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Catherine Bell. The Birth Cartographer.
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Reviews for
The Birth Map:
boldly going where no birth plan has gone before
The Birth Map is more than just another birth book (read my launch speech here).
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The Birth Map is absolutely amazing, a must read for all who are expecting! It covers all areas of birth and guides you through the process of making informed decisions so well. It delves past the myth of ‘all that matters is a healthy baby’ and ensures that we also have healthy mums and dads at the end of it all, birth and parenthood. Every time I look at The Birth Map the quote “If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any” comes to mind. This is so true and The Birth Map ensures that you are aware of all your options, not just the most popular ones. I truly can not recommend this book enough! --Alicia Bennets, Doula |
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As a Hypnobirthing teacher I'm always looking for positive helpful resources to recommend. The Birth map is by far THE BEST birth plan resource I have ever come across. Since reading it, I have changed my language surrounding birth plans, significantly.
When I tell clients to really objectively think about the expected path of their birth. Most are healthy having uncomplicated pregnancies, so they can realistically expect a normal gentle healthy birth. As this sinks in, their eyes light up as they become enthusiastic about making the decisions about babies care in early life. Happy to drop the endless " If baby is healthy I would like" caveats and move to " Baby is to be...." type language.
This book is a must read for all pregnant women, if you don't have a plan/ map for your birth you'll just be following someone elses.
Thank you Catherine for putting your time and love into this wonderful book.
-- Jocelyn Hall
When I tell clients to really objectively think about the expected path of their birth. Most are healthy having uncomplicated pregnancies, so they can realistically expect a normal gentle healthy birth. As this sinks in, their eyes light up as they become enthusiastic about making the decisions about babies care in early life. Happy to drop the endless " If baby is healthy I would like" caveats and move to " Baby is to be...." type language.
This book is a must read for all pregnant women, if you don't have a plan/ map for your birth you'll just be following someone elses.
Thank you Catherine for putting your time and love into this wonderful book.
-- Jocelyn Hall
"When you look at the cover the words make you feel supported already"
Eliza, 11
Eliza, 11
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"The midwives said we had the best birth plan they had ever seen, and they wished more women would do that" --Sarah, Mother and owner of Live Green Organics read more about her Birth Preparations here. |
Reviews for Plan Bellabirth: Informed Birth Planning
Please note: The book pictured below is sold out. THE BIRTH MAP is the new book. Plan Bellabirth was an A5 sized spiral bound guide, most of The Questions were included in a workbook format. The format has evolved, along with the terminology: The Birth Map goes deeper and further. The Insights of The Birth Map are particularly...dare I say...insightful! Plan Bellabirth is the ancestor of The Birth Map, which evolved as it is best suited to the current birthing climate.
"Birth today in our modern world is full of choices and mostly, women and their partners, don’t even know this.Often the care mothers and babies receive, which are hospital and doctor standard practices and policies, are actually optional, and making informed choices is what is required so that you choose what you want for yourself and your baby.
The maternity care service providers, the doctors and midwives you will encounter, respect your choices and just need to know them.
Bellabirth Informed Birth Planning helps mothers wade through the myriad of decisions there are to make when you decide whether you want to have the standard procedures on offer or not."
Jane Hardwicke Collings
Midwife
Author - Ten Moons, the inner journey of pregnancy
"I think it is vital for women planning to birth in an institution to do some thinking and planning around how to navigate the system and have their individual needs/wishes respected. You have created a framework for doing this with prompts for reflection and guidance on what may need to be considered. I am sure it is/will be a useful tool for women."
Rachel Reed
Midwife Thinking
"We all know how convenient our smart phones and tablets are. Imagine women being able to work on their birth plan sitting under their favourite tree, or waiting the obligatory 2 hours for their antenatal appointment. Although there are other birth planning apps available, there are none as comprehensive as Plan Bellabirth." Amey, Birth Worker
"It's really fantastic. Very well put together especially for people who may not have thought about a birth plan or think it's a ‘hippy thing’. You clearly state options on both sides in a way that allows a woman to truly examine the options available on both sides of the equation. This is something I would recommend to any of my friends. You've done an excellent job Catherine!" -- Dee, Mother
"Love Catherine's document, it's more than a template!!!" -- Leisa, Birth Worker
“Your guide is sensational!”-- Sonja, Birth Worker
The maternity care service providers, the doctors and midwives you will encounter, respect your choices and just need to know them.
Bellabirth Informed Birth Planning helps mothers wade through the myriad of decisions there are to make when you decide whether you want to have the standard procedures on offer or not."
Jane Hardwicke Collings
Midwife
Author - Ten Moons, the inner journey of pregnancy
"I think it is vital for women planning to birth in an institution to do some thinking and planning around how to navigate the system and have their individual needs/wishes respected. You have created a framework for doing this with prompts for reflection and guidance on what may need to be considered. I am sure it is/will be a useful tool for women."
Rachel Reed
Midwife Thinking
"We all know how convenient our smart phones and tablets are. Imagine women being able to work on their birth plan sitting under their favourite tree, or waiting the obligatory 2 hours for their antenatal appointment. Although there are other birth planning apps available, there are none as comprehensive as Plan Bellabirth." Amey, Birth Worker
"It's really fantastic. Very well put together especially for people who may not have thought about a birth plan or think it's a ‘hippy thing’. You clearly state options on both sides in a way that allows a woman to truly examine the options available on both sides of the equation. This is something I would recommend to any of my friends. You've done an excellent job Catherine!" -- Dee, Mother
"Love Catherine's document, it's more than a template!!!" -- Leisa, Birth Worker
“Your guide is sensational!”-- Sonja, Birth Worker
Testimonials for Catherine
"I cannot recommend Catherine and Bellabirth highly enough. I know in my heart that I am the best parent I can be because Bellabirth set such solid foundations for us. I look forward to birthing many more babies with Catherine by my side! " ~ Melissa
"I would highly recommend the services of Catherine as a Doula or consultant for any woman facing the challenges and miracle that is childbirth! She is calm, thoughtful, thorough and able to give advice that suits the wishes of the mother – to – be. Catherine has an amazing bond with both of my children and is a strong positive presence in the memories I have of my birthing experiences. She is beyond doubt- exceptional." ~Tanith
"Thank you for all your support and information it made all the difference to me even though we went to the hospital to have the baby. I knew much more about what was happening and felt everything went much smoother for the labour. ... I feel like I am recovering much quicker this time and I think it is because I was much better prepared, so thank you again! " ~ Karyn
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