Meditations to Support a Healthy Pregnancy & Successful Childbirth - Powerful, Inspiring Guided Imagery for Carrying a Baby through Labor & Delivery

Bellruth's voice is deep and nicely soothing, but the CDs are not quite as advertised. The second CD on childbirth had no affirmations, just music playing, and this was really frustrating because I mainly bought these CDs for the childbirth affirmations! One of them also did talk about biology a lot and mentioned miscarriage a few times - not helpful!! Also, the CD for guided imagery during childbirth is nice - talking about the child surrounded and guided by ancestors, etc - but did NOT discuss getting through childbirth at all! These are just okay CDs, but will need to buy others, so really a waste of money....Update: I found a great meditation on iTunes: Bree Taylor Molyneaux - she is so lovely and is very positive and comforting! Really so much better.

I liked the meditation over all. Her soothing voice helped my anxiety but I have 2 complaints. One is on the first disc she mentions miscarriage and your body getting rid of baby. I was really enjoying it and relaxing and this was so jarring and upsetting to me. I have had a miscarriage and Do NOT want to hear something like this. I decided to just wait till closer to labor and try 2nd disc. This one was good too but it ends saying something about if there is problem with baby where you need to get assistance and then sounds like it is skipping and just abruptly skips to the music which is the 3rd track. I immediately downloaded the cds to computer to upload to phone so there shouldn’t have been any problem with the cd. At least caused by me. I wouldn’t bother buying again for these reasons.

Belleruth's series is a wonderful set of tools that I highly recommend. I remember how much I appreciated it when my therapist gave me a set of these tapes because I was having so much trouble relaxing and learning to meditate. I used to spend my time worrying about how I wasen't relaxed enough! I found this particular series to be very accessible and pleasant. Belleruth's voice has a kind and maternal tone that lulls you easily into a meditative state. As a psychologist, I believe that relaxation and mediation can have strong impact on our health, but I am often turned off by whats out there for people to use. I like this series because the imagery is not too directive (for example, she dosen't direct the listener towards specific tasks like trying to smell the ocean or laying on a cloud etc.). The pregnancy imagery is so nice, and really helpful when youre feeling tired, stressed, and uncomfortable, which is a lot of the time when youre pregnant. I think this series is great for professional mental health therapists and would make a nice gift for preganant moms and partners.

I first ran onto Belleruth Naparstek guided imagery at the library several years ago looking for something for my mom in the hospital with heart problems. Her voice is easy and soothing. She usually gives just the right amount of guidance to at the same time lead you and let you customize the relaxation to your needs. Having listened to several of her series, this is the first that I thought was just a little weird. Her references are specific and graphic, at one point referencing your cervix. Other than that, it really is great and relaxing. Even my husband looked forward to listening each night, often falling asleep a few minutes in!

I loved this guided meditation when I was pregnant. My husband and I listened to it at night and it usually put us both to sleep. The imagery is really positive and easy to imagine. She has a confident, assuring voice. There's two different meditations so you can switch over to the childbirth one when you get closer to your due date. I give a copy to all my pregnant friends, I really think it helps clear the way for healthy pregnancy and easy birth.

I used these guided meditations leading up to the birth of my first baby and during labor. I will definitely use them again if I have any more children! I can't tell you how helpful I found them, and I am 100% sure they helped me mentally prepare for a natural childbirth. The regular deep breathing and relaxation and focusing on my baby leading up to the birth no doubt helped me to physically prepare as well. I'm seriously considering buying additional healthjourneys CDs. Loved it!(I didn't personally use the affirmations, but that's only because I do not find I like affirmations very much. I occasionally listened to it when cleaning or driving.)

I started to listen to this CD in the last month of my pregnancy. (every night) I alternated between this CD and Blissful Birth by Glenn Harrold. During labor I was just relaxing. Yes, that is correct...relaxing...my epidural was going strong and I was leveled at 5 cm. with no progress for 4 hours. I decided to pop in this CD. Within 5 minutes, my contractions were going wild, the nurse came flying in to check my charts. I asked her if I should stop listening, and she said, "No. Keep listening!" Within 15 minutes I progressed to 10 cm. and within 15 more minutes, my baby was born. I really think this CD caused my mind to kick start everything! It is AMAZING what the mind can do!

I bought this CD set and listened to it throughout the last half or so of my pregnancy. I had so much trouble sleeping and was still working- I was willing to try anything to get more rest. I listened to them every night. They did the trick every time!I wanted a natural childbirth, but I ended up with pre-eclamsia. Although I had to be induced, I honestly think I owe thees CD's in large part for my avoidance of a c-section- they helped me stay as relaxed as possible under the scary circumstances.I highly recommend them- I listened to them the whole time I was in labor and nurses were always commenting on how relaxed I would get.Good luck ladies!