Main description:

Mindfulness in the Birth Sphere draws together and critically appraises a raft of emerging research around mindfulness in healthcare, looking especially at its relevance to pregnancy and childbirth.

Divided into three parts, this reflective book:

* Investigates the phenomena of mindfulness through discussions of neuroscience, an indigenous worldview and research methods.

* Develops the concept of mindfulness for use in practice with women/and babies across the continuum of childbirth. It includes chapters on birth environments, intrapartum care, mental health, fertility, breastfeeding and parenting among others.

* Explores mindfulness as a tool for birth practitioners and educators, promoting self-care, resilience and compassion.

Each chapter discusses specific research, evidence and experiences of mindfulness, including practical advice and an example of a mindfulness practice.

This is an essential read for all those interested in mindfulness in connection to pregnancy and childbirth, including midwives, doulas, doctors and birth activists, whether involved in practice, research or education.

Contents:

1.Introduction: Let Judgements Roll By, Sit Comfortably, and Notice the Breath. 2.The Mindful Practitoner. 3.Mindfulness and Compassionate Midwifery in Childbirth Trauma. 4.Mindfulness and the Birth Sphere: A Maori Perspective. 5.Mindful Inquiry in the Current Crises of Lifeworlds and Deathworlds. 6.Fertility and Mindfulness. 7.Mindfulness in Childbirth Preparation: Accentuating the Psycho-Spiritual-Physiological Connections. 8.Disrupting the Status Quo to Create the Mindful Birth Space - Spaces That 'Sing'! 9.Bringing Presence to the Intrapartum Experience. 10.Paradigm of Pain in the Birthsphere. 11.Breastfeeding: The Ultimate Mindful Practice? 12.The Value of Mindfulness in the NICU. 13.Being Mindful about Mindfulness and Perinatal Mental Health- Evidence, Critique and New Directions. 14.Mindful Responding in a Crisis. 15.Embracing Mindfulness in Midwifery Education. 16.Nurturing Humanity in Midwifery: Compassionate, Mindful Leadership. 17.The Final Gong: Being a Mindful Practitioner.