Anyone who practices Transcendental Meditation and is planning or expecting a baby will probably come across the book For a Blissful Baby: Healthy and Happy Pregnancy with Maharishi Vedic Medicine.
Full title: “For a Blissful Baby: Healthy and Happy Pregnancy with Maharishi Vedic Medicine”
Genre: non-fiction
Length: 256 pages
Authors: Dr. Kumuda Reddy, Linda Egenes, Margaret Mullins
First published: 2000
Click on image to see the book in Amazon store
Mother and baby are not two
For a Blissful Baby departs from the tradition of Ayrurveda, as enlivened by the founder of the Transcendental Meditation movement Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It then links the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with findings from modern day medical research.
So, how could this potentially stressful time of the first months after birth be turned into a compassionate, blissful experience for the entire family? 
The central message of this great book could be summed up as follows: For a blissful baby we need a blissful mommy. Because the happiness and health of the mother and the child are inextricably linked – not only through pregnancy and childbirth, but also during the post-partum period – it is of utmost importance to take care of the physical and mental well-being of the mother.
Only then will she be able to do the same for her new-born, and for her family.
Let’s face it: Modern motherhood is a tricky thing
While the concept that the well-being of the mother and the baby are interlinked might sound like common sense to some, the book forces its readers to really digest and own this idea.
In the contemporary industrialized nations, where children are increasingly born to couples who live far away from their extended families and/or both work outside home, mothers are often feeling socially isolated. They feel burdened with taking care of the entire household and a new-born. Or they feel the silent expectation of having to return to work before they have really been able to recover from pregnancy and childbirth, both physically and mentally.
“We all know how important rest is during pregnancy but if you ever had any doubts on what is the best way to get that rest, read this book.I meditated 2 hours daily throughout my pregnancy and the entire 9 months and birth were effortless and so happy.Some of the recommendations in the book I ignored (like the modified demand feeding of your baby after 2 weeks) but the most important recommmendation – learn and practice Transcendental Meditation – is the best advice I could give any expecting mother.This book is filled with convincing scientific studies if you are hesitant.”
– Amanda
Due to these patterns in the modern social fabric, contemporary mothers often neglect their own needs and face mental and physical burn-out as a result.
Besides making sure the readers really comprehend the significance of the issue at hand, the authors provide guidance as to how effectively enhance women’s mental and physical well-being during and after pregnancy.
Ancient wisdom, modern evidence, practical advice
The book provides advice for all stages of motherhood from conception to introducing solid food to the baby. It gives practical tips on how to eat for two, stick to a healthy routine, plan one’s exercise schedule, and most importantly, how to maintain mental balance and inner happiness.
The authors underline the importance of rest, relaxation and stress relief by using a proven meditation technique such as Transcendental Meditation. They also describe how to take care of the woman’s body in order to facilitate quick and complete recovery from pregnancy and birth.
The myriad important points covered by this book are often illustrated with testimonies from mothers, many of whom can make important comparisons based on their own personal experience. The way these women describe their experience of pregnancy and motherhood with and without following the wisdom of this book is touching, and eye-opening.
Book contents
PART I A Healthy Pregnancy for a Healthy Child
- A Complete Approach to Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Developing Consciousness to Give Your Baby the Best Possible Start in Life
- Nurturing the True Nature of Your Baby
- Healthy Conception for a Healthy Baby
- How Your Baby Will Develop During the Next Nine Months
- Eating for Two
- Daily Routine and Exercise
- Staying Happy During Pregnancy
PART II Blissful Postpartum Recovery
- Delivering Your Baby
- Mothering the Mother
- Why New Mothers Sometimes Feel Depressed
- The “Rest, Rest, Rest” Routine for Postpartum
- Digestion, Food, and Herbs During Postpartum
PART III New Baby Care
- The Baby Massage
- Breast-feeding, Weaning, and First Food
- Bonding with Your Baby
- A Vision of Your Child’s Future
APPENDIX A: The Vedic Approach to Common Concerns During Pregnancy
APPENDIX B: Summary of Research on Mother and Baby Program Participants
APPENDIX C: Information Sources on Maharishi Vedic Medicine and Related Programs
