Links, Resources and Recommended Reading
Books
Each of the books listed here is available from my lending library. You may find them so wonderful you'll want a copy of your own!
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide by Penny Simkin. A fantastic "all encompassing" book, Penny's breadth of knowledge is impressive.
- The Pregnancy Book: Month-by-Month, Everything You Need to Know from America's Baby Experts by William and Martha Sears and Linda Hughey Holt. The Sears team takes a fresh, positive approach to your pregnancy.
- Childbirth Related
- Birthing From Within by Pam England and Rob Horowitz. This book won't teach you about the stages of labor and the technicalities of giving birth. What it will teach you is confidence, possibly the most important thing you need to bring into the birthing room. An unusual and highly inspiring read.
- The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer. Henci does a meticulous review and analysis of current research in maternity practices. She summarizes her findings in a clear, concise manner, providing you the perfect tool to make evidenced-based decisions for your birth.
- The Official Lamaze Guide: Giving Birth with Confidence by Judith Lothian and Charlotte DeVries. Not your mother's Lamaze! This book is aptly titled. In a positive and confidence-building manner, this book discusses the many normal aspects of pregnancy, labor and birth.
- Breastfeeding
- The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers: The Most Comprehensive Problem-Solution Guide to Breastfeeding by the Foremost Expert in North America by Jack Newman. Jack Newman's impeccable research is brought together in an informative, well-organized text. You'll refer to it countless times during your nursing career. A must for every nursing mom!
- Medications and Mothers' Milk by Thomas W. Hale. Making decisions about taking medications while nursing can be a frustrating experience. Most drug companies simply don't put the funds toward researching how medications pass through into Mom's milk. Hale's research is thorough, informative and, ultimately, reassuring.
- Nursing Mother, Working Mother: The Essential Guide for Breastfeeding and Staying Close to Your Baby After You Return to Work by Gale Pryor. Working moms CAN nurse! I personally nursed my first child for a year, while working full time after maternity leave. This guide, and some excellent resources on the web, were instrumental in my successful nursing relationship.