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

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.

Lorna Davies is a midwife, a mother and a grandmother, and is currently employed as an Associate Professor at Otago Polytechnic/Te Pukenga in Dunedin. Her PhD explored midwives' understanding of and attitudes towards the broad concept of sustainability within the context of midwifery practice. Her main research interest areas are sustainability in midwifery and healthcare, self-sustainability, inter-professional education and midwifery workforce issues.

Susan Crowther is currently a Professor of Midwifery at AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand. Her research interests are concerned with psycho-social, cultural and spiritual health around childbirth, rural maternity services and sustainable practice as well as a keen interest in meditative practices to enhance well-being and connection. Susan is on the review and editorial boards of a number of peer-reviewed journals and a member of the ICM research standing committee.