Includes bibliographical references.

A Message to Parents xxi -- Birth of Natural Childbirth 1 -- Birth of HypnoBirthing 7 -- Taking the Birthing World by Calm: The Philosophy of HypnoBirthing 21 -- "What Eees All Dees Stuff?" The Power of Simplicity 27 -- From Celebration to Fear: A History of Women and Birthing 35 -- How Fear Affects Labor 45 -- Releasing Fear 57 -- Power of the Mind 63 -- Falling in Love with Your Baby 81 -- Selecting Your Caregivers and the Birthing Environment 91 -- Preparing Your Mind and Body for Success 117 -- Four Basic Hypnobirthing Techniques 118 -- Your Relaxation Program 119 -- Breathing Techniques 123 -- Sleep Breathing 123 -- Slow Breathing 125 -- Birth Breathing 127 -- Relaxation Techniques 133 -- Progressive Relaxation 133 -- Disappearing Letters 134 -- Light Touch Massage 135 -- Anchors 138 -- Visualization Techniques 139 -- Rainbow Relaxation 139 -- Birth Companion's Reading 144 -- Opening Blossom 147 -- Blue Satin Ribbons 148 -- Arm-Wrist Relaxation Test 148 -- Ultra-Deepening Techniques 151 -- Glove Relaxation 151 -- Depthometer 153 -- Sensory Gate Valve 154 -- Time Distortion 157 -- Nutrition 159 -- Exercise 165 -- Perineal Massage 175 -- Getting Ready to Welcome Your Baby 179 -- When Baby Is Breech 185 -- Before Labor: When Baby Is Ready 189 -- Letting Your Baby and Your Body Set the Pace 195 -- When Nature Needs Assistance 199 -- Childbirth-A Labor of Love: Prelude to Labor 205 -- Affirmations for Easier, Comfortable Birthing 207 -- How the Body Works with You and for You 209 -- Settling In at the Birth Center or Hospital 215 -- Onset of Labor 221 -- As Labor Advances: Thinning and Opening Phase 227 -- Slow or Resting Labor 233 -- Nearing Completion 239 -- Experiencing Birth: Breathing Love, Bringing Life 245 -- Positions for the Birthing Phase 253 -- Crowning and Birthing 265 -- Post-Birth Activities 269 -- Fourth Trimester 273 -- Breastfeeding Is Best Feeding 281 -- Appendix Birth Preference Sheets 287.