Pregnancy is typically the time that most women find a desire to read as many books as they can get their hands on, but why waste your time reading books that aren’t powerful and uplifting? Not that any one of these books actually trumps the others, but if you’re pressed for time and don’t want to waste any reading something useless, then this list is for you. Here is your top ten must-read booklist on pregnancy, childbirth and beyond:
TEN: Pregnancy the Natural Way by Zita West. Just as the title suggests, this book can help you manage your pregnancy trimester by trimester with alternative methods and a natural approach.
NINE: Bestfeeding : Getting Breastfeeding Right for You – An Illustrated Guide by Mary Renfrew , Chloe Fisher , Suzanne Arms. I highly recommend reading a breastfeeding book BEFORE delivering your baby. Breastfeeding is natural and beautiful, but if it’s something you’ve never done before than going into it blindly can be a recipe for disaster. Also, if you think that you would rather formula feed, try reading a book about breastfeeding first. You may just change your mind once you find out the facts. This book is full of helpful illustrations.
EIGHT: The Nursing Mother’s Companion: Revised Edition by Kathleen Huggins. This is another great book on breastfeeding, one that is more informative than it is opinionated.
SEVEN: A Good Birth, A Safe Birth by Diana Korte. The reason this book is on the list is because it isn’t going to preach at you like some of the others here may seemingly do. Sometimes when an author is passionate about something, it will translate to bias in their writing. While it may not be intentional, it can put a reader off. I tried to include books on this list that were more informative than biased, but some are to an extent. This book, however, tends to be very factual and readable, without intimidating the reader.
SIX: The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer. The author bases her book on the intelligent woman desiring to gather information to make informed choices with. She cites obstetrical research and findings, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions from them.
FIVE: Active Birth by Janet Balaskas. Detailed pictures and instructions help to explain how being active in labor will result in a more successful delivery. Learn how to take control of your birth by helping your body do what it is designed to do.
FOUR: Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering, by Dr. Sarah Buckley. Straight to the facts and full of motherly wisdom, this book is a collection of answers to the questions all pregnant women face.
THREE: Having a Baby Naturally by Peggy O’Mara. If you are a thinking woman, and you must be if you are here, this book is for you. It is directed at women who want to take charge of their bodies and the way that they give birth. Peggy is the long-time owner and editor of Mothering Magazine, which is aimed at natural family living and informed choice.
TWO: Gentle Birth Choices: A Guide to Making Informed Decisions about Birthing Centers, Birth Attendants, Water Birth, Home Birth, and Hospital Birth by Barbara Harper. As the subtitle makes clear, this book is a must read for women who have questions about informed decisions about the many different birth options out there. The author also touches on the connection of mind and body during labor and birth, and stresses the importance of midwives for a more satisfying experience. This book is the quintessential alternative book for women who may consider themselves part of the mainstream.
And the NUMBER ONE book to read during your pregnancy is:
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin. This book will change the way you think of childbirth. The most distinct thing it will change is your level of fear of the process of birth. Fear is probably the biggest factor in this age of epidurals, and if you can work through your fear you are that much closer to a positive birth experience. This book can help you do just that.
For more recommended reading, see: