Reading List

A look at how our beliefs influence our birth experiences.

A doula is an experienced labor companion who provides continuous emotional support and assistance before, during, and after birth. Through research with over 2,000 women, the authors show that the presence of a doula shortens labor by an average of two hours, decreases cesarean sections by over 50%, decreases the need for pain medication,...

Although the author's opinion is that home birth is only chosen by 'extremists*,' this book still has great natural birth after cesarean information with emphasis on knowing your reasons behind wanting a VBAC being crucial in your success and staying motivated. *This view is not that of ICAN. ICAN believes that it is an...

Since the Bradley method was first introduced, a growing number of expectant parents have opted for natural childbirth, knowing that it's safer than medicated or surgical delivery. This book provides information on what to expect during each stage of birth, and gives sound advice on how to prepare physically for labor using the Bradley...

Anyone working to improve the childbearing experience and help women avoid unnecessary intervention has encountered numerous "obstetric myths" or "old doctors' tales." And while the evidence in the medical literature may be solidly, often unequivocally, against whatever "the doctor said," without access to that evidence, the pregnant woman is quite reasonably going to follow...

From the co-author of Silent Knife, this book revisits cesarean prevention, planning for VBAC, and setting yourself up for the birth you want.

A complete pregnancy and childbirth guide on the market, The Complete Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn has established itself as a leading prenatal training manual with nearly 350,000 copies sold since 1984. A preferred alternative to What to Expect When You're Expecting, the revised and expanded edition includes the information on risky...

This up-to-date book takes a critical look at the active management (as opposed to expectant management) of birth in the United States and other parts of the world with many well-researched statistics and facts mixed with a sensible approach. The author asks important questions about why birth has become so medicalized and presents the...

Madsen's book focuses on an aspect of childbirth that is all too often ignored: the emotional aftermath. Few women planning a pregnancy or anticipating childbirth would dispute that the birth of a healthy child is their primary concern. Even when this happy outcome is achieved, however, the process of childbirth itself can wreak havoc...

Bestselling author Sheila Kitzinger, the world's foremost birth educator and activist, explores the universal experience of pregnancy and childbirth in this splendid book, beautifully illustrated with hundreds of photographs. With an intimate, informative style that both enlightens and engages her readers, Kitzinger looks closely at feelings and emotions in pregnancy, the physical and spiritual...

Often referred to as 'the bible of cesarean prevention,' Silent Knife discusses both the technical and emotional aspects of a cesarean and of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Written in a style that leaves you feeling as if you're having a conversation with the author, readers often find within the pages a safe place...

Famous midwife Ina May Gaskin and fellow midwives talk about their role in starting up The Farm (a hippy commune in Tennessee) and how they learned about assisting birth. The first section details the experiences of parents and midwives during the birth experience. The second section is a technical manual for midwives, nurses, and...

In this helpful resource guide, the Searses teach readers what they need to know to take control of their own birthings. The Birth Book is divided into three parts: "Preparing for Birth," "Easing Pain in Labor," and "Experiencing Birth." You'll find details about vaginal births; cesareans; VBACs; water births; home births; best birthing positions;...

A must-read for anyone who will ever be providing birth support, The Birth Partner looks at important ways a support person can aid and encourage a laboring mother. Some topics discussed include preparing for birth, the stages of labor, what to expect from the birth attendant, information on interventions, and tips for emergency situations.

The assumption that a cesarean delivery is safer than vaginal birth is a myth. Dr. Mortimer Rosen and freelance writer Lillian Thomas use numerous examples from Rosen's three decades of practice and experience to help determine when a cesarean is necessary, when it is unnecessary or unwise, and when the decision is a judgement...

This book helps women to know what to expect with a cesarean section, touches on both the physical and emotional aspects of healing, gives suggestions for pain management, and also provides a section on post-cesarean workouts. Although this book does a good job of providing general information, 'The Essential C-Section Guide' is anti-homebirth, without...

The Official Lamaze Guide is an accessible read that contends birth is a normal, healthy process, increases confidence by mythbusting the current cultural norm that pregnancy and birth are inherently filled with risk, utilizes evidenced-based, accurate and up-to-date information on common interventions and their effects (that mom and baby are often put at increased...

This multi-media kit (including an audio cassette, VHS video, and book) is full of essential preparations for your birthing body. This kit provides you with the knowledge you need to understand your unique body structure and how it works. The exercises provide practical, realistic ways to prepare yourself for the amazing experience of childbirth....

Why do all cultures ritually disrupt the first contact between mother and new-born baby? Why has there hitherto been an evolutionary advantage in developing human potential for aggression rather than the capacity to love? Until recently love was the realm of poets, artists and philosophers. Latterly it has been studied from multiple scientific perspectives....

Goer gives clear, concise information based on the latest medical studies. This book helps you compare and contrast your various options and shows you how to avoid unnecessary procedures, drugs, restrictions and tests. A popular favorite that helps you learn how to take charge of your birth!

Although this compilation is dated in the 80s, these beautiful stories are never out-dated! As told by the professionals attending the births and by the women themselves, this book includes a number of empowering VBAC stories, including some VBACs after classical cesareans and multiple cesareans.

Written at a time when there was ample positive support for VBAC, this mid-90s book is a clearly written and thorough guide that leads women through the process of planning for a VBAC step-by-step.

"Readers are given a glimpse of how protecting the integrity of birth, beginning on a personal level with our own peace of mind, may help bring about more positive, conscious birthing for everyone." Midwifery Today

In the name of technological progress, hundreds of thousands of women have been coerced into relinquishing a most cherished right--the right to give birth in a gentle, supportive environment free of medical interventions, and instead welcome their children to the world through major abdominal surgery. The physical, psychological,and cultural implications of cesarean sections are...

The author recounts her journey through her own birth experiences, unassisted by any medical professionals. Although some parts of this book may be questionable to some, this book still makes valid points about birth being primal and instinctual and is an excellent reminder of the abilities within us. It makes for an empowering read,...