Beyond the Birth Plan

Rhea Dempsey

In Beyond the Birth Plan, Rhea outlines the emotional preparation required for childbirth, drawing on brain science, psychology, midwifery research, and the personal stories of many women she has supported to birth the way they want.

Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering

Sarah Buckley

An authoritative guide to natural childbirth and postpartum parenting options from an MD who home-birthed her own four children.

Sarah Buckley might be called a third-wave natural birth advocate. A doctor and a mother, she approaches the question of how a woman and baby might have the most fulfilling birth experience with respect for the wisdom of both medical science and the human body. Using current medical and epidemiological research plus women's experiences (including her own), she demonstrates that what she calls "undisturbed birth" is almost always healthier and safer than high-technology approaches to birth. Her wise counsel on issues like breastfeeding and sleeping during postpartum helps extend the gentle birth experience into a gentle parenting relationship.

Down to Earth Birth Book

Jenny Blyth

The Down to Earth Birth Book is a practical guide to natural birth in any setting, promoting self-nurturing, responsibility and awareness to help create a conscious birth and parenting experience.

This is a ‘grass roots’ book that celebrates the innate intelligence of mind, body and spirit in relation to birth. Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink, it is beautifully presented in an easy-to-read, user-friendly A4 format. Diagrams, illustrations, and over 90 colour and black and white photos accompany the text. Recommended as suitable for children. This is a valuable resource for parents-to-be, their families, support people, and all other kinds of birthworkers. The Down to Earth Birth Book is a book to return to time and again for information on birth preparation; as an in-the-moment birth guide, and as a reference for after the birth.

Birthing from within

Pam England

Here is a holistic approach to childbirth that examines this profound rite-of-passage not as a medical event but as an act of self-discovery. Exercises and activities such as journal writing, meditation, and painting will help mothers analyze their thoughts and face their fears during pregnancy. For use during birth, the book offers proven techniques for coping with labor pain without drugs, a discussion of the doctor or midwife's role, and a look at the father's responsibilities. Childbirth education should also include what to expect after the baby is born. Here are baby basics, such as how to bathe a newborn, how to get the little one to sleep, and tips for getting nursing off to a good start. Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is a process of continuous learning and adjustment; "Birthing From Within" provides the necessary support and education to make each phase of birthing a rewarding experience.

Birth like a feminist

Milli Hill

Birth is the feminist issue. It's the feminist issue nobody's talking about. It's time to look again at the balance of power in the birth room. Pregnancy should be one of the most rewarding times of your life – but so often it's filled with anxiety and uncertainty over what you can, or should, expect.

Milli Hill explores the history of birth through a feminist lens, and explodes the outdated conventions that mean women still aren't getting what they want and need during their pregnancy. Discover the different types of birth out there, how to decide between them, and the best questions to ask to ensure you get the birth you choose.

Packed with practical advice on everything from birth plans to dealing with doctors and doulas, this calls-to-arms is the only guide you need to stand and deliver, and get the birth that's right for you.