Your Questions Answered
What books do you recommend for pregnancy, labor & birth, and postpartum?
The World Beyond “What to Expect…”
If you’ve been to your local bookstore lately, you probably were confronted with literally hundreds of titles in the “pregnancy” section alone. It’s not surprising that making a selection can feel overwhelming, if not confusing. Which book is inspiring? Which one is straightforward? Which one would be good for my husband to read? The following list has been compiled to help you narrow down the field of choices. While it is in no way exhaustive or complete, the list may serve as a jumping-off point into the world beyond “What to Expect…” All of the following titles are still in print and all but one are available in paperback.
Annie Cox, CNM
Harbour Women’s Health
Pregnancy
1. Pregnancy Childbirth and the Newborn. The Complete Guide
Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley and Ann Keppler
Meadowbrook Press, distributed by Simon & Schuster, NY
This book is a complete and practical guide to childbirth and early parenthood. Written by childbirth educators, it provides a personal approach. The authors “recognize and respect the differences among women, couples and babies- in personalities, health status, priorities needs and wishes.” It is straightforward and full of great information. Penny Simpkin, the primary author, helped found the modern-day doula movement and “DONA”(Doulas of North America). If you were to buy just one book, this single volume is a great resource.
2. Mother’s Nature. Timeless Wisdom for the Journey into Motherhood
Andrea Alban Gosline, Lisa Burnett Bossi, and Ame Mahler Beanland
Conari Press, Berkeley California, 1999
A collection of pregnancy and birth stories, poems and experiences. It is beautiful and comforting while providing age-old wisdom. The kind of book to keep on the nightstand and read from daily. It will serve as a great balance to all the medical information you will likely receive during your pregnancy. If inspiration is what you’re looking for, look no further.
3. Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year
Susan Weed
Ash Tree Publishing, 1995
Susan Weed has written a small, simple book that is easy to understand and apply to your everyday life. This book covers the spectrum from fertility through diaper rash. Clear information, even if you have no previous experience with herbs.
Labor & Delivery
4. Birthing From Within. An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation
Pam England, CNM and Rob Horowitz
Partera Press, Alberquerque, 1998
“Birthing From Within” could very well become the “Lamaze” of the 21st Century. The simple format makes this a quick and easy read. It also provides a variety of exercises, such as journal writing, breath awareness, and fun birth art projects to prepare you for labor as well as parenting. Some of the topics included are: Being Powerful in Birth, Getting Dad Involved, Exploring Attitudes and Beliefs About Pain, Baby Proofing Your Marriage, Swaddling the New Parents and more…
5. Gentle Birth Choices: A Guide to Making Informed Decisions
Barbara Harper and Suzanne Arms
Inner Traditions International, 1993
Although a decade old, this book remains a classic. Barbara Harper was a major force behind the water birth movement and bringing this “gentle birth” option to American women. This book, however, is not just about water birth. Harper also discusses the many alternatives available to women and families today. A great resource for women interested in a natural birth.
6. The Birth Partner
Penny Simpkin
Harvard Common Press, 2nd Ed, 2001
This book is written specifically for the “support person.” Whether father-to-be, mother, friend, or doula, this book prepares birth partners for their role and provides specific, hands-on techniques for helping a woman through labor. For the support person who truly wants to be an active participant, this is the book for you.
7. Mothering the Mother. How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth
Marshall Klaus M.D., John Kennell M.D. and Phyllis Klaus, M. Ed.
Doula is a Greek word referring to an experienced woman who helps other women. The word has now come to mean a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and after childbirth.
This book provides strong and clear information, including the need for support in labor, the benefits of doula support, birth with a doula, a father’s true role, enhancing the birth experience, and how to find and choose a doula.
Pregnancy Childbirth and the Newborn (as listed above)
Breastfeeding
8. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
La Leche League International
Plume, New American Library
Another classic, this is the “encyclopedia” of the breastfeeding world. Revised and updated, this book is informative and relevant, spanning breastfeeding in the immediate postpartum, to introducing solids, to weaning. It includes information for fathers and working mothers as well as updates on the latest research.
Newborn
9. The Amazing Newborn. Discovering and Enjoying Your Baby’s Natural Abilities
Marshall Klaus, M.D. and Phyllis Klaus, M.Ed., C.S.W.
Addison-Wesley Publishing 1992
With over 125 amazing photos of infants, this book illustrates and answers parents’ questions such as “What can my newborn see? Taste? Hear? All the newborn’s gifts are celebrated here-helping to make the most of your first few precious weeks with your newborn.