If my posting has been rather light here over the last few days, that is in part because I have been chipping away at my summer reading list. Since I'm knocked up, my interests have gravitated to the topic of pregnancy and birth. At this point, I have focused on the books pictured above, Your Best Birth by Ricky Lake and Abby Epstein, Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, by Ina May Gaskin, and Pushed by Jennifer Block.
The only one I have finished so far is Your Best Birth, which was an excellent, accessible read that I would recommend to anyone who is expecting, no matter where you plan to give birth. It provides a wealth of information about maternity-care options in the US, and it really empowers women to take charge of the experience of pregnancy and childbirth.
I'll post more about the other two once I've finished them!
What books have you read about pregnancy and childbirth? Are there any titles that especially influenced/enlightened you as you prepared to give birth? I'd love to hear your recommendations!
I'm reading and loaning (to all my young pregnant neighbors) the same three books.
ReplyDeleteThe two books that most influenced me were "The Silent Knife" and "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding", but that was a VERY long time ago. There wasn't much support for nursing mothers 30+ years ago and certainly no questioning of the medical profession where I came from.
Ina May's is the one that influenced me the most. I just love all the positive birth stories in it.
ReplyDeleteIna May's was most important book I've read so far. My hubby is even reading it right now and seems to be learning so much. Sheila Kitzinger's 'Complete Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth was also interesting in that she takes an anthropological perspective.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED Ina May's book. That was the one book that really gave me the final push into having a home birth.
ReplyDeleteI want to read Ricki and Abby's new book. I love their networking website!
I LOVED Ina May's book!!! It's wonderful! It has helped me feel calm and happy as I prepare for our home birth :-)
ReplyDeleteI wish I would have read these books before I gave birth to my little one. The two books that I especially loved were The Hip Mama's Guide Survival Guide and The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. The first one helped me out because I am a single mom and it refers to single motherhood a lot. and the second one wsa great since I didn't know anyone before having my son that breastfed.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I love your blog and your kiddo is precious!
Aaryn
Ina May's Spiritual Midwifery topped my list. I have my parents' copy from 1978 and got her to autograph it when I was pregnant with my first in '06 :-) The Expectant Father by Armin Brott was fun, I bought it for my husband and read it too. Hello Baby by Jenni Overend was the only children's book I could find about home birth and we read it a lot with our toddler to give him an idea of what to expect. Good luck! And I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestions!
ReplyDeleteI have been wondering what would be some good books to read, as I am now 10 weeks pregnant with my first :)
yay!
I've read Pushed and another good one is Birth by Tina Cassidy. "Having A Baby Naturally" was a great resource for me. Love Ina May, too. I'm a bit weepy right now- my midwife passed away this week. She reminds me SO much of Ina May.
ReplyDeleteSteph
My favorite was Aviva Jill Romm's "The Natural Pregnancy Book" but I also liked Mothering's "Having a Baby Naturally"...For breastfeeding, I highly recommend "The Nursing Mother's Herbal" - it's wonderful!!!
ReplyDeleteOooh, it's so great to hear all of these great reading suggestions! Thanks to everyone for chiming in (and keep 'em coming!)
ReplyDeleteSteph -- I'm so sorry to hear about your midwife. How tragic. XOXO.
There was very little in the market place about home birth when I was pregnant with the Kiddo's dad in 1971-72.
ReplyDelete(I believe Ina May's "Spiritual Midwifery" was published in 1975.)
I pretty much had to fend for myself, trusting my own body & instincts, knowing deep inside that a hospital was not the place for me (if I could possibly help it.)
How wonderful there is so much enlightened information & support available for women now.
I'm proud of some in my generation for not accepting the status quo & for paving the way for you & yours.
Enjoy your summer reading!!
XO
I loved Barbara Harper's Gentle Birth Choices, Henci Goer's The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth, and Peggy Vincent's Baby Catcher.
ReplyDeleteFor something different I've picked up the Danielle Steel book Having a Baby - fluffy :)and on the other end Pushed.
I love to share my xperience in giving birth to 10 kids n still in a gud shape he..he..just visit my blog n ask questions. By the way I'm a Malaysian.
ReplyDelete"Your Best Birth" looks good.
ReplyDeleteActually, all three of those books look good.
Please do share your reviews after you finish reading each book.
I read "HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method" by Marie Mongan during my last pregnancy and really enjoyed it. I didn't choose to actually "do" hypnobirthing, but the book is very motivating and encouraging. I recommend it.
Also: have you seen "Pregnant in America" (documentary)? I've been wanting to see that...
Pushed is a fantastic book. Not necessarily for pregnant women, but for birth health care practitioners, public health officials or birth activists. Not that you shouldn't read it, but it's a rile you up to fight the power book, not an empowering book.
ReplyDeleteI loved both of Ina May's books. I also loved Lion's Heart, Lady's Hands by the midwife Carole Leonard. Anything with good birth stories is worth a read.
I have been reading 'The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth' by Henci Goer. It's been truly fantastic in the realm of information! I'd recommend it.
ReplyDeleteBy the time most people pick up a parenting book, it is far too late. Most of the things that matter were decided long ago—who you are, whom you married, what kind of life you lead. If you are smart, hardworking, well educated, well paid, and married to someone equally fortunate, then your children are more likely to succeed.” “...it isn’t so much a matter of what you do as a parent; it’s who you are
ReplyDeleteExperienced nursing mothers, who have successfully breast fed several babies take a little advance in planning, so that they themselves are free to relax and enjoy the new nursing baby without unnecessary obstacles to their physical well-being or their peace of mind.
ReplyDeleteCome and Join BluePixo Entertainment - A place for mom and dad to share topics about parenthood.