20 Best Birthing Books (2023 Update)

An all-inclusive pregnancy and birthing guidebook that gives soon-to-be mothers and their partners the information they need to make decisions, feel confident, and enjoy the beauty of creating new life. a comprehensive and judgement-free pregnancy companion, nurture is the only all-in-one pregnancy and birthing book for modern mothers-to-be and their partners who want a more integrative approach. author erica chidi cohen has assisted countless births and helped hundreds of families ease into their new roles through her work as a doula. nurture covers everything from the beginning months of pregnancy to the baby's first weeks. this empowering book includes dozens of important topics that every modern mom needs to know, such as fetal development, making choices for a hospital, home or birth center birth, the basics of breastfeeding, tips on what to expect postpartum, and more. the ultimate gudie for moms to be: nurture is packed with helpful resources, including supportive self-care and mindfulness exercises, trimester-specific holistic remedies, nourishing foods and recipes for every month of pregnancy, and expert tips for every birth environment, accompanied by more than 40 charming and informative illustrations, charts, and lists. experienced author: erica chidi cohen is co-founder and ceo of loom in los angeles. she began her work in san francisco, volunteering as a doula within the prison system, working with pregnant inmates. she went on to build a successful doula and health education practice in los angeles and has been featured in women's health, vogue, goop, the cut and marie claire. experts love it: nurture is highly recommended by a wide range of experts: "what a gift to new and expecting moms. you have no idea the mountain and rollercoaster you're about to embark on, but nurture somehow gives you a peek in and gives you essential information to help ground you." –catherine mccord, founder of weelicious and co-founder of one potato "it's like having an expert doula and friend at your fingertips. i'd recommend this book for the nightstand of every expectant mother." –joanna goddard, founder of the women's lifestyle website cup of jo perfect for: expecting mothers and their partners, first-time moms, and new parents gift givers looking for a great baby shower gift adding to the shelf alongside other pregnancy books and titles on birth and parenting

Extensively revised to reflect the latest in scientific research and cultural trends, an authoritative guide to pregnancy and childbirth provides all the information women need to make decisions about prenatal tests, pain control, and how and where to give birth, with advice on the development of the fetus, body changes, and labor preparation techniques. simultaneous. 50,000 first printing.

"more readable, more attractive, and more accessible” is how pregnant couples describe the latest edition of this million plus-copy seller! and, of course, it’s got all the latest medical information and advice. the new edition is designed to expand the retail market for this authoritative and complete guide. – pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn: the complete guide is already one of the bestselling pregnancy books on the market, with more than one million copies in print! now newly revised and redesigned, this comprehensive, authoritative “bible” provides expectant couples with abundant, valuable information about pregnancy, labor, birth, the postpartum period, and newborn care. this award-winning book presents the latest research-based information on pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood, including: – new information on complementary-medicine approaches such as acupuncture – updated information on interventions during childbirth – revised statistics and discussions on cesarean birth and vaginal birth after cesarean (vbac) – new advice on informed decision-making, one of the hottest topics in maternity care today – plus much, much more! the book has been redesigned so it’s more accessible and reader-friendly, with more photos, illustrations, and boxed features that allow for important information to be highlighted. also included in the new design are fun and informative sidebars, such as “common q&as” about pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care; “in their own words,” in which parents describe their pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting experiences from their point of view; and “fact or fiction?” in which the authors present common misinformation and the facts. – mom’s choice awards pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn (2010) – gold award: pregnancy & childbirth; i – parenting media awards pregnancy, childbirth & the newborn (2009) – best products winner: book; living now book awards pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn: the complete guide (2009) – family (parenting/health/safety): bronze award; national parenting publications awards (nappa) pregnancy, childbirth & the newborn (2009) – gold award: parenting resources; usabook – word magazine book of the year awards pregnancy, childbirth & the newborn (2008) – finalist: parenting

An inclusive, non-judgmental, and empowering guide to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum life that puts mothers first, offering straightforward guidance on all the options and issues that matter most to them (and their partners) when preparing for a baby. in birth without fear, january harshe–founder of the global online community birth without fear–delivers an honest, positive, and passionate message of empowerment surrounding everything that involves having a baby. it's a guide that fills in the considerable cracks in the information available to women and families when they're preparing to welcome a child–covering care provider choices, medical freedom, birth options, breastfeeding, intimacy, postpartum depression, and much more. birth without fear shows moms, dads, partners, and families how to choose the best provider for them, how to trust in themselves and the birth process, and how to seek the necessary help after the baby has arrived. in addition, it will educate them about their rights–and how to use their voice to exercise them–as well as how to cope with the messy postpartum feelings many people aren't willing to talk about. unlike other pregnancy books, birth without fear will also help partners understand what mothers are going through, as well as discuss the challenges that they, too, will face–and how they can navigate them. shattering long-held myths and beliefs surrounding pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum experience, birth without fear is an accessible, reassuring, and ultimately inspiring guide to taking charge of pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond.

Available for the first time in full color, the up-to-date and authoritative pregnancy guide that has sold 1.5 million copies–by recognizing that "one size fits all" doesn't apply to maternity careparents love this book because it puts them in control; experts love it because it's based on the latest medical research and recommendations from leading health organizations. pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn provides the information and guidance you need to make informed decisions about having a safe and satisfying pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period–decisions that reflect your preferences, priorities, and values.unlike pregnancy guides that can overwhelm and alarm by telling you up front all the things that can possibly go wrong, this book first describes normal, healthy processes, their typical variations, and the usual care practices for monitoring them. only then does it cover possible complications and the care practices and procedures for resolving them. throughout, the presentation is crystal-clear, the tone is reassuring, and the voice is empowering. and the language is inclusive, reflecting today's various family configurations such as single-parent families, blended families formed by second marriages, families with gay and lesbian parents, and families formed by open adoption or surrogacy. from sensible nutrition advice to realistic birth plans, from birth doulas when desired to cesareans when needed, from reducing stress during pregnancy to caring for yourself as well as your baby after birth, this pregnancy guide speaks to today's parents-to-be like no other.

Pregnancy, birth and the early weeks of being a parent can be incredibly overwhelming. it is a very special time and should be a joyful and empowering experience. yet the conflicting advice about pregnancy, labour and parenting can leave your head spinning – and make it highly unlikely you will get the birth you want. until now. in the happy birth book, beverley turner, with the help of midwife pam wild, lays out all the facts about pregnancy, birth and new parenthood. covering everything from scans to stretch marks, hypnobirthing to pain relief, as well as specific advice for partners, the happy birth book will be there for you every step of the way. whether you're in the early months of pregnancy and are anxious about the whole process, or you're under pressure to make decisions about your upcoming labour, the happy birth book cuts through all the mixed messages and urban myths surrounding birth to give you straightforward, evidence-based advice which will help you and your partner to choose the path to parenthood that is right for you. so what are you waiting for? dive in – and start preparing for the happiest day of your life.

Work out what kind of birth you really want, and learn how to maximize your chances of getting it, in this refreshing, warm and witty guide to pregnancy, birth and the early weeks. packed with vital and cutting-edge information on everything from building the ultimate birth plan, to your choices and rights in the birth room; from optimal cord clamping, to seeding the microbiome; from the inside track on breastfeeding, to woman-centered cesarean, the positive birth book shows you how to have the best possible birth, regardless of whether you plan to have your baby in hospital, in the birth center, at home or by elective cesarean. find out how the environment you give birth in, your mindset and your expectations can influence the kind of birth you have, and be inspired by the voices of real women, who tell you the truth about what giving birth really feels like. challenging negativity and fear of childbirth, and brimming with everything you need to know about labor, birth, and the early days of parenting, the positive birth book is the must-have birth book for women of the 21st century.

Since the original publication of the birth partner, partners, friends, relatives, and doulas have relied on penny simkin's guidance in caring for the new mother, from her last trimester through the early postpartum period. now fully revised in its fifth edition, the birth partner remains the definitive guide to helping a woman through labor and birth, and the essential manual to have at hand during the event. the birth partner includes thorough information on:preparing for labor and knowing when it has begun – normal labor and how to help the woman every step of the way – epidurals and other medications for labor – pitocin and other means, including natural ones, to induce or speed up labor – non-drug techniques for easing labor pain – cesarean birth and complications that may require it – breastfeeding and newborn careand much more for the partner who wishes to be truly helpful in the birthing room, this book is indispensable.

Many newly pregnant women believe mothering begins after the baby is born. as a result, their pregnancy is spent preparing the baby's room, buying a crib, and even attending childbirth classes. all of these activities are valuable and help to prepare for this new life, but what about before the baby is born? the wonder within you takes you on a journey that weaves scientific studies, dozens of interviews with mothers, and storytelling into a fascinating account of life inside the womb. an obstetrician loads each chapter with advice. a sonographer gives incredible 3 and 4-d snapshots (available online) and stories from her 25 years of watching babies grow in utero. each chapter includes week-by-week developmental information, findings from recent neonatal studies, and even nutritional advice all designed to nurture a healthy baby. the wonder within you also serves as a weekly journal for expectant mothers to chronicle her own baby's journey to life outside the womb. it's a keepsake baby book that begins before birth.the wonder within you will help moms meet the real needs of the growing pre-born baby. sonograms, dietary and medical advice, and stories from experienced moms are combined to encourage 40 weeks of prenatal parenting designed with a joy for the journey in mind.

Since its original publication in 1989, the birth partner has been both the definitive guide to preparing to help a woman through childbirth and the essential manual to have on hand during the event. the book includes detailed information on the stages and phases of labor, anesthesia and other pain medications, non-drug techniques for easing labor pain, complications and medical interventions, and tests and treatments of the fetus and newborn. also included are chapters on the last few weeks of pregnancy, the first few days post partum, and getting started with breastfeeding. there are numerous helpful drawings, graphs, and tables,and darkened page edges for quick reference during labor.this fully updated and substantially revised third edition provides new information on topics such as: elective induction of labor supporting a woman who is considered "high risk" helping a woman who has had an epidural (which relieves pain but can cause unpleasant side effects), and maximizing a woman's chance for a vaginal rather than a cesarean birth, even if she has had one cesarean already this edition also includes more information for and about doulas (labor assistants), who are quickly growing in popularity and who represent a large number of the book's readers. for the dad, doula, sister, or friend who wishes to help a woman have a safe and satisfying birth experience, the birth partner is truly indispensable.

Since the original publication of the birth partner, new mothers' mates, friends, and relatives and doulas (professional birth assistants) have relied on penny simkin's guidance in caring for the new mother from the last few weeks of pregnancy through the early postpartum period. fully revised in its fourth edition, the birth partner remains the definitive guide for preparing to help a woman through childbirth and the essential manual to have at hand during the event. this completely updated edition includes thorough information on: preparing for labor and knowing when it has begun; normal labor and how to help the woman every step of the way; epidurals and other medications for labor; non-drug techniques for easing labor pain; cesarean birth and complications that may require it; breastfeeding and newborn care; and much more. for the partner who wishes to be truly helpful in the birthing room, this book is indispensable.

Kitzinger provides candid information about what mothers need to know, ranging from ways to navigate the technical landscape of hospital births to making the personal choices of a water home birth. her "empowerment language" no longer assumes there is a marriage, replacing references to "a man" with "birthing partner."

No matter how you birth your baby, feel calm and safe with hypnobirthing "this woman is a great healer and birth expert. this book will be brilliant." russell brand your baby, your birth is a truly modern hypnobirthing book for all births. in-demand hypnobirthing coach hollie de cruz provides you with the skills and tools to make any birth feel safe, calm, connected and empowering. drawing on her experience working with new mums, including fearne cotton and giovanna fletcher, hollie de cruz helps you prepare for a positive (not 'perfect') birth experience and approach motherhood with confidence in yourself and your instincts. your baby, your birth will teach you: – that birth is safe – listen to your body, embrace the changes, prepare your mind and relax during pregnancy- exercises and breathing techniques for labour and birth for you and your birth partner, along with guided meditations to keep you calm and engaged- how to trust your instincts, understand your body and baby, and make informed decisions throughout your pregnancy and beyond hollie de cruz, creator of the award-winning yesmum positive affirmation cards, is renowned for demystifying hypnobirthing and her down-to-earth, realistic approach is highly sought after. whatever kind of birth you are planning, let hollie de cruz provide you with a set of deep relaxation, mindfulness and meditation tools for an empowering experience.

Follow the amazing journey of the earliest stages of human life, with month-by-month development shown in unprecedented detail. the complex concepts and processes of emerging life are demystified in clear, jargon-free text, while specially commissioned 3d images, extraordinary photographs, and detailed artworks illustrate every aspect of human pregnancy. the 3d artworks, illustrations, scans, and photographs show exactly how a baby changes and grows during pregnancy, and how the female body adapts to carry it. a chapter on labour and birth explains these processes with step-by-step illustrations and easy-to-grasp text. the science of pregnancy also looks at the nature of human pregnancy, including how it evolved, and explores the anatomy and physiology of both the male and female reproductive systems. the mysteries of dna and genetics are unravelled and explained in clear, illustrated detail, including patterns of inheritance and the interplay of genes and environment. the book also provides straightforward, illustrated information on possible problems before, during, and after birth.

International author, prenatal yoga specialist and birth doula julia piazza provides a complete prenatal yoga and birth preparation guide for expecting women and their partners. "i am thrilled to see julia's words of wisdom in this gift of a book for childbearing families. she has drawn on ancient traditions and her personal and professional experiences to create a rich guide for health and life. – the book prompts women to nourish themselves, and therefore their families, with simple but effective activities including writing prompts and yoga poses organized by trimester." -jenna shaw-battista ph – d, rn, np, cnm, facnm birth wisdom yoga remedies and journal will provide you with a map for your pregnancy. in this guided journey, a complete 60- minute prenatal yoga class flow and 30-minute prenatal yoga class flow are included, with over 35 beautiful photos of poses and modifications for the beginning and advanced yoga practitioner. – the proper modifications and benefits of each pose are completely explained to keep you and your baby safe, while also preparing you for the "marathon of childbirth." each trimester of pregnancy and yoga is explained with the common pregnancy ailments and their yoga remedies. the eight birth wisdoms are julia's distinguishing feature of her work: a collection of wisdoms and experiences shared with her over the years of serving women and their families in the labor and birth room. included within each birth wisdom are meditations and affirmations, along with breathing and softening techniques that will help you find your focal point during labor and childbirth. – the book is organized so you can add weekly yoga poses to your practice over the course of your pregnancy, preparing you to "own your strength and power" in labor and childbirth. at the end of each week of pregnancy, there are two full journal pages with journal prompts to prepare you mentally for childbirth. additional space is included for insights, questions, notes to your baby, photos of ultrasound scans and special mementos. you will have plenty of space to create a keepsake book to save and cherish. guidelines for peacefully advocating for mom and baby in the birthing room are included as well. – the book concludes with a comprehensive list of affirmations to take with you to use in labor and childbirth. birth wisdom yoga remedies and journal has become an invaluable tool and trusted handbook for yoga teachers looking to support pregnant women in their yoga classes. birth professionals have found it is also an excellent guide for prenatal "check-ins" with their patients for reflection and preparation for childbirth. bulk pricing for birth professionals and yoga teachers is available.

There is a global crisis in maternal health care for black women. in the united states, black women are over three times more likely to perish from pregnancy-related complications than white women; their babies are half as likely to survive the first year. many black women experience policing, coercion, and disempowerment during pregnancy and childbirth and are disconnected from alternative birthing traditions. this book places black women's voices at the center of the debate on what should be done to fix the broken maternity system and foregrounds black women's agency in the emerging birth justice movement. mixing scholarly, activist, and personal perspectives, the book shows readers how they too can change lives, one birth at a time.

A quick yet comprehensive guide to caring for yourself and your growing baby, pregnancy & birth: everything you need to know gets straight to the point, showing you what other books only tell you. with clear photographs, graphics of fetal development, and step-by-step sequences throughout, the book is perfect for time-starved parents. pregnancy & birth: everything you need to know covers the core information you will need from conception through birth and the first six weeks of your baby's life, including prenatal care, scans and tests, pain-relief options, and the best choices for nutrition and exercise. book jacket.

2019 national parenting product award (nappa) winner finally, a calming pregnancy book that cuts through the noise to tell expectant mothers exactly what they need to know—and what they can stop obsessing about and over-researching. in the new rules of pregnancy, two leading ob-gyns guide you, the modern pregnant woman, through all aspects of pregnant life in an easy-to-digest, compassionate, and motivating way. instead of a detailed week-by-week look at your baby’s development, it’s all about you, and how to help your pregnancy go as smoothly as possible. it assumes an intelligent, busy reader (who, somewhere inside, is shouting, “just tell me what to do!”). every aspect of pregnant life is covered—from the practical details (how to fly pregnant) to the complex issues (“what makes it postpartum depression?”). the book also covers that critical “fourth trimester”—“nursing” and “how to feel like yourself again”—because once the baby is born, self-care typically goes out the window, and you really need someone to have your back. its strong point of view and expertise come from gynecologist adrienne simone and obstetrician jaqueline worth—two renowned new york doctors dedicated to bringing patients the safest, calmest, least invasive pregnancies possible. the book’s voice—motivating, supportive, real—comes from danielle claro, coauthor of the new health rules.

The perfect gift for expecting parents: a slipcased set of the bestselling pregnancy and parenting guides. an ideal baby shower gift, these books answer all the questions of mothers- and fathers-to-be and new parents. what to expect when you're expecting is the choice of 93% of women who read a pregnancy book, is the book most recommended by doctors, and was named one of the "most influential books of the last 25 years" by usa today.

Brought to you by penguin.whether you are planning for a baby, just found out you are pregnant or well into your third trimester, this book will help you to feel confident, informed and inspired about your exciting journey ahead.through years of work with families, senior midwife marie louise reveals the key things that will make the biggest, most positive difference to you and your baby as you navigate these life-changing months. as well as this, marie louise is renowned for bringing complex science to life. you’ll discover fascinating facts that underpin everything you and your baby will go through, including — how your nervous system is synced with your baby and why baby already knows a lot about you when they are born- the unique process your baby goes through to pass through the birth canal and how you work together in labour- incredible facts about breast milkpacked with the most up-to-date findings and expert insights, you'll find everything you need to prepare for motherhood and, most importantly, understand and appreciate just how amazing you and your baby both are! marie louise 2020 (p) penguin audio 2020