Great Reads

These are the books I read while pregnant with Will.  I'll rate what a profound impact they had on me with a star rating.  If you're in Tassie, these are all available in the state library!  If I've given them 5 stars, it's pretty much a 'must read'!

I'll put links to the library page for each of these soon, and more info about each book and what I got out of it, soon.

***** 

Birthing From Within, by Pam England and Rob Horowitz

This book was good as it makes you examine your deep down beliefs about pregnancy and childbirth. It helped me understand some of my beliefs, and therefore was able to change them, and increase my faith in God.

Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering, by Sarah J Buckley 

Sarah Buckley is an Australian Doctor who, despite (or perhaps because) knowing all of the complications that may arise during birth, decided to homebirth. She shares her facinating research, and her journey.  

 

Birth: Countdown to Optimal, by Sylvie Donna 

This was my absolute favourite book during my pregnancy withWill. It was so sensibly written, and a major part that stuckwith me is the role of hormones during the birthing process.  This book is full of really valuable information, with birth stories of ladies to illustrate & illuminate the author's meanings. READ THIS BOOK! 

Supernatural Childbirth, by Jackie Mize 

This was a very interesting and influential book. It is written from a Christian perspective, and although some (many?) of her doctrines are incorrect, there is a very sound basis in that we should trust God in childbirth. I think I might write a more thorough review of this book in the 'favourite articles' page.

Emergency Childbirth: A Manual, by Gregory J. White, M.D. 

Great book, more like a 'booklet' as it is pretty short.  It's written for emergency services workers (Fire-ees, Cops etc), as short, sharp and to the point information about childbirth.  It's a great read as it is very factual, without being too dry, and also doesn't have all the talk about the inner experience of a mom in labor etc.  It actually makes it pretty clear that most things are not an emergency and that natural birth is fairly simple. This is a MUST READ for both you and your hubby - as you never know if your labour will be insanely short (Again, read Will's birth story!).  I think this is probably the best book you can get your fella to read about childbirth.  I think I will have to do a review of this one too. :)

****

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, by Ina May Gaskin 

Spriritual Midwifery, by Ina May Gaskin

Active Birth: A Concise Guide to Giving Birth Naturally, 
by Janet Balaskas

***

Birth Reborn, by Michel Odent

HypnoBirthing The Mongan Method, by Marie F. Mongan

**

Up the Duff, by Kaz Cooke 

Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn, by Dr Jonathan Morris

*

What to Expect When You're Expecting, By Heidi Murkoff