This list was compiled by a Certified Birth Doula, Stacey Gregg CD, DONA has been honored to attend many births. Over the years she has determined that the extent of knowledge is the only variable that truly makes for a difference between an awesome birth experience and one that is less. It was difficult to narrow the list to just the “Top Ten” of the Best Books for expectant mothers to Read and Breastfeed. These Ten will hopefully inspire readers to explore the others. If your due date is tomorrow and you do not have time to go through the list – do not despair, the first book on the list stands alone if you can only read one book – this book alone has provided many expectant couples with enough knowledge to be better prepared for their birth experience and make it be what they truly desire.
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: Revised Edition
by Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg
This is an easy book to read! It eliminates many fears about birth. Dr. Bradley is credited with American institutions allowing partners to stay during labor and birth.
The Official Lamaze® Guide: Giving Birth with Confidence
by Judith Lothian, PhD, RN, LCCE and Charlotte DeVries of Lamaze International
This book is rooted in the Lamaze® philosophy of birth, times have changed, and so has Lamaze®. Lamaze isn’t about breathing techniques anymore.
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
by Ina May Gaskin
US citizen and an Internationally Famous Midwife – author Ina May is affectionately called the Modern Day Mother of Midwifery. This book inspires women to reduce the fear of childbirth by regaining confidence in their bodies and assuring them – Your body still works!
Gentle Birth Choices
by Barbara Harper
A guide to making Informed Decisions about Birthing Centers, Birth Attendants, Water Birth, Home Birth, Hospital Birth comes with DVD.
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth
by Henci Goer
Award winning medical writer and birth activist Henci Goer gives clear, concise information based on the latest medical studies. Goer will help you compare and contrast your various options and show you how to avoid unnecessary procedures, drugs, restrictions, and tests.
The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying Birth
by William Sears & Martha Sears
Every topic that they have written on is based on evidence – Other topics they have books about are Breastfeeding, Parenting, Discipline, Sleeping & Potty Training.
Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation
by CNM, MA, Pam England
This book reclaims childbirth as a rite of passage, Sample of chapters are: Connecting With Other Women, Birth Art, Preserving your Shape Shift: Making a Belly Cast, How to Give Birth if You Need a Cesarean, Gathering Information: Guidelines for Making Decisions and Giving Informed Consent.
Pushed: The Painful Truth about Childbirth & Modern Maternity
by Jennifer Black
This book examines childbirth as a reproductive rights issue. It is a provocative, well –researched and incisive analysis of child birth today in the United States.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Seventh Revised Edition
by La Leche League International
A classic, this definitive guide to breastfeeding reflects current research while maintaining its trademark style of mother-to-mother sharing.
Milk, Money, and Madness: The Culture and Politics of Breastfeeding
by M.D., Naomi Baumslag & Dia L. Michels
Not only bringing light to the topics in the title, this book discusses the rich array of benefits to mother, child, family and society of the magical, intimate breastfeeding relationship.