Books for pregnancy and birth

The Doula Book by Marshall H. Klaus MD, John H. Kennel MD and Phyllis H. Klaus CSW MFT (Perseus Publishing, ©2002) is a must read for pregnant mothers. Formerly published as Mothering the Mother, this recent update includes some striking new research.

Whether or not you are familiar with the role of a doula in childbirth you will learn something new from this book. A Doula is defined as “an experienced labor companion who provides… physical and emotional support throughout the entire labor and delivery.” Throughout history, women around the world have traditionally labored with the assistance of other women, and even in our modern age, laboring with a doula provides astonishing advantages. Having the loving support of an experienced doula during labor also has the surprising effect of easing the transition to new motherhood, decreasing rates of maternal depression, and increasing the mother’s positive feelings about her baby. The Doula Book provides an enticing look at having the best possible birth experience for yourself and your baby.

Having a Baby Naturally by Peggy O’Mara (Atria Books, ©2003) is a warm and inviting overview of natural birth choices today. Everything you need to know is here, from circumcision to cesarean section, birth centers to breastfeeding, presented in a clear factual manner with a focus on keeping pregnancy healthy and normal. As a mother, I appreciated the author’s tone of respect for different experiences and our ability to make choices, while staying true to her mission to empower women to take an active role in childbirth. Birth is placed comfortably within the context of family life, with chapters on how to prepare and include siblings in welcoming a new baby, and how to fit parenthood into your life as a couple. The final section of the book is dedicated completely to fathers, rightfully expressing the importance of fathers in their children’s lives right from the start. O’Mara continues on beyond birth, providing extensive information on the postpartum period, with sound advice on getting breastfeeding off to a good start, co-sleeping safely, the baby blues, and more. Having a Baby Naturally may be the only book you need on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

The Pregnancy Journal by A. Christine Harris PhD (Chronicle Books, ©2005) is a fun find for any pregnant woman. The author gives a day by day account of what is happening with baby on the inside and leaves space for you own personalization of how pregnancy feels from out here. Each day brings an update on baby, tips for mom, nutrition information, and irresistible extras, from exactly how amniotic fluid is formed to the birthing practices of the ancient cultures around the globe. A few of the tips are somewhat questionable, however. For example, as a nursing mother of a baby and an active toddler I would never have found it easier to pump and bottle feed my milk to my baby, nor would I ever give peppermint candy to an infant, colicky or not. But on the whole The Pregnancy Journal puts an upbeat and informative twist on the standard what-to-expect format that is refreshing and sure to be appreciated by any mom-to-be. The author writes with a fascination and enthusiasm for pregnancy that encourages us to enjoy the miracle of pregnancy, every step of the way.