My Top 3 Favorite Books for Your Birth Journey
#1 The Year After Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger In my opinion, this book is indispensable. If you're not familiar with Kitzinger, you are in for a treat. The language in which she frankly talks about the year after childbirth is simply beautiful. She talks about everything from breastfeeding, to your sex life, to postpartum depression, and exercising after birth. There simply isn't enough talk about what happens after you give birth. There's many many books out there that focus on baby care, but not nearly enough on mama care. This book should truly be read by every expecting mother. Happy Reading! | When you think of pregnancy books, what comes to mind? Ina May Gaskin? What to Expect When You're Expecting? There are so many books out there that you shouldn't limit yourself to these old tried and true titles! As a trained and certified birth and postpartum doula, I have had to complete lots of required reading lists, and therefore have been exposed to many many books on the subject of childbirth. Come along as I mention some of my most favorite books, maybe I will inspire you to discover some new reading material. #3 The Baby Book by Dr. Sears If there's a plethora of books on any topic, that would be baby books. There are so many 'expert's out there that will try to help you figure out how to get your baby 'sleep trained' or other strange promises. They may offer you explanations, strategies, and methods to help your baby fit into your perfect little pre-baby world. The Baby Book is different in that it doesn't strive to do any of these things. It says, hey, your baby is unique and perfect and maybe he/she just needs to be held. And you can't spoil your baby. Oh, and you need to know 7 different ways to wear your baby in a sling? Yep, they cover that. Along with ways daddy's can comfort babies, breastfeeding troubleshooting, and general awesome loving information about babies. #2 The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin If I could recommend one book to an expecting partner, it would be this book. Penny Simkin is one of the founders of DONA, the oldest certifying organization around, so you know she knows her stuff. She writes about labor and birth in a straightforward friendly tone which isn't full of scare tactics. It hits the perfect blend of accurate information and positive encouraging words. What I also love is the format in which it is written. It goes step by step through what labor looks like, along with bulleted points throughout that tell specific ways the birth partner can help. Buy this for your partner now, he'll love that you want him to be so involved. |