If you could recommend ONE birth/labor book.....

Texasmom410

......to someone NOT enrolling in a birthing class, who just wants to learn on her own relaxation/pain relief methods during birth.

 

(Yes it is for me, I am wanting to just read a good book. I am most likely having a epi-free birth as well due to some medical issues, so relaxation/self soothing pain methods are helpful incase thats the route I have to go)

 A big plus if it has a chapter for my husband.

Just recommend ONE! The best one you've ever read!

madhatter2003

Pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn.

Goes over EVERYTHING you could ever want.

kayteatrudeau

Birthing From Within. It's incredible.

VampyAuthor

I read Hypnobirthing: the Mongan Method 6 times and l loved it. It helped me have the med free birth I had been praying for.

Ruthgers

THIS one is my favorite, and I read a lot of them.  There is a chapter for DH.

Legally Nads

The Birth Partner-- I bought it for my husband, but I've been reading it too and its great! Its definitely for those who want a natural (epi-free birth), but it also discusses pain medications and c-sections, just so that you are prepared in the event the birth doesn't go as planned. It also has illustrations for laboring positions. 

star173

Natural Childbirth, The Bradely Way

If I could only pick one, there are plenty of great ones. It goes through all the stages of labor, involves your husband a lot, and has relaxation techniques that I found and still find very helpful. Good luck.

MeanMommyLady

I read this version of Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn, there is an updated version here.  My midwife suggested it and it does have information for the fathers (as well as an entire companion book called The Birth Partner) which my DH read (you should have heard his surprise when he read all about perineal massage).

Texasmom410

MeanMommyLady:

I read this version of Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn, there is an updated version here.  My midwife suggested it and it does have information for the fathers (as well as an entire companion book called The Birth Partner) which my DH read (you should have heard his surprise when he read all about perineal massage).

 

So far I like the Bradley method book for myself. But could I get Hubby the Birth Partner, and it still be sort of inline with the book I'm reading, or do you need the two books you posted together?

MeanMommyLady

Texasmom410:

 

So far I like the Bradley method book for myself. But could I get Hubby the Birth Partner, and it still be sort of inline with the book I'm reading, or do you need the two books you posted together?

The Birth Partner is a stand alone book, I don't think there is anything about the two books together that makes them special except that they cover the same things, one from your side and one from his so it makes them really easy to discuss. 

georgia_peachy

star173:

Natural Childbirth, The Bradely Way

If I could only pick one, there are plenty of great ones. It goes through all the stages of labor, involves your husband a lot, and has relaxation techniques that I found and still find very helpful. Good luck.

This.  I've read several in conjuction with our classes, but this one is the easiest to understand and I think would be the most helpful to someone not taking a class.