Websites:
- The Natural Family Site– A great resource for natural family living.
- The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services – An organization driven for mother-friendly health care and evidence-based practices.
- Mothering Magazine – Online community for more naturally-minded families.
- Ask Dr. Sears – Dr. Sear’s website with a plethora of information on pregnancy, birth, and children. Includes information on vaccinations and health care.
- Henci Goer – Author and advocate of mother-friendly health care.
- Ina May’s Website – World renowned author and midwife of the Farm, “Guide to Childbirth”, and “Spiritual Midwifery”
- Independent Childbirth – a great resource regarding ICBE and why it is important as a consumer.
- Birthing Naturally – A site devoted to natural birth advocacy and safe and effective health care practices.
- Spinning Babies – a wonderful site devoted to optimal fetal positioning and tips/techniques to moving posterior, transverse, and breech babies into proper alignment.
- La Leche League – Breastfeeding support through small group. Internationally recognized as a leading source of information, support, and advocacy.
- Post Partum Support International– Devoted to assisting women during the postpartum period through connection, information and resources, support, and a listening ear.
- VBAC– Just what the name implies – support for those seeking a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean.
- International Cesarean Awareness Network – a wonderful site promoting VBAC and cesarean information for educated and informed choices in childbirth options.
- North American Registery of Midwives – How to become a midwife, certification information, and listings of midwives certified through NARM.
- Midwives Alliance of North America – Information, links, and advocacy for the midwifery model of care, information on midwives, and links to midwives in every state.
- Citizens for Midwifery – a grassroots project, consumer-driven, with much information on midwifery listings by state, benefits of the midwifery model of care, and advocacy information.
- Breastfeeding – A great Breastfeeding support and attitude, along with many pregnancy and birth resources.
- Wonderfully Made – A complete childbirth preparation program designed to educate for true informed choices in childbirth.
- Birthing From Within – site of author Pam England.
- DONA – Doulas of North America
- Baby Body Birth – a complete pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum course designed to fit the adult learner, providing fun and interactive education.
- The Bradley Method – a childbirth program designed by Dr. Robert Bradley.
- Belly Women – a resource for women and doulas to connect. A doula for every woman, where student doulas and pro-bono services are offered for women who need them.
- Hypnobabies – a complete and comprehensive childbirth preparation program which teaches hypno-anesthesia
- Hypnobirthing – a Method of hypnosis for childbirth
- CAPPA – Childbirth and Postpartum Professionals Association
- ICEA – International Childbirth Education Association
- ACNM – American Academy of Nurse Midwives
- Birth Ecology – a grassroots movement to understanding the ecology and responsibility of healthy birth practices.
- Cesarean In Awareness – Giving options in cesarean birth and educating to rights, responsibilities, and risks.
- Alternative Birth – offering alternative birth options.
- Giving Birth Naturally – a website devoted to information regarding natural childbirth. Includes a birth simulator.
- Pushed Birth – blog/site of the author of “Pushed” – advocating and promoting education.
- Childbirth Connection – helping women make informed and educated decisions during the childbearing years.
- The Brewer Diet – website of Dr. Thomas Brewer – who eliminated the incidence of many pregnancy ailments through healthy and balanced diet.
Recommended Reading:
Pregnancy
- “The Natural Pregnancy Book” by Aviva Jill Romm- It is like having your own personal herbalist and midwife at your side. Expertly written by Aviva Jill Romm, who has been providing family-centered natural health care for almost 20 years, it was one of the first books to explore botanical medicine and pregnancy. In this revised and updated edition, Ms. Romm thoughtfully follows the woman’s journey from conception to birth, focusing on natural health.
- Mothering Magazine – a bi-monthly publication that covers a wide range of topics from pregnancy and childbirth, to postpartum and beyond. Indispensible wisdom from a variety of authors and professionals.
- “The Pregnancy Book” by Dr. Sears – written as a month-by-month guide, it is an excellent all-in-one guide to pregnancy. This book deals with physical and emotional changes, describes the growth of the fetus, and discusses common concerns during pregnancy. It also focuses on nutrition, exercise, information and support for home births and birthing centers, traveling while pregnant, how to avoid episiotomy, and so on. The approach is gentle, thorough, and includes more information than most month-by-month guides.
- “The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth” by Sheila Kitzinger – Here, candidly and reasonably presented, is all the information expectant parents need to make their own decisions about everything–from which tests to allow to how to handle pain to where to give birth. Very similar in presentation to the Birth Book. Less biased than other NCB books, but just as informative and fact-based.
Birth
- “The Birth Book” by Dr. Sears – written as a helpful resource guide, this book covers the gamut of possibilities, and teaches what every woman needs to know to take control of their own birth. It is divided into three parts: “Preparing for Birth,” “Easing Pain in Labor,” and “Experiencing Birth.” Each section outlines options and medical studies supporting a positive birth experience. It details vaginal births; cesareans; VBACs; water births; home births; best birthing positions; drugs; pain; how to design your own birth plan; sexuality of birth; and lots of birth stories. Unbiased and research based, it is a positive companion in working toward informed consent.
- “Gentle Birth Gentle Mothering” by Dr. Sarah J Buckley – this book brings together the wisdom and science of of gentle choices in birth and parenting.
- “The Birth Partner” by Penny Simkin – This book gives the birth partner a clear understanding of the process of bearing a baby and the role that he or she is to play. Simkin thoroughly examines parturition, from essential supplies for mother and baby to how to handle an emergency delivery. At her best, Simkin makes the birth partner aware of medical decisions that may lie ahead and of the importance of indulging the mother with constant tender loving care and encouragement during labor and delivery.
- “The Doula Book” by Marshall Klaus – a Greek word that means “woman caregiver”, this book talks about the importance and role of the doula in today’s society, while touching on the historocity of the role as well. Doula has come to mean an experienced labor companion who provides parents-to-be with emotional and physical support during labor, delivery and, to some extent, postpartum; describing how a doula can help the birthing process, detailing studies that indicate doula-supported births result in a major reduction in the length of labor, a greater than 50% drop in cesarean sections, a decrease in a mother’s need for pain medication and fewer feeding problems for babies after birth, this book is educational when considering a doula. Very easy reading.
- “Having a Baby, naturally” by Mothering Mag. – a wonderful book written by the publishers of Mothering Magazine. It contains pregnancy nutrition (and recipes), exercise, childbirth choices, methods of NCB, positions, and postpartum guidance (including newborn care). An easy read and nice referencial guide, I recommend it!
- “Immaculate Deception” by Suzanne Arms – very readable, yet historically inaccurate when talking of anything beyond childbirth (ie, her christianity rant), Ms Arms presents a moving work on the loss of childbirth faith in present culture and throughout history. Validating women mourning ‘loss of birth’, this book confronts the issues surrounding the American culture, our loss of faith in our bodies design and nature’s intent, and medical conspiracy to keep the power in the hands of the medical field and money markets themselves.
- “Rediscovering Birth” by Sheila Kitzinger – This is a work of social anthropology with political intentions. Kitzinger, a well-known birth educator and activist and author of the classic Pregnancy and Childbirth, wants to open women’s eyes to the meanings of childbirth that have been lost through the adoption of the technocratic model of birth now prevalent in Europe and the United States. To this end, she uses observations from decades of original fieldwork, as well as research from the literature, to examine childbirth practices and beliefs in many cultures. We have moved away from the social model of traditional cultures, Kitzinger tells us, in which childbirth is a normal life process controlled by the woman and her community, and have allowed birth to become a medical event associated with pathology and controlled by specialists. The political task at hand is to take back control from the technocracy and put it into the hands of women so that the best elements of both models may be available.
- ”Birthing from Within”by Pam England – a spiritual journey into the beauty and self-power of childbirth. A little on the hippy side, but I love her poetic writing and no-holds-barred approach to the act of childbirth.
- “Guide to Childbirth” by Ina May Gaskin – on my favorites right now. I have read it around 5 times since buy it 9 months ago. Traditional midwifery meets practical application and psychological connection of mind-body. It is full of inspiring birth stories. Her holistic approach to childbirth is refreshing and challenges even the most staunch NCB advocate to trade in their biases just a little more for faith in the miraculous art of birthing.
- “The Politics of Birth” by Sheila Kitzinger – The Politics of Birth explores ways in which we learn about birth, how we talk and feel about it, assumptions that professional caregivers may make, and the roles and skills of midwives. Topics include home birth and water birth; the use of drugs in childbirth; obstetric and nursing interventions which are often used routinely; Caesarean sections; pressures that care-givers are under, and the choices presented to women that are more apparent than real. Throughout, the author draws on research-based evidence to present both an holistic yet grounded examination of topical issues surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. This is not a “how to” book. The aim of The Politics of Birth is to help the reader develop deeper insight and understanding of how a technocratic birth culture shapes our ideas about birth and obstetric practice.
- “The Labor Progress Handbook” by Penny Simkin – delving into such sticky situations as dystocia and failure to progress, Penny meets the challenge of reasons given for cesarean deliveries. This book focuses on simple non-invasive interventions to prevent or treat difficult labor. It describes positions, movements and techniques based on principles of anatomy, physiology and psychology of childbirth. This handbook is organized by stage of labor for easy reference. The rationale for all techniques is included based on the authors’ clinical experience and wherever possible on the underlying evidence base.
- “Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way” by Susan McCutcheon – written as a follow-up to HCC, this informative and preferred book of the Bradley Method delves into the differences of Bradley vs. ‘other methods’, the emotional signposts of labor, the physical makeup of labor and birth, and common-sense approaches to relaxation and relief in labor. Filled with relaxation practices and consumer-friendly wisdom, it is a wonderful walking handbook for any NCB student.
- “Gentle Birth Choices” by Suzanne Arms – this book explores the myriad of choices presented to expectant couples when looking forward to a birth experience and helps to clarify these choices. This text also dispels medical myths while maintaining that childbirth does not have to be a painful, fearful, or violent experience. Further, it explains the numerous gentle birth choices available, including birth center, hospital, and homebirth options; how to find a care provider who advocates NCB; and deciding how and when to use current technologies.
- “Mothering the Mother” by Marsha Klaus – a required reading on many apprentice-doula lists, this book is easy to read with comprehensive and well organized information on everything ‘mothering’ to do and not to do to assist a laboring woman.
- “The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth” by Henci Goer – wonderfully written, though, like her other books, it is a little on the weighty side with information (just up my alley). She writes a comprehensive study guide, in very lay-friendly wording, to the medical studies – and why medical studies themselves support NCB without saying so. Fully referencable.
- “An Easier Childbirth: A Mother’s Guide for Birthing Normally” by Gayle Peterson – not in line with traditional education, this book guides its readers through the subconscious, completely emotional, and personal side of childbirth. Speaking in terms of ‘realistic expectations’, she continues her journey in the line of thought that so a woman believes, so will her labor be. This book is written as a workbook to use as a personalized childbirth preparation.
- “Obstetrical Myths vs. Research Realities” by Henci Goer – “Unencumbered by the burden of conventional obstetrical thinking, Ms. Goer takes a fresh look at current customs in maternity care. Using logic, common sense, and the latest scientific findings, she has written an incisive critique, inspiring us all–physicians, midwives, childbirth educators, nurses, doulas, and expectant parents–to rethink and question routine care as it exists today. This is “must” reading for all who participate in maternity care.” – Penny Simkin
- “Giving Birth: A Journey Into the World of Mothers and Midwives” by Catherine Taylor – This book relates women who have employed the use of midwives, the midwives themselves, and their relationships and experiences. Not only a good read, this book also explores the economic and social factors that keep maternity healthcare locked into costly structural problems, block consumer access to appropriate care, and threaten the profession of midwifery. Insightful personal quips, medical, anthropological studies, and birth stories make this an enjoyable, but slightly more political, read
- Pushed: The Painful Truth About Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care by Jennifer Block This book details how modern OB/GN became what it is today from the early 1900s to now. It covers the political, social, ethical, and legal issues surrounding birth and women’s right to midwifery care. By far one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s not a how-to guide for new parents. It’s a piece of investigative journalism for anyone interested on the topic. A must for any doula, childbirth education, or midwifery student!
Newborn/Breastfeeding
- “Happiest Baby on the Block” by Dr. Harvey Karp – Karp, a pediatrician in Santa Monica, Calif., and assistant professor at the School of Medicine, UCLA, offers a new method to calm and soothe crying infants. While nursing or being held satisfies some babies, others seemingly cry for hours for no reason. These babies suffer from what Karp calls the Fourth Trimester. When you bring your soft, dimpled newborn home from the hospital, you may think your nursery is a peaceful sanctuary…. To him, it’s a disorienting world part Las Vegas casino, part dark closet! Karp recommends a series of five steps designed to imitate the uterus. These steps include swaddling, side/stomach position, shhh sounds, swinging and sucking.
- “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding” by LLL Int. – My favorite book on breastfeeding. A little heavier a read than the Breastfeeding Book, but written from the experts on breastfeeding themselves. It is a great companion for encouragement and information to all breastfeeding mothers and those anticipating breastfeeding. Study-based information and support for common difficulties faced in breastfeeding, it is a must-have.
- “How to Raise a Healthy Child In Spite of Your Doctor” by Dr. Robert Mendelsohn – this is a delightful book, heavy reading, but a wonderful asset to any parent attempting to raise a healthy family. From infections and fevers to common vaccinations and childhood tests, Dr. Mendelsohn guides parents through each situation to choosing the best and safest route of care for every child.
- “The Attachment Parenting Book” by Dr. Sears – a book all about AP by the renowned author Dr. Sears. Practical and inspirational, it is the answer book to most childhood questions; ranging from breastfeeding, weaning, and solids to co-sleeping, carrying, and discipline.
- “The Nursing Mother’s Companion” by Kathleen Huggins – Breastfeeding may be natural, but it is not always instinctive. Containing practical, reassuring advice and support for today’s expectant and nursing mothers. Easy-reference survival guides help identify and resolve problems at each stage. An appendix on drug safety is a unique feature among breastfeeding books.
- “Natural Baby and Childcare” by Dr. Lauren Feder – For parents who live natural, environmentally responsible lives, child rearing can seem impossible. From feeding to healing, clothing to washing, raising children naturally can be a daunting task—unless you know how.This book helps parents who want to raise a “green” baby. This comprehensive book discusses how to complement conventional medicine with alternative treatments such as homeopathy, essential oils, and herbal medicine; how to bathe your child without using damaging chemicals; and how to feed your baby healthy, organic food.
- “The Breastfeeding Book” by Martha Sears – a comprehensive very reader-friendly guide to what to expect while breastfeeing, the challenges that are commonly faced both physically and socially, and the benefits/physiology of breastfeeding.
Recommended Viewing:
The Business of Being Born
What Babies Want
“Birth” & BOLD
Orgasmic Birth
Birth As We Know It
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