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Books for Expectant Parents
This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but is a good representation of the best comprehensive books on pregnancy and childbirth available today.
Birthing from Within: An Extraordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation by Pam England and Rob Horowitz. Partera Press, 1998
Offers guidance through the emotional, spiritual, psychic and social mists which enshroud birth in our culture. Proven Pain-Coping Techniques. Inner-Exploration Through Birth Art. Discover Your Own Wisdom and Birth Power.
(www.birthinfromwithin.com)
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin. Bantam Books, 2003
"Consider this your invitation to learn about the true capacities of the female body during labor and birth. ... those that are experienced by real women..." (p. xi) Contains both positive birth stories and explanations about how women’s bodies work to birth normally. Eases fears, answers questions, and reassures us that our bodies are made just perfectly to give birth. Gives women tools to find the support and resources to create the environment that will allow their bodies to work. (www.inamay.com) [excerpt of review from CfM News]
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer. Perigee, 1999.
Gives clear, concise information based on the latest medical studies. Goer will help you compare and contrast your various options and show you how to avoid unnecessary procedures, drugs, restrictions, and tests.
(www.hencigoer.com)
Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper & Suzanne Arms. Healing Arts Press, Revised 2005.
Like its predecessor, this new edition helps parents to plan their family-centered birth experience. The accompanying DVD includes interviews with midwives and physicians and shows six actual births, including water birth, home birth, and vaginal birth.
(www.waterbirth.com)
Hey! Who’s Having This Baby Anyway? : How to take charge and create a safe environment for your baby’s birth, including essential information about medications and interventions. by Breck Hawk. Metropolis Ink/End Table Books, 2005
Reveals how many pregnant women can avoid serious repercussions from the drugs and unnecessary medical interventions that are pushed on them while in labor... simply by being aware of their basic patient rights and options. Hey! gives power back to moms-to-be and shows them how they can make themselves be heard! (www.heyanyway.com)
Having a Baby Naturally by Peggy O'Mara. Atria Books, 2003
A terrific comprehensive resource for pregnant women and their families that is extremely useful for pregnant women learning about pregnancy, birth, and maternity care practices. It also provides women with the information they need to make informed choices for themselves and their babies in a balanced and thoughtful manner. [from CfM News]
(www.mothering.com)
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn, Revised and Updated : The Complete Guide by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley & Ann Keppler. Meadowbrook, 2001
Covers prenatal care, birth places, labor support techniques, birth plans, medical interventions, exercises, relaxation, newborn care and feeding, postpartum adjustment, and much more, with a strong presentation of parental choice. (www.pennysimkin.com)
The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth by Penny Simkin. Harvard Common Press, 2nd Edition, 2001
Helps the birth partner (baby's father, doula, or loved one) prepare to support the pregnant and laboring woman. It includes detailed information about labor and delivery, and explanations of what the mother will be experiencing, as well as suggestions for support. It also includes discussions of the possible emotional reactions with the partner during challenging aspects of childbirth.
(www.pennysimkin.com)
Breastfeeding Cafe: Mothers Share the Joys, Challenges and Secrets of Nursing by Barbara Behrmann. University of Michigan Press, 2005
A collection of candid stories and anecdotes, in which women from all over the U.S. discuss the joys and rewards, frustrations and challenges, sorrow and anger, pride and satisfaction, and humor and poignancy that characterize the nursing experience in our contemporary, bottle-feeding culture.
(www.breastfeedingcafe.com)