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[Xobel]

What are some pregnancy/childbirth-related books that you are enjoying/have enjoyed?  Anything from nutritional guides to memoirs to humor - ANY books.  I'm an avid reader and will eat up your suggestions - any and all are welcome!

One recommendation I have for you all is "Having Faith" by Sandra Steingraber.  I read it years and years ago, and recently re-read it now that I am actually entering the motherhood phase of life.  It's part autobiographical, part scientific critique, part history - an ecologist exploring her body as an ecosystem during pregnancy, the process of gestation, and the toxins that could potentially impact that process. Very informative and inspiring.  She's also written a few other books pertaining to children, cancer, etc., and is a very involved New England-based environmental activist (for those of you on the east side).

I've also been a little charmed by the book "Let's Panic About Babies," though I haven't read it cover to cover or anything.  It was in a friend's bathroom.

So?  Any books that have stood out for you guys among the MYRIADS related to this topic?

[CrunchyMama19]

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth is a great read with lots of non-mainstream info and some incredible birth stories.
 

[cardigan]

Nearly a decade ago I sublet an appartment for a summer from a young family. I found their baby books fascinating, like operating guides for another planet. The only one that I remember in addition to having literary merit was Anne Lamott's Operating Instructions. I intend to find that and reread it.

[marci mommi]

Hypnobirthing

[CraftyMcGluestick]

I loved The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer. Even if you don't agree with her, it's really thought-provoking and she makes compelling arguments for investigating your options and staying informed.

[askew]

Originally Posted by CrunchyMama19 

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth is a great read with lots of non-mainstream info and some incredible birth stories.
 

This was and is and always will be my favorite! 

[NotYourBuddyGuy]

I love Ina May's guide to childbirth, too!  It is seriously crunchtastic, but what do you expect from a midwife working on a soybean farm?

I found it to be such a wonderful celeration of the strength that women have, and a fantastic example of a different type of feminism.  I don't know how to describe it, but it's a celebration of how we're different from men, but still wonderful and powerful in our femininity.  I mean, I love my husband, but after having my son, I wouldn't trade motherhood for fatherhood any day of the week.

I hope I'm expressing myself right.  I mean, obviously equality for men and women is paramount, but I feel that sometimes society ignores the differences out of fear of being "sexist."  I think it's important to acknowledge the differences we have.  My husband and I are both great parents, but we're different parents, and hopefully our strengths compensate for eachother's weaknesses.

[CrunchyMama19]

Originally Posted by NotYourBuddyGuy 

I love Ina May's guide to childbirth, too!  It is seriously crunchtastic, but what do you expect from a midwife working on a soybean farm?

I found it to be such a wonderful celeration of the strength that women have, and a fantastic example of a different type of feminism.  I don't know how to describe it, but it's a celebration of how we're different from men, but still wonderful and powerful in our femininity.  I mean, I love my husband, but after having my son, I wouldn't trade motherhood for fatherhood any day of the week.

I hope I'm expressing myself right.  I mean, obviously equality for men and women is paramount, but I feel that sometimes society ignores the differences out of fear of being "sexist."  I think it's important to acknowledge the differences we have.  My husband and I are both great parents, but we're different parents, and hopefully our strengths compensate for eachother's weaknesses.

I totally understand what you mean, and I agree with you!

[thecoffeebean]

Ah, I love Ina May's books. When I was pregnant with DD, I borrowed the Guide to Childbirth book from a friend. This time I think I deserve to own it!

[AUvetmom]

I just finished Ina may's guide to childbirth. It is my second copy since I gave my first to a friend. I'm a big fan of passing along life changing books. The most exciting part is that she's now considering a home birth and is totally interested in natural birth. (This was a girl who was sure she would get an epidural because she "didn't like pain").

[Xobel]

Great suggestions!  Heading to the bookstore & library this morning!