Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives: A Holistic Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth

A much-needed antidote to our modern, assembly-line approach to childbirth, this new book is designed as a guide for all who wish to participate in the wondrous process of bringing new life into the world. Its ideas derive from two sources: the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, with its emphasis on body, mind, and spirit, and the latest Western scientific prenatal research. By integrating the best information from these two very different perspectives, this remarkable book gives readers the tools to ensure that our children are nourished by thoughts, words, and actions from the very moment of conception.

Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives is rich in practical information, including strategies to help enliven the body intelligence of unborn babies by nourishing each of their five senses, as well as through Ayurvedically balanced nutrition and eating with awareness. Specific yoga poses and meditation techniques reduce the mother’s stress and improve the infant’s emotional environment, as do tips for conscious communication with a partner. Exercises prepare parents for the experience of childbirth itself, followed by natural approaches to dealing with the first weeks of parenting, from healing herbs to enhancing your milk supply to coping with postpartum depression.

Inspiring, expansive, and remarkably informative, this unique book from acclaimed experts in mind-body medicine will profoundly enhance the experience of pregnancy and birth for both parents and baby.

Deepak Chopra's many books have become international bestsellers and classic texts of health and spirituality. Dr. Chopra is founder of the Chopra Center for Well Being in Carlsbad, California.

David Simon, M.D., is the cofounder and medical director of the Chopra Center, and one of the nation’s foremost authorities on holistic health care. He is the author of Vital Energy and Return to Wholeness.

Vicki Abrams, C.C.E., I.B.L.C., is the director of the childbirth and yoga programs at the Chopra Center. She is an international board-certified lactation consultant, childbirth educator, doula, and yoga instructor.