Dreambirth: Transforming the Journey of Childbirth Through Imagery

This title is based on Shainberg's seven years of working with health-care professionals in developing imagery exercises that can be used by women during all stages of pregnancy. Comprised of four sections, the book moves from preconception to welcoming the new baby into the family. The imagery exercises within each chapter are usually introduced with explanations of corresponding situations. They are mostly less than a page in length, focusing the reader through imagery and breathing. Some of the exercises are for both parents or just the father. The epilog includes stories about situations in which the imagery exercises worked. Appendixes contain imagery exercises for dealing with certain circumstances such as surgical procedures, medical tests, and premature contractions and a list of all the exercises by chapter. While most of the book provides reassurance to the mother and encourages connection with the baby, the author acknowledges that the exercises' effectiveness is based more on circumstantial evidence than formal clinical trials.