BirthTouch® Shiatsu and Acupressure for the Childbearing Year, Kathy Morelli ~ Book review

BirthTouch® Shiatsu and Acupressure for the Childbearing Year is a book by my friend Kathy Morelli. Kathy is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked with women for many years. She has worked with women both, during their pregnancies and during the postpartum period, and is a well-known advocate for increasing knowledge and information on postpartum mental health.

Kathy's book was such an important read. While not entirely applicable to me at the time (I was not pregnant while reading her book, much of the work is geared towards the childbearing year - as is stated in the title), I learned so much from what she covered regarding helping pregnant women experience as comfortable a pregnancy as possible.

Touch is tremendously healing.

If you didn't know that already, you will know it after reading Kathy's book.

Kathy starts us off with information on Shiatsu. Shiatsu sounds foreign, and that would be because it is. I sound like I'm joking, but I'm not - it also sounds matter of fact, and it is, but some people might not know that information, so I'm sharing it with all of you. Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage where gentle pressure is applied along the body's energy meridians and acupressure points. * Introduction (8% - Kindle version)

Shiatsu is something that the whole family can participate in, as it is something done fully clothed and is easy enough for children to learn. Acupressure is similar in that it is a pressure made through the fingers on certain points along the body. Both are used to relieve pain and promote relaxation, therefore they are well recommended for pain management and gentle enough to use during pregnancy.

If you've been pregnant you know how things impact your body differently than ever before. Stress, physical exertion, everyday life. All of these things can be looked at in a new light now that you're pregnant (or when you were expecting). Stress impacts a pregnant mama more than one would imagine. Finding ways to address stress gently is important. This book gives you ways to do just that.

As stated, I read this book long after my pregnancy (those who know me know my daughter will be seven soon), and I still found it an enjoyable read. However, it is geared more towards the pregnant or soon-to-be-pregnant woman, as the tips given throughout can be well utilized during pregnancy. As the title indicates, the childbearing year is what is focused on throughout this read.

Kathy Morelli discusses self-care skills and tips to ensure that the expectant mother can foster positive feelings and experiences during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Her self-care tips are my favorite part of the book, in that I honestly think that they apply to anyone reading - woman or not - mother or not - pregnant or not. These tips also cover the importance of mindfulness and the mind-body connection.

I need to apologize to you, my readers, and to Kathy, as well. In reviewing my points above, I have noticed that I jump back and forth between who would benefit most from reading this book. I think it is a given that it is geared towards both, pregnant women and their partners, and I have confirmed that women, in general, could enjoy this read, as well, and find important information throughout. I would like to also add that those in the pregnancy profession, whether they be Ob-Gyn, Doulas, NPs, etc. would certainly benefit from reading Kathy's book. The importance of touch applies in treatment of pregnant, postpartum and women in general. "Vitamin T," as it is referred to in the book, can be life-changing. The impact of touch goes beyond any research. This book is just a start to ways you can self-educate on the importance of it.

If you want to find out more about Kathy, please check out her website at KathyMorelli.com. And if you're interested in purchasing the book for yourself, you can find it on Amazon, along with Kathy's other published titles, at the Kathy Morelli Author Page.

Thank you, Kathy, for giving me an opportunity to read and review your work, and share it with others.

* I received a copy of this book directly from the author to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed are strictly my own, and I am proud to call this author a colleague and a friend. *

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