive about finding out that I was pregnant just due to the fact that I would have to do it again.Through her teaching she seeks to educate and empower women - and their birth partners - so that they can enjoy amazing and positive birth experiences, however they choose to bring their babies into the world. The word hypnobirthing sounds ridiculous but this book just taught me more about my body and how our bodies are made for birth. Siobhan Miller, mother of three boys, is an experienced hypnobirthing coach and founder of The Positive Birth Company, which aims to empower women and their birth partners to create positive birth experiences.

People can get as crunchy as they want, myself having packed an essential oil to bring to the hospital, but no amount of woowoo affirmations is going to give a newborn baby the Hepatitis B vaccine. Yes, it's our body/our labour etc, and the healthcare system has a duty to give you informed consent, but at the same time we have to put trust in the professionals who've spent years and years training for their job, and have years and years of experience.Really enjoyed the techniques and positivity around labor that I think will be super helpful when the time comes! And then, from that point onwards, whether it's your first baby or your fourth, your life changes forever as you embark on the journey of raising this small person. I don’t know how many times she says to “change the space with electric tea lights” or “listen to a guided meditation or podcast” or how many time she recommends a “quick spritz with an essential oils room spray” but it’s A LOT.