Mindfulness in the Birth Sphere: Practice for Pre-conception to the Critical 1000 Days and Beyond

Mindfulness in the Birth Sphere critically examines the emerging research around mindfulness in healthcare, focusing on its relevance to pregnancy and childbirth. It explores mindfulness through neuroscience, indigenous worldview, and research methods, and develops it for practice with women and babies across childbirth. The book also explores mindfulness as a tool for birth practitioners and educators, promoting self-care, resilience, and compassion.

Format: Hardback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Mindfulness in the Birth Sphere is a comprehensive and critical exploration of the emerging research surrounding mindfulness in healthcare, with a particular focus on its relevance to pregnancy and childbirth. The book is divided into three parts, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of mindfulness.

Part 1: Investigating Mindfulness
In this section, the book delves into the phenomena of mindfulness through discussions of neuroscience, indigenous worldviews, and research methods. It aims to provide a deeper understanding of the concept of mindfulness and its potential applications in the birth sphere.

Chapter 1: Neuroscience and Mindfulness
Chapter 1 explores the neurological mechanisms underlying mindfulness and its impact on the brain. It discusses the role of mindfulness practices in promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing cognitive function. The chapter also highlights the scientific evidence supporting the benefits of mindfulness for pregnant women and their babies.

Chapter 2: Indigenous Worldviews and Mindfulness
Chapter 2 explores the indigenous perspectives on mindfulness and childbirth. It discusses the traditional practices and beliefs that have been passed down through generations and their relevance in modern healthcare settings. The chapter also highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect in implementing mindfulness practices.

Chapter 3: Research Methods and Mindfulness
Chapter 3 discusses the various research methods used to study mindfulness in pregnancy and childbirth. It explores the strengths and limitations of different research designs, such as randomized controlled trials, qualitative studies, and case studies. The chapter also provides practical advice for researchers interested in conducting mindfulness research in this field.

Part 2: Developing Mindfulness for Practice
In this section, the book aims to develop the concept of mindfulness for use in practice with women and babies across the continuum of childbirth. It includes chapters on various aspects of childbirth, such as birth environments, intrapartum care, mental health, fertility, breastfeeding, and parenting.

Chapter 4: Birth Environments and Mindfulness
Chapter 4 discusses the importance of creating a supportive and mindful birth environment for women and their babies. It explores the role of birth attendants, such as midwives, doulas, and doctors, in promoting mindfulness and reducing stress during childbirth. The chapter also provides practical advice for birth practitioners on how to create a safe and nurturing birth environment.

Chapter 5: Intrapartum Care and Mindfulness
Chapter 5 focuses on mindfulness practices during intrapartum care. It discusses the benefits of mindfulness for women during labor and delivery, such as reducing pain and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and enhancing communication with healthcare providers. The chapter also provides practical advice for midwives and doulas on how to incorporate mindfulness into their practice.

Chapter 6: Mental Health and Mindfulness
Chapter 6 explores the relationship between mindfulness and mental health during pregnancy and childbirth. It discusses the impact of stress, anxiety, and depression on women's physical and emotional well-being and the role of mindfulness in managing these conditions. The chapter also provides practical advice for women on how to cultivate mindfulness and reduce stress.

Chapter 7: Fertility and Mindfulness
Chapter 7 discusses the role of mindfulness in promoting fertility and reproductive health. It explores the impact of stress and anxiety on fertility and the benefits of mindfulness practices in improving fertility outcomes. The chapter also provides practical advice for women on how to incorporate mindfulness into their reproductive health journey.

Chapter 8: Breastfeeding and Mindfulness
Chapter 8 focuses on mindfulness practices during breastfeeding. It discusses the benefits of mindfulness for mothers and their babies, such as reducing stress, improving milk production, and enhancing bonding. The chapter also provides practical advice for mothers on how to incorporate mindfulness into their breastfeeding routine.

Chapter 9: Parenting and Mindfulness
Chapter 9 explores the role of mindfulness in parenting and child development. It discusses the benefits of mindfulness for parents, such as reducing stress, improving communication, and promoting emotional regulation. The chapter also provides practical advice for parents on how to cultivate mindfulness in their daily lives.

Part 3: Exploring Mindfulness as a Tool for Birth Practitioners and Educators
In this section, the book explores mindfulness as a tool for birth practitioners and educators, promoting self-care, resilience, and compassion.

Chapter 10: Self-Care for Birth Practitioners
Chapter 10 discusses the importance of self-care for birth practitioners, such as midwives, doulas, and doctors. It explores the impact of stress and burnout on practitioners and the benefits of mindfulness practices in promoting self-care and resilience. The chapter also provides practical advice for practitioners on how to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routines.

Chapter 11: Resilience and Compassion in Birth Practice
Chapter 11 explores the role of resilience and compassion in birth practice. It discusses the challenges and stressors that birth practitioners may face and the importance of cultivating resilience and compassion to provide optimal care for women and their babies. The chapter also provides practical advice for practitioners on how to develop resilience and compassion in their practice.

Chapter 12: Mindfulness in Education and Training
Chapter 12 discusses the role of mindfulness in education and training for birth practitioners. It explores the benefits of mindfulness training for practitioners in improving their skills, knowledge, and understanding of mindfulness in pregnancy and childbirth. The chapter also provides practical advice for educators on how to incorporate mindfulness into their teaching

In conclusion, Mindfulness in the Birth Sphere 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. The book provides a comprehensive and critical exploration of the emerging research surrounding mindfulness in healthcare, with a particular focus on its relevance to pregnancy and childbirth. By integrating neuroscience, indigenous worldviews, and research methods, the book offers a deep understanding of the concept of mindfulness and its potential applications in the birth sphere

The book is divided into three parts, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of mindfulness. Part 1: Investigating Mindfulness explores the phenomena of mindfulness through discussions of neuroscience, indigenous worldviews, and research methods. Chapter 1 delves into the neurological mechanisms underlying mindfulness and its impact on the brain, highlighting the role of mindfulness practices in promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing cognitive function. Chapter 2 explores the indigenous perspectives on mindfulness and childbirth, discussing the traditional practices and beliefs that have been passed down through generations and their relevance in modern healthcare settings. Chapter 3 discusses the various research methods used to study mindfulness in pregnancy and childbirth, providing practical advice for researchers interested in conducting mindfulness research in this field.

Part 2: Developing Mindfulness for Practice focuses on developing the concept of mindfulness for use in practice with women and babies across the continuum of childbirth. Chapter 4 discusses the importance of creating a supportive and mindful birth environment for women and their babies, emphasizing the role of birth attendants such as midwives, doulas, and doctors in promoting mindfulness and reducing stress during childbirth. Chapter 5 focuses on mindfulness practices during intrapartum care, discussing the benefits of mindfulness for women during labor and delivery, such as reducing pain and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and enhancing communication with healthcare providers. Chapter 6 explores the relationship between mindfulness and mental health during pregnancy and childbirth, discussing the impact of stress, anxiety, and depression on women's physical and emotional well-being and the role of mindfulness in managing these conditions. Chapter 7 discusses the role of mindfulness in promoting fertility and reproductive health, highlighting the impact of stress and anxiety on fertility and the benefits of mindfulness practices in improving fertility outcomes. Chapter 8 focuses on mindfulness practices during breastfeeding, discussing the benefits of mindfulness for mothers and their babies, such as reducing stress, improving milk production, and enhancing bonding. Chapter 9 explores the role of mindfulness in parenting and child development, discussing the benefits of mindfulness for parents, such as reducing stress, improving communication, and promoting emotional regulation.

Part 3: Exploring Mindfulness as a Tool for Birth Practitioners and Educators explores mindfulness as a tool for birth practitioners and educators, promoting self-care, resilience, and compassion. Chapter 10 discusses the importance of self-care for birth practitioners, such as midwives, doulas, and doctors, exploring the impact of stress and burnout on practitioners and the benefits of mindfulness practices in promoting self-care and resilience. Chapter 11 explores the role of resilience and compassion in birth practice, discussing the challenges and stressors that birth practitioners may face and the importance of cultivating resilience and compassion to provide optimal care for women and their babies. Chapter 12 discusses the role of mindfulness in education and training for birth practitioners, exploring the benefits of mindfulness training for practitioners in improving their skills, knowledge, and understanding of mindfulness in pregnancy and childbirth.

In conclusion, Mindfulness in the Birth Sphere 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. The book provides a comprehensive and critical exploration of the emerging research surrounding mindfulness in healthcare, with a particular focus on its relevance to pregnancy and childbirth. By integrating neuroscience, indigenous worldviews, and research methods, the book offers a deep understanding of the concept of mindfulness and its potential applications in the birth sphere. The book is divided into three parts, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of mindfulness. Part 1: Investigating Mindfulness explores the phenomena of mindfulness through discussions of neuroscience, indigenous worldviews, and research methods. Chapter 1 delves into the neurological mechanisms underlying mindfulness and its impact on the brain, highlighting the role of mindfulness practices in promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing cognitive function. Chapter 2 explores the indigenous perspectives on mindfulness and childbirth, discussing the traditional practices and beliefs that have been passed down through generations and their relevance in modern healthcare settings. Chapter 3 discusses the various research methods used to study mindfulness in pregnancy and childbirth, providing practical advice for researchers interested in conducting mindfulness research in this field.

Part 2: Developing Mindfulness for Practice focuses on developing the concept of mindfulness for use in practice with women and babies across the continuum of childbirth. Chapter 4 discusses the importance of creating a supportive and mindful birth environment for women and their babies, emphasizing the role of birth attendants such as midwives, doulas, and doctors in promoting mindfulness and reducing stress during childbirth. Chapter 5 focuses on mindfulness practices during intrapartum care, discussing the benefits of mindfulness for women during labor and delivery, such as reducing pain and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and enhancing communication with healthcare providers. Chapter 6 explores the relationship between mindfulness and mental health during pregnancy and childbirth, discussing the impact of stress, anxiety, and depression on women's physical and emotional well-being and the role of mindfulness in managing these conditions. Chapter 7 discusses the role of mindfulness in promoting fertility and reproductive health, highlighting the impact of stress and anxiety on fertility and the benefits of mindfulness practices in improving fertility outcomes. Chapter 8 focuses on mindfulness practices during breastfeeding, discussing the benefits of mindfulness for mothers and their babies, such as reducing stress, improving milk production, and enhancing bonding. Chapter 9 explores the role of mindfulness in parenting and child development, discussing the benefits of mindfulness for parents, such as reducing stress, improving communication, and promoting emotional regulation.

Part 3: Exploring Mindfulness as a Tool for Birth Practitioners and Educators explores mindfulness as a tool for birth practitioners and educators, promoting self-care, resilience, and compassion. Chapter 10 discusses the importance of self-care for birth practitioners, such as midwives, doulas, and doctors, exploring the impact of stress and burnout on practitioners and the benefits of mindfulness practices in promoting self-care and resilience. Chapter 11 explores the role of resilience and compassion in birth practice, discussing the challenges and stressors that birth practitioners may face and the importance of cultivating resilience and compassion to provide optimal care for women and their babies. Chapter 12 discusses the role of mindfulness in education and training for birth practitioners, exploring the benefits of mindfulness training for practitioners in improving their skills, knowledge, and understanding of mindfulness in pregnancy and childbirth.

Weight: 740g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367760366