In preparation for home birth I have become an avid reader on the topic. Having now realized the link between tension, fear and pain, I want to make sure that I understand the process of birth and am not afraid of any part of it simply because I don’t understand it. During my second trimester, back when I had all that energy, I checked out and read 43 book from the library in 32 days. Below I have my top ten book list with critiques in case you are interested:
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin- Highly recommended, an excellent blend of birth stories and practical advice from the most well-known midwife in the country. It does contain graphic images of birth.
Your Best Birth: Know all Your Options, Discover the Natural Choices and Take Back the Birth Experience by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein- Highly Recommended. This book came as an addition to the documentary, The Business of Being Born, which I also highly recommend. It is an in depth look at all the common procedures of labor and birth in society today and encourages you to evaluate all your options.
Active Birth: The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally by Janet Balaskas- Some good information, it addresses the importance of movement and involvement during birth.
Pushed: The Painful Truth about Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care by 
Jennifer Block- Highly Recommended. Great information on modern maternity care. Will help you make informed decisions on your birth options.
Childbirth Without Fear by Dr. Grantly Dick Read-The book that started it all for me and changed the way I viewed birth. Highly recommended, though the language takes a few pages to adjust to as it was written several decades ago.
Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper- Some information slightly outdated, but good information on empowering yourself to make informed decision.
Baby Catcher: Chronicles of a Modern Midwife by Peggy Vincent- A memoir of a midwife who has delivered hundreds of babies. Some very touching birth stories and some great info mixed in.
The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin- A great resource for moms, dads, labor coaches, doulas, etc. Make your husband read this book!
The Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy by Vicki Iovine- A funny book for some good laughs, but I don’t recommend for the information, as she is much more geared toward intervention in birth.
Birthing from Within by Pan England and Rob Horowitz- A pretty good book. I didn’t really connect with her writing style, but she does offer some good advice on the emotional preparation needed for birth.
Overall, I was rather disappointed at the lack of good books on natural birth (maybe that will be my next pregnancy project…..hmmm). The books in my top ten list gave some great information though, and I would recommend them to anyone interested in natural birth.
Have a healthy week!
PDF 
About Wellness Mama
