– Birth can be scary. Prior to the global pandemic in 2020, it was estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women in the United States had a fear of childbirth so strong that it impacted their daily functioning. That number rose to 62 percent during the pandemic.
That’s why childbirth psychology expert Samantha Vaive, Ph.D., published a new book, MIND-BODY, BIRTH, a research-based, easy-to-understand and inclusive guide designed to help pregnant women achieve their best birth. Birth doesn’t have to be something women suffer through just to get to the good part—birth can be the good part.
In this book, readers will learn how to move beyond the fear of childbirth, allowing them to have a joyful birth experience that they are excited about.
“This glorious, beautiful thing we have literally been doing since the dawn of humans was crushing people around me,” says Vaive. “Birth should not be devastating.”
MIND-BODY, BIRTH breaks down what actually makes childbirth painful (it’s not what people think) and offers strategies to reduce that pain. Readers will learn the barriers that get in the way of an awesome birth experience.
The book also explores traditional and non-traditional ways to enhance the birth journey and improve outcomes for women and their babies. The book guides readers through activities, and journaling prompts them to deepen their understanding while exploring the path to their best birth.
Vaive is founder of Sound Birthing LLC and creator of the Mind-Body, Birth approach. Her doctoral research explored improving the childbirth experience and birth outcomes. She is passionate about making anxiety-free childbirth accessible to everyone. She holds a master’s in social work from the University of Denver and a postgraduate certificate in sex therapy and sexual health education from the University of Michigan. Additionally, she has completed over 500 hours of Yoga teacher training and is a certified sound therapist.
“This book will give you the tools you need to take control and birth better,” says Vaive.
As the book comes to an end, readers will use these activities to build their personal birth toolkit—a comprehensive resource that will guide them toward a joyful birth.
Whether this is a person’s first time giving birth or they are looking to improve upon past experiences, MIND-BODY, BIRTH equips them with the knowledge and confidence to feel prepared and excited about their upcoming birth.
“This book is here to support you,” says Vaive. “To help you have your best birth. Not to tell you how you should be.”
Learn more by visiting the author’s website at www.sound-birthing.com.
