Often I am asked or I see curious mothers looking for book recommendations in prep for their big journey and new arrival! I once was that mom, and I felt very lost.. I decided to create this blog to help break down these books and guide you to a book(s) that will most benefit you!
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These are books in which I have loved, read, and found valuable in my journey as both a mother and doula. My thoughts on birth are not necessarily reflected in all of these books.
A great place to start your educational birth journey…
First up is Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth which is really the book that started it all for me! It was recommended by a family member on my husbands side, and my mother in law ended up purchasing and surprising me with it at my baby shower. I devoured this book and finished it in like a day, it was wonderful and opened my eyes to birth. This book is one I 100% recommend to first time mothers and families as it is really eye opening and informative.
This book sits on my shelf half torn to pieces. It has been read by me so many times, and sat for so many years at my bed side table. It is a book that opened many doors for me. I will say it does not necessarily reflect my thoughts on birth, but is a very informative and eye opening book. The Big Book Of Birth is a book I recommend to especially first time mothers.
This book is not only a wonderful maternity book but a excellent recourse when trying to conceive! The information in Functional Maternity is invaluable to the ttc or expecting mother.
Don’t let the name foul you, this book is awesome for expecting mothers and doulas alike! I would say this book is very readable and relatable, and would consider it a great starting point when learning about pregnancy and birth.
The Doula’s Guide to Empowering Your Birth was super beneficial to me during my second pregnancy as I moved from the standard birth into my own idea of birth.
More “advanced” readings that I very much recommend…
Ok so this one isn’t necessarily about pregnancy or postpartum itself BUT it was extremely beneficial to me and my family. I read this for pregnancy number 3! It taught me a lot about nutrition in pregnancy and postpartum, and in return helped me keep my supply up longer than I had been able to with any of my other babies. Deep Nutrition should one million percent be on your shelf and in your brain!
Pair this book with Functional Maternity, as seen above and its a killer combo!
Again Ina May giving us some beautiful nd insightful information to benefit our own stories from.
This book was one I read while I was pregnant with my second. It actually was not on my list until I was required to read it for a course I was taking for my doula education. Birthing From Within offered a very unique perspective for me. A peer into the birth world in a way I hadn’t thought of it. I would say this book is not the one I would star with if the idea of natural or tritonal birth is new to you. It might seem too woo woo, but once you read Ina Mays book this one will flow beautifully with your knwodlge.
A Holistic Guide To Pregnancy and Childbirth was a book I very much enjoyed. I would say this book is another I would read after reading some lighter material so you have a better idea of the deeper birth concepts. This book really hit the spot for me in my journey. I read this half way during my second pregnancy, but completed it during my third pregnancy.
Postpartum…
I saw this book and I knew I needed it. I was newly pregnant with my third and I knew I would need this book. I only read about half of it, but I enjoyed every bit – and do plan to finish!
For the birth partners…
My husband read a few chapters that he picked out from within this book. I handed it to him with my second and he read a few chapters on where he felt he needed some brushing up. With my third he read a few other chapters, I do think he found it beneficial. I have also read it and thought it is a excellent recourse.
I have yet to read this book, BUT it is on my list. And that means it will be on my husbands list, too! I look forward to reading it, tell me if you do!
Breastfeeding…
I have 3 of these books because I find it so valuable. I often give these books out to clients to read over. Breastfeeding IS a art, and I love that this book understands that.
