looking for a good book about birth....

mooncusp22 · February 2014

DH was asking me last night "so, how do you know when you are going into labor? Does you water break first? Or contractions start?". My answer was " I have no idea! All I know is what I've seen in the movies"

So, I obviously need to & planned on taking a class. But, in the meantime thought I would start reading up. Any suggestions on a good book??

ksulli · February 2014

If you're just looking for a basic introduction you can check out the mayo clinic's website- it's free and pretty reputable.

mooncusp22 · February 2014

Thanks! That would be a good place to start...

RebeccaY1 · February 2014

I think it depends upon what type of birth you want. Lamaze has written a book that was pretty all encompassing. You could also go to your local library and ask for help from the reference librarian to find a bunch of different pregnancy related books.

Depending upon where you live Babies R Us offers several free classes. I've been to two of them and they were pretty good. They even included brochures and pamphlets to read over.

You could also sign up for a childbirth class that will probably talk about this.

You could also ask your doctor at your next appointment.

Ninnyshelly14 · February 2014

The Birth Partner by Penny Simpkin would be great for both you and your husband to read.

Alana1977 · February 2014

I bought the Birth Partner. It is an awesome book written for dads or other birth partners. I read it first as it covers everything you need to know and then gave it to my husband as it covers everything he needs to know to support me in labour - before, during and after

cjpell0 · February 2014

H has been reading the Birth Partner, I've skimmed it. It's been incredibly helpful and I highly recommend it.

manda10884 · February 2014

I have started The Big Book of Birth by Erica Lyon and it's really great so far! I'm a FTM and it's very informative so far. She has a lot of different advice and info on all sorts of different things- I got it from my sister who is totally organic, natural, hippyish, lol so I was afraid it was going to be all one sided but it's not at all. I would like to have a natural birth but am also preparing for an epidural if needed. I would recommend this book!
Edit:spelling

pineconey · February 2014

The Mayo clinic book is really good too.
Definitely take a class if you can! It helps to have someone you can ask questions to face to face.
The Husband Coached Childbirth is another good book, definitely geared towards natural birth, but has a lot of good stuff in there no matter what route you choose.

haziedaze · February 2014

Some good overview books are "What to Expect..." or for more humor "Pregnancy Sucks: What to do When Your Miracle Makes You Miserable."

I'm loving "Mindful Birthing" if you're at all curious about mindfulness/meditation this is an AWESOME book. The idea is preparing for whatever comes with strategies for dealing with pain and even parenting. It also has a really good description of the stages of labor and what is happening physiologically with each stage. Highly recommended!

Rogue237 · February 2014

I was going to say - it depends on the type of birth you want. Most of what I've read and liked have been geared toward natural birth, but that's because I'm doing a natural birth. I'll second what @Pineconey said, that Mayo Clinic's book is good for a generic overview.

Tarakristinelou · February 2014

The Bradley method

laurel22 · February 2014

I also recommend the Mayo Clinic book for a good medical overview of pregnancy and birth. It won't scare you with an overload of "what ifs" like the "What to Expect..." book can.

speechie517 · February 2014

I'm reading The Orgasmic Birth. The premis is on making childbirth and enjoyable experience. It is geared toward natural childbirth.

Skier2154 · February 2014

Ina May's guide to childbirth. Also extremely helpful.

CalinAZ · February 2014

Obviously skewed towards natural birth, but I really enjoyed Natural Hospital Birth. It really broke down all the parts of labor and what you're likely to experience in each part, along with different means of coping for each level, and what your partner can do. I think even if you aren't planning natural birth, it would be some really good tips for the first part of labor

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mwakelin · February 2014

You should watch the video "The Business of being born" by Ricki Lake.

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