"This book presents information in an empowering, confident, open and honest way. Written from the eclectic experiences of Gabrielle who has worked as a doula and independent childbirth educator for eight years. As mother of three children all naturally birthed in the water Gabrielle has a wealth of experience and knowledge which she shares in this unique book.

The information is beautifully intertwined with stories from the heart, backed up by factual information and quotes from other authors who write about childbirth education. The likes of Ina May Gaskin, Spiritual Midwifery and Dr Grantly Dick-Read, Childbirth Without Fear.

A Labour of Love is a non-medical approach to childbirth that emphasises empowering and asserting confidence in women and their partners. Each and every chapter has something to offer, to assist in acknowledging just what is necessary when preparing for a natural birth. It also assists de-mystifies and questions the fear surrounding birth today.

This book covers so many issues that are often overlooked as being of importance when preparing for a natural birth. Considering the main points addressed in this book are actually ‘The Fundamental Ideas’ and ‘Information’ based on factual information which all women/couples should be aware of prior to giving birth and experiencing a natural labour and birth.

There’s a reason they call childbirth ‘labour’ - and not, say, ‘sport and recreation’. Giving birth is the hardest and most humbling work a woman will ever do. It is also, par excellence, the most loving. Gabrielle Targett’s wonderful book approaches the challenge of childbirth from both ends (as it were) – coupling practical advice with an inspiring and joyful vision. For any woman who aspires to be present at her own childbirth – in body, mind and spirit – I cannot recommend it highly enough."

~ Susan Maushart
Author of The Mask of Motherhood

Why is this book is different to other books written about childbirth?

This book is unique because a woman who has no medical training or background has written it in 'lay terms'. Her knowledge and understanding has come from attending many births in hospitals throughout Western Australia. It provides an open honest account of natural birth and shows women how they can create the type of natural birth experience that she really wants.

This book empowers a woman to really believe in her body and herself, so that she may move forward through her pregnancy feeling strong and excited about her birth prospects rather than anxious and fearful.

Gabrielle also covers issues about pregnancy exercise for physical preparation and deep guided meditation Hypno Birthingâ for mental preparation both being equally as important during the birthing experience. Gabrielle has focused on the journey of labour and childbirth with emphasis on just what is possible in any birthing situation, home, hospital or birthing centre.

Gabrielle’s extensive knowledge has been drawn from her own experiences of having three very positive births and then her attendance at many positive natural births as a professional birth assistant.

Table of Contents

introduction page 13

1. in the beginning — where my journey began
page 17

2. the journey begins — my own birth stories
page 23

3. how does a woman prepare for a positive birth experience?
page 39

4. the big picture — an overview page 45

5. planning for the big day. it is never too early to plan ahead! page 55

6.a special birthing issue — siblings at a birth, is it really suitable? page 63

7. the importance of being physically fit page 67

8. some special pregnancy issues page 79

9. understanding the power of pregnancy and labour hormones page 87

10. what women need to be aware of when choosing to use an opiate pain-relief page 99

11 avoiding the Fear–Tension–Pain syndrome page 109

12 understanding your uterus page 109

13 changing the birthing room to suit your needs and progress your labour page 113

14 so what are the benefits of having a natural childbirth? page 117

15. natural pain relief methods page 121

16. HypnoBirthing® — what is it? page 129

17. choosing and educating your birth support people page 133

18. choosing the right care provider for you page 139

19. EDD — estimated date of delivery — give or take two weeks page 145

20. the inevitable birth–day has come at last, so what do you do when labour starts? page 153

21. established labour means you are really on your labour journey page 165

22. the perineum — how to stretch it, look after it and avoid an episiotomy or tear page 183

23. the arrival of your cherub page 189

24. breastfeeding — the nectar from the gods page 197

25. birth stories page 211

26. estelle’s epilogue page 257

27. recommended reading page 259

bibliography page 261

index page 263

Purpose of this book

The nine-month period of pregnancy is a sacred time of growth and self-analysis both internally and externally.

It is a time to readjust and accept the life force within; a time of growing knowledge and acceptance of the birth journey, of a changing body, mind and spirit.

It is a time of celebration for the new journey and beautiful birth ahead of new life, with no place for self doubt and fear.

I have written this book to help women to look forward in a positive way as they grow their baby within.

I want women to really ask themselves, what type of birth do I want for my baby and my body and be open to the wonderfully positive aspects of pregnancy and birth.

Emphasis has been placed on:

• Empowering women by getting them to look deep within
• Dealing with the emotional aspects of childbirth
• Looking at the psychological aspect of birth
• Describes the physical aspects of birth in a way that de-mystifies the fear of birth
• The book questions why there is so much fear around birth today?