recommended reading

Grantley Dick-Read              Childbirth Without Fear 

The book that started it all! This man was truly a pioneer in helping women to reclaim their right to birth their babies in a natural way with as little intervention as possible. In this book he talks of his experiences in the delivery room, his observations, findings and discoveries. He worked in the fifties when a 'normal' labour often involved the mother being knocked out with ethanol! He also introduces the fear-tension-pain syndrome and explains how being afraid of birth can complicate and lengthen the labour, as well as dramatically increasing any pain felt and therefore increasing the chances of intervention.

Zita West                        Zita West’s Guide to Getting Pregnant

This is a book for couples who are trying to conceive naturally, it pretty much covers everything; from what could be preventing conception or fertilitsation, lots of info on sperm , eggs and ovulation, complementary therapies which can help such as acupuncture and hypnotherapy, and ways overcoming any emotional blocks to falling pregnant.

Ina May Gaskin                  Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth

This book aims to empower women, by reminding them that their body was made to give birth. Ina talks about issues such as the mind/body connection, what happens to your body during labour, and having an active labour. She has a wealth of experience and the book includes many inspiring birth stories as well as helpful techniques for throughout the birth - such as keeping your jaw and mouth as slack and loose as possible during the 2nd stage - relaxed mouth means relaxed cervix and vagina and therefore an easier delivery.

Emma Mahoney          Stand and Deliver! And Other Brilliant Ways to Give Birth

Written by a lady who was told she would have to have a c-section for the birth of her twins, yet she had a natural homebirth. This book is good for highlighting that the kind of birth you have is not only your choice but legally your right. It is full of practical information to help you decide what type of birth experience is right for you and your baby.

Pam England                      Birthing from Within: An Extra-ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation
 
This book is all about taking back control and birthing your baby using the inner resources that all women are born with. It shows how you have everything you need within you to birth your baby - information such as ways of minimising and avoiding pain, visualisation techniques and positions to
take up.            

 
Janet Balaskas                     New Active Birth: A concise Guide to Natural Childbirth
With this book, you can learn to develop all your body's resources to deal with the instinctive experience of childbirth.

Dr Gowri Motha            The Gentle Birth Method
Dr Gowri cam up with her birth approach as an alternative to conventional obstetric practise, when she became alarmed at the increasing number of women needing intervention during their births. It teaches expectant mothers how to train their bodies and minds in order to reduce or prevent complications during pregnancy and labour.

Leah Hazard                 The Fathers Home Birth Handbook
Men can often feel powerless during childbirth, possibly even more so when it is a homebirth. This books looks at the father’s point of view through looking at the relevant research and dozens of homebirth stories.

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