Let's have your recommendations ladies! http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Womans-Guide-Better-Birth/dp/0399525173/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266291941&sr=1-1"]Thinking Woman's Guide to A Better Birth - Henci Goer This book is a must-have for all pregnant women. It will inform and empower you on the true risks and benefits of interventions during birth as well as preparing you on your journey into motherhood. If you choose only one book, this should be it. http://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0553381156/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266291878&sr=1-1"]Ina May's Guide to Childbirth - Ina May Gaskin This book starts with an empowering collection of birth stories that will have you yearning to hold your own babe. It then moves into a well-referenced factual information for pregnancy and childbirth. She explores the mind-body connection thoroughly. http://www.amazon.com/Childbirth-without-Fear-Principles-Practice/dp/0953096467/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1266291791&sr=1-1-fkmr0"]Childbirth Without Fear - Michael Odent & Grantly Dick-Read This book is based on the works of Dr. Grantly Dick-Read, the father of natural childbirth, who challenged the myth that a natural birth must be a painful one. He helped guide childbirth out of the twilight sleep era and into the modern approach to a natural birth. Dr. Michael Odent was a traditional obstetrician who became inspired by natural waterbirth and left his practice to turn to the field of homebirth. http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Childbirth-Bradley-Way-Revised/dp/0452276594/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266291761&sr=1-1"]Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way - Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg This book is a companion to the Bradley Method, or Husband Coached Childbirth. It offers great detail on becoming an informed birth consumer by learning your options and how to plan the birth that best suits your situation. http://www.amazon.com/Pregnancy-Book-Month-Month-Everything/dp/0316779148/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266291735&sr=1-2"]The Pregnancy Book - William & Martha Sears Anything by Dr. Sears is a great preparation tool for childbirth and parenting. His books offer solid, evidence-based information for family centered care. http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Midwifery-Ina-May-Gaskin/dp/1570671044/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266291706&sr=1-1"]Spiritual Midwifery - Ina May Gaskin This book emphasizes the baby's role in being born as well as the emotional aspect of birth. It will inspire and empower you as it is filled with positive affirmations of birth. It is written in "hippyish" language that speaks to the era in which it was written. Still, it remains a timeless read. http://www.amazon.com/Birthing-Within-Extra-Ordinary-Childbirth-Preparation/dp/0965987302/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266291680&sr=1-1"]Birthing from Within - Pam England This is a collection of supplements to Birthing from Within classes that offers numerous exercises and activities to help mothers and parents be in contact with their bodies and feelings. http://www.amazon.com/Obstetric-Myths-Versus-Research-Realities/dp/0897894278/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266291653&sr=1-1"]Obstetric Myths Versus Research Realities - Henci Goer This book is a heavier read for those left-brained number crunchers. If you are looking for a detailed, analytical approach to pregnancy and childbirth, then this is the book for you. http://www.amazon.com/Birth-Book-Everything-Satisfying-Parenting/dp/0316779075/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266291615&sr=1-2"]The Birth Book - William & Martha Sears Yet another home-run for the Sears family. This book offers many insights into childbirth to prepare you along the way. http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Childbirth-After-Cesarean-Practical/dp/086542490X"]Natural Childbirth After Cesarean: A Practical Guide A great resource guide to planning a natural childbirth after a cesarean section.
http://www.amazon.com/Mothering-Magazines-Having-Baby-Naturally/dp/0743439635/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269278093&sr=8-1"]Having a Baby Naturally was the book that got me started on the path to natural birth/breastfeeding/attachment parenting/midwifery. http://www.amazon.com/Active-Birth-Approach-Naturally-Revised/dp/1558320385/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269278352&sr=1-1"]Active Birth is a good one to help women understand why it's so important to stay out of bed during labor.
Thanks so much. I just found out I was pregnant ! woo hoo and I picked up birthing within. I am really enjoying it so far, I had a midwife appt. yesterday and she also recomended that book. Thank you so much for recommending books. I am going to look for others on your list. You are so willing to share on this forum, thanks peace.love.light
besides the ones mentioned, I can also recommend, The Natural Pregnancy Book: Herbs, Nutrition, and Other Holistic Choices Aviva Jill Romm M.D. (Author), Ina May Gaskin (Foreword)
It really bothers me that young mothers these days need birthing classes and books and all that jazz. My mommy didn't need any of that. It's called mothers intuition. You make mistakes and learn. It's not like having a kid is cheap in the first place it's now unacceptable to NOT waste money on books because our generation can't parent. Or something.
^^^ unfortunately, not everyone is born with parenting skills. I would rather them read and learn, than accidentally kill their child.
Many of us don't have the luxury of living in communities where breastfeeding and birth and parenting and so normal that we've all witnessed it. Some people in our society have never even touched a baby before they quirt one out their vagina. This is the main difference between us and "10,000 years of civilization".
You trying to tell me that the besieged dynasties that lived in a ghetto and waited for years without stepping outside their own fortress walls, living in filth and decay had it better than your society? Even the Jews birthed children in their Ghettos.
Well that's alright then. My point of view is this: We humans really only have one goal in life and that's procreation. Without procreation then our species ends. Same as all the other animals. Now if you're having difficulties participating in this life goal and your maternal instincts are so off the chain then you're kind of failing at what we call life.
And what's one good way of trying to get back on the horse? Reading a little bit about it, to gain back some confidence and spark your own maternal instincts.
