Birthing From Within by Pam England
Excellent. Views birth from an emotional and mental perspective. Most clients tell me, “I wish I had read this book earlier!” Lots of stuff on birth art, but you can skip that and still gain a ton from this book, especially sections 4 & 6. I recommend it to all pregnant women.
The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
MUST read. Presents evidence to support and refute medical and non-medical options. Truly key to being an informed participant in your birth.
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Awesome. First half is inspiring birth stories, second half is concise discussions on hows and whys of the whats of having a baby today.
Mother Shock by Andrea Buchanan
Honest and Brave. Talks about the realities of becoming a mother after stripping away the cute clothes and nursery decor. What it's REALLY like for most women. There are a couple of chapters I felt were unnecessary, but overall I think it could help new moms feel less alone and isolated.
Mind Over Labor by Carl Jones, CCE
Wow. Addresses the main reason for unsatisfying and frightening birth experiences - your own mind. All the education and medical care in the world has nothing on this key function. Read it!
Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper
Wonderful, some sample visualizations and info on water-birth.
The Sears Books - Pregnancy, Birth, Breastfeeding, Baby, Discipline...
These are all wonderful books. I read these during my own pregnancies and refer to them often now with my children. I love the pregnancy journals each month and places for photos and look back at them with fondness. Bill & Martha Sears advocate attachment parenting and breastfeeding, and the presentation is not at all condescending or boring. Highly recommended.
Happiest Baby On The Block by Dr. Harvey Karp
Finally someone explains the 4th trimester! Logical, common sense approach to calming babies. Describes them as evicted fetuses rather than manipulative tyrants (as some other "experts" would have you believe). If only I'd had this book when my son had colic....
On Becoming Babywise series by Gary Ezzo
While I have not yet read this book, I get asked about it enough to comment. This guy has been exposed for the dangerous methods he promotes, even by the AAP. Too bad most people haven't been made aware of this. Visit www.ezzo.info for more.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Eisenberg, Murkoff, Hathaway
Somewhat factual, but very fear-based. Frightens women into feeling incapable and dependent upon doctors. Lots of references to the pain and suffering of normal birth, with little regard for the benefits and rewards. See my full review here.
The Doula Book by Klaus, Kennell and Klaus
The whys and hows of doulas. Great statistical evidence, training info, info on becoming or hiring a doula.
The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
Great resource for doulas, partners and other birth team members. Easy to find info. Very thorough.
Understanding and Teaching Optimal Foetal Positioning
Every birth professional should read this book. Covers malpositioned fetuses and their detrimental effects on labor – something rarely discussed elsewhere and VERY important. Covers maternal positions and exercises to assist the baby’s position.
A Good Birth, A Safe Birth by Diana Korte
A very informative section on doctors and their training process including an explanation of residency, and the many pressures and influences that shape the care doctors give. A great summary of interventions, their purpose and labor effects. An explanation of the "Cesarean Epidemic," along with a great chapter on "Having a Cesarean IS Having a Baby." Good info on doulas, partners, staying active in labor, and breastfeeding....the list goes on...
Immaculate Deception II by Suzanne Arms
An incredible overview of maternity care history and how we ended up where we are. Filled with illustrative and moving birth stories, it really makes you think.
The VBAC Companion by Diana Korte
A+. Concise, factual, and easy to read. The title says it all. A?ll women working for a VBAC and their partners should read this book.
The Bradley Method by Robert Bradley
Before reading this book, I’d heard the Bradley method referred to as “militant”, and this book certainly demonstrates that with such things as calling the hospital nursery a "concentration camp" and the babies "POWs". Although I agree with many of the points and theories, I feel it is written a bit too subjectively and therefore loses a bit of weight, particularly among medical professionals. I fear stereotyping as a possible result. It also ignores the father’s need for emotional support through birth, placing him in a fully responsible role which not all fathers, particularly first-timers, want or enjoy. I’m not opposed to this method at all, just a bit turned off by the presentation here. The base info and ideas are sound and effective, and I've LOVED the Bradley 'students' I've worked with. A good alternative is "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way" by Susan McCutcheon.
Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Penny Simkin
Truly a complete guide. Easy to use and understand, thorough and up-to-date, WAY better than WTEWYE.
So That's What They're For!: The Definitive Breastfeeding Guide
Easy to read and lots of practical advice without being pushy or overwhelming.
