Top book recommendations for clients?

[happyartmama]

Sometimes I meet with prospective clients (I work as a doula) who ask for or--from our conversation--may benefit from additional reading. What are your top picks for books that 1) give a solid overview of stages of labor, variations of "normal", etc., and 2) offer positive encouragement/stories/empowerment to women who want an unmedicated birth? Thanks in advance!!

[CMcC]

1) Birthing From Within
2) Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
3) Husband-Coached Childbirth : The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth
4) Spritual Midwifery (Great stories if they are really crunchy)


But if they aren't very crunchy and more mainstream, I recommend The Birth Book by William Sears and Martha Sears.

[Inner_Serenity]

Active Birth by Janet Balaskas

Mind Over Labor by Carl Jones

Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Janet Whalley, Penny Simkin, & Keppler

The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Shelia Kitzinger

The Birth Book by Dr. William and Martha Sears, RN IBCLC


A Few of my suggestions..... I also stear my clients clear of "What to Expect when your expecting" if possible

Tia

[DoomaYula]

The Thinking Woman's Guide by Henci Goer.

FWIW, I think BFW is wayyyyyy too crunchy for mainstream moms. Like, I consider it too crunchy for ME! :

[happyartmama]

Thanks for the help; anyone esle is welcome to weigh in too. Those are some great picks, and good reminders overall about "crunchiness!"

[heartandhandsdoula]

I love love baby catcher: chronicles of a modern midwife by peggy vincent

[JessicaE]

1) Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way (more of a how-to manual than Husband-Coached Childbirth)

2) Creating Your Birth Plan (new Marsden Wagner book)

3) The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth (it's time for her to update this one, though!)

4) Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

5) The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (not labor specific, but very helpful to read during pregnancy, IMO)