The best way to prepare for natural childbirth is to read a lot about natural childbirth.
Check your library for natural childbirth books. You could print out this list of books and take it to your library. You can also order these books online through the links provided below. Ebay and half.com are other resources for ordering inexpensive natural birth books.
There are a lot of childbirth books out on the market.
Some are overly medical and not worth a penny. The book, What To Expect When Your Expecting , is one book that I can think of that isn’t worth your time or money. It’s horribly biased. Don’t waste your time reading it.
Here are some good books that positively and accurately approach pregnancy and childbirth. Most are specifically natural childbirth , but a few are great childbirth books that give both sides.
Naturally Healthy Pregnancy by Shonda Parker
I love Shonda Parker’s books. She is very balanced and writes from a Christian perspective on natural pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and lactation subjects. This is not a childbirth book. It is a pregnancy book that mainly talks about nutrition and how to cure pregnancy ailments naturally. In a small section, she does cover some helpful information regarding preparing for labor and childbirth. I refer to this book all the time. You may find this book cheaper on ebay or on Shonda Parker’s website, Naturally Healthy. >> Get the the book now
Homebirth by Sheila Kitzinger
In this book, Sheila Kitzinger gives the reader all the information she needs to plan a birth in a setting that she can control herself, whether at home, in a birth center or in a birthing room. She cites first-hand accounts of birth in and out of hospital. It’s out of print so it may be difficult to find but it is a good home birth book to have on hand. Get the the book now
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger
Kitzinger’s book is well written, comprehensive and easy to understand. The book is not a total home birth book. It is more of a well-rounded childbirth education type. She is very pro-birth and pro-family. She does not view childbirth as something awful but points out a positive view on pregnancy and childbirth. Very good book. Get the the book now
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon
This is an excellent graphic, illustrated how to book on natural childbirth. It covers the stages of labor and give practical ways you can work with your body to naturally birth your baby. I would highly recommend it to anyone desiring natural childbirth at home or in the hospital. If I had only one book to buy about natural childbirth, this would probably be it. Get the the book now
The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying Birth by William Sears
This is an excellent book by the Sears. Dr. Sears and his wife, Martha, talk about birth in a very positive light. The book is not a specific home birth book at all, but it covers a lot of information regarding childbirth. I would also recommend The Pregnancy Book and The Breastfeeding Book by the Sears too. Get the the book now
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
This book provides some very inspiring natural birth information and stories by the famous midwife, Ina May Gaskin. She tells rich stories and gives practical information and helpful techniques about the birth process. She stresses that childbirth is not something to fear and should be celebrated as something wonderful. Get the the book now
Heart and Hands: A Midwife’s Guide to Pregnancy and Birth by Elizabeth Davis
For over two decades, Heart and Hands has been a beloved guide for both midwives and parents interested in the benefits of midwifery care. This all-new fourth edition has been revised from start to finish, featuring updated material that emphasizes independent midwifery, physiologic (natural) birth, and the art of nonintervention. Midwifery expert Elizabeth Davis includes valuable hints for turning breech and posterior babies, mediating pain in labor, and supporting newborn physiology. Davis also reveals the keys to postpartum recovery, with practical tips on breastfeeding for busy mothers. Comprehensive and compassionate, Heart and Hands remains a dog-eared classic for parents, midwives, and other birthing helpers. Get the the book now