Reading List

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