The Prenatal Shadow

“Cherionna Menzam-Sills’s well-researched and thought-provoking book tells the story of prenatal and perinatal development from the perspective of how each event may contribute to shadow material and how the reader can benefit from shining light into these unlit places and move toward wholeness in mind and body.” * Thomas R. Verny, M.D., author of The Embodied Mind and coauthor of The Secret Life of the Unborn Chi * “In this book, Cherionna gives a knowledgeable overview about the history, insights, and therapeutic application of prenatal psychology. Her book realizes a convincing connection between the Jungian concept of shadow with the observation and insights of the consequences of early traumatization before, during, and after birth. It brings insights that were not available in the time of Jung and opens up new insights of prenatal psychology to public awareness.” * Ludwig Janus, M.D., psychoanalyst, researcher in prenatal psychology, and author of The Enduring Eff * “This is a monumental contribution to medicine, psychology, and counseling. Menzam-Sills brings to light a forgotten dimension of human development that holds the key to maximizing potential. This is not just the stunning insight of identifying the shadow components of prenatal and perinatal experience. It is the entire field of prenatal and perinatal psychology that is upgraded by her clear and straightforward writing. Such a revelatory awakening is profoundly needed now for people to actualize their power to act on behalf of future life and the Earth.” * Stephanie Mines, Ph.D., author of The Secret of Resilience and founder of the TARA Approach * “In The Prenatal Shadow, Cherionna meticulously and compassionately peels back and sheds light on the many layers of the shadow that influence our earliest moments of life and then further influence us throughout our lives. No aspect of the prenatal shadow escapes her expert gaze as she expands our horizons and deepens our understanding of it, from the individual to the cultural and the collective. The Prenatal Shadow is a must-read for every therapist, parent, and educator.” * Nir Esterman, therapist, teacher, and developer of Shadow Constellations * “Cherionna’s book is a well-researched antidote to the cultural blind spot of not recognizing the lifelong consequences of our birth and prenatal experience. One of the greatest wounds many of us carry is that we have to hold our birth and womb trauma on our own, usually without even knowing where the trauma came from. In shadow, these traumas have powerful influences on our behaviors and perceptions. This is knowledge that we need to disseminate if we are going to live as more conscious beings.” * Matthew Appleton, cofounder of Conscious Embodiment Trainings and author of Transitions to Wholeness * “A thorough, gentle, necessary text about prenatal and perinatal somatics that presents the many difficult layers of experience for humans starting at preconception. She shines the light on elements often overlooked in modern maternity care and supports the reader with explanations and reflections about their prenatal and birth journey for their awareness and growth. The Prenatal Shadow is a welcome contribution to the field of birth psychology and a musthave for healing enthusiasts.” * Kate White, M.A., founder and director of the Center for Prenatal and Perinatal Programs * “Cherionna tenderly holds us in a field of both shadow and light. Rooted in years of research, story, and observation, The Prenatal Shadow not only affirms our ability to feel into our innate wisdom and be met with awareness and compassion, but also deftly illuminates the profound harm caused by our entrenched cultural refusal to acknowledge that living organisms possess direct perception and conscious knowledge. This is an essential book for everyone.” * Liz Koch, author of Stalking Wild Psoas * “An abundance of cutting-edge, proven knowledge—most of it little known and all of it important—whether you’re a health professional, therapist, educator, parent, or parent-to-be. This book is so rich, so helpful, and full of hope.” * Suzanne Arms, founder of Birthing the Future and author of Immaculate Deception * “This complete guide makes prenatal psychology and emotional healing clear for anyone interested in understanding themselves, healing emotional trauma, and transforming limitations. An amazing contribution to planetary healing.” * Julie Gerland, founder of Birthing The New Humanity and compiler of Womb To Thrive * “Cherionna has written a kind, personable, and knowledgeable book that brings together a great deal of information and references from leaders in the field. At the same time, she is able to reassure concerned parents and others and help them understand the importance of this knowledge and how to use it to benefit, teach, and heal.” * Judyth O. Weaver, Ph.D., somatic and pre- and perinatal psychotherapist *