128 pages paperback

Emotional Well-Being through Pregnancy and Birth

Positive Pain is intended as a companion to your emotional journey through pregnancy, birth and early parenting days. It focuses on the wide spectrum of feelings that may arise for you as your baby grows within, as you and your partner face the choices that form an essential part of the journey to parenthood and as you adjust to your new role as a mother. Ways of laying fears to rest, keeping birth gentle and protecting your baby-moon are included, with useful homeopathic remedies and further resources suggested throughout. The words and imagery in this book embrace the spiritual journey of birth, reminding you that a momentous occasion is indeed taking place as you bring new life into the world. An essential read for parents-to-be, childbirth practitioners and anyone passionate about protecting the natural birth process.

Endorsements of previous edition

"The idea that keeping birth normal is essential to the long-term health of humanity lies at the heart of this book. Adela Stockton’s ambitious enterprise is fully realized in her small but perfectly formed companion to pregnancy and birth. Her voice is one of gentle wisdom which recognises the many different emotions women may feel on their journey through pregnancy and birth. Her spare style has a great deal more to offer than some much longer books on birth.”
—Juno Issue 11 Spring/Summer 2007

"I would thoroughly recommend this book to all pregnant women to read. Adela has been a doula for many years and has huge experience of supporting women through the time around birth and her gentle and wise approach shines from this book."
—Doulaing, Winter 2007

“Beneficial for not just first time mothers but for those that have had a traumatic experience with a previous birth and want to understand how to avoid a repeat of this on another pregnancy or how to deal with feelings they may still be holding on to after that first experience. Nicely written, with the emphasis on emotions and empowering the reader rather than facts and figures.”
—Babyworld, Sept 2007

"Despite its name this slim book is not just about pain, but about taking care of one-self from conception through postpartum. Although small, the book covers quite a bit of ground, touching on screening, prior birth experiences, abuse, use of a doula and many other areas. The author also provides advice on the use of various homeopathic remedies. Depending on whether or not you like to read, it will either whet your appetite for more information or give you a helpful overview."
—Midwifery Today Winter 2006

"The title says a lot about the way the book encourages the reader to feel in control of their body and of the birth process. The book is filled with thought provoking artwork and inspirational quotes, with her concepts beautifully illustrated with stories from real women. I would recommend it as essential preparation for anyone thinking about holistic and natural birth."
—Vicki Williams, Journal Editor, AIMS Journal Vol 18(4), 2006