If you are considering having your baby without medications like the epidural, or even just looking into it, it is important that you prepare your mind, your body and your support system. These books all offer something special to helping you build your ideal birth and dealing with labor as it happens, including twists and turns that may be unexpected in the road.
1. The Official Lamaze Guide
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This book is an instant classic! With great advice, humor and birth stories, Lothian and DeVires share the truth about birth and how to make it a wonderful time in your life. The factual information is provided in a practical way, including how to pick a place of birth, talk to you doctor or midwife and most importantly how to trust your body.
2. Ina May's Guide to Natural Childbirth
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Ina May Gaskin is a world famous midwife. Her book is half birth story and half factual guide to having a baby. Her tone is very down to earth and easy to read, without all of the medical jargon that brings down so many books.
3. Good Birth, Safe Birth
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I originally read this book many years ago when I was expecting my first baby. It really helped me realize why I wanted an unmedicated birth and how to talk to others about that desire. This book showed me all the benefits of natural birth to me and my baby.
4. Birthing From Within
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This guide to birth is written by a midwife. Many of the activities are for emotional and physical preparation, this is something very needed. Many women are keen on the facts, but fail to prepare themselves physically and emotionally for the tasks of birthing.
5. The Birth Partner
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Technically this book is for those that help you in labor, but it's a great read for you too. I highly recommend that anyone you invite to your birth be familiar with this book. It's very practically written and thoughtfully laid out to be a quick reference in labor. Penny Simkin, author, is a childbirth educator and doula, so she has used these techniques in hundreds of births.
