If you read Birthing From Within, Q about the birth art..

vsackett1

Just wondering if you did any of the birth art projects in the begining of the book or not and your experience with (or without) it. I was wanting to and feel it would really be helpful, but also I am running out of time here and really want to finish the book before LO arrives. How valuable did you find it if you did it, or is it something that can be skipped in your opinion? Thanks

MamaFawn

I did just a few of them. I did end up using one image during labor. I think it can be helpful but I didn't think it was the necessary part of my preparation. I'd continue reading if that was what was calling to you and then if a spare moment came, just do something quick in response to the art prompts if you get called to try it.

vsackett1

MamaFawn:

I did just a few of them. I did end up using one image during labor. I think it can be helpful but I didn't think it was the necessary part of my preparation. I'd continue reading if that was what was calling to you and then if a spare moment came, just do something quick in response to the art prompts if you get called to try it.

Okay thanks!

EllaSmella

I did a couple of the drawings as well, but definitely not all of them. It was kind of an interesting exercise, but certainly not something I'd say is necessary. There are a good number of sample pieces of artwork in the book that are helpful to look at, although I didn't necessarily always agree with the author's interpretation of the meaning behind the drawings (some of her conclusions seemed like a stretch to me).

tastyburger

I skipped the birth art and got tired of reading about it.  When I got done with the art sections of the book, I really enjoyed the rest.

H and I did do one exercise in our birthing class where we each drew what labor looked like . . . it was kind of interesting.  I drew 3 pictures (stick figures with a bump for a belly, lol): one in the bathtub w. H near by, one on a birth ball with H behind me, and one standing doing the "slow dance" position with H.  He drew his picture (also a stick figure, lol) and it was me lying straight on my back on a hospital bed with him looking nervous standing besides me.  It really opened my eyes about what he thinks about labor, being a more medical procedure, and now I know what kinds of things to talk to him about and reassure him with.

moroccojade

I read the book before I took the BFW class.  I skimmed the birth art stuff.  It didn't interest me.

Then?  I took the class.  We were given time to do a few drawings.  They were pretty eye opening.  Especially when I compared mine to DH's as a PP said.

If I were you I might try a few.  I'm a TERRIBLE artist.  But I'm glad I did them in class.  Each one only took 10 minutes or so to do.  It's not like it takes hours.

carpozi

I ended up doing one sketch while journaling and even though I haven't given birth yet, the image is in my mind and helpful now if I get anxious  - because it helps me focus on what is important to me and what I really believe.  I'd keep reading but keep the option open if something comes to mind and just sketch it out informally - took me about 5 minutes and the picture is hideous. 

missfire

I was really intimidated by the birth art and skipped it, but ended up dreaming about what I think was my version of it. I ended up using one of the images in my hypnobirthing.