Best Pregnancy Books
Best Pregnancy Books for Expectant Mothers:
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.
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth - Ina May GaskinThis 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.
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.
by natural waterbirth and left his practice to turn to the field of homebirth.
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way - Susan McCutcheon-RoseggThis 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.
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.
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.
written. Still, it remains a timeless read.
Birthing from Within - Pam EnglandThis 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.
Obstetric Myths Versus Research Realities - Henci GoerThis 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.
The Birth Book - William & Martha SearsYet another home-run for the Sears family. This book offers many insights into childbirth to prepare you along the way.
Natural Childbirth After Cesarean: A Practical GuideA great resource guide to planning a natural childbirth after a cesarean section.
You may have noticed that the "What to Expect.." volumes were missing from this list of pregnancy books. They truly offer little value in truly preparing you for pregnancy and birth. Thus, they will never appear on my list of must-read pregnancy books.