There are many many valuable pregnancy books out there today. Especially with today's technology, there is information at our fingertips. But nothing beats the good old fashion, hold it in your hand, read it in the bathtub books. Here are 10 of the best selling and best reviewed pregnancy books that every mom-to-be should consider reading.
1. The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy by Vicki Iovine
There are mixed reviews on this book. For the most part, women found this to be a candid, funny and reassuring guide to pregnancy. I get the feeling, however, that if you are at all the type to get offended or upset by Vicki’s personal opinions (ie...that no woman in their right minds would go through natural childbirth on purpose), this may not be the book for you. But, as one reviewer put it “taken with a grain or two of salt, she (Vicki) provides many hilarious moments, acres of advice and honest reassurance readers will find nowhere else”.
2. Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation by Pam England and Rob Horowitz
Here is a holistic approach to childbirth that examines this profound rite-of-passage not as a medical event but as an act of self-discovery. Exercises and activities such as journal writing, meditation, and painting will help mothers analyze their thoughts and face their fears during pregnancy. For use during birth, the book offers proven techniques for coping with labor pain without drugs, a discussion of the doctor or midwife’s role, and a look at the father’s responsibilities.
3. The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
Every intelligent, informed woman is used to gathering the most complete information she can get before making a decision. But when it comes to one of the most important decisions in her life--how she will give birth--it can be tough to get the complete picture, even from an obstetrician. Surprisingly, much of the latest research goes against common medical opinion. Certified Lamaze instructor and activist Henci Goer brings women the carefully researched facts they'll want to have.
4. Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Founding member and former president of the Midwives Alliance of North America, Gaskin offers encouragement and practical advice in her upbeat and informative book on natural childbirth. Reviews of this book are quite good. Even if you are not planning for a natural childbirth, the birth stories of over a dozen women (many of whom are Gaskin’s clients) helps to lessen the fear of painful labors.
5. The Birth Partner, Third Edition: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions
The ultimate guide for mothers, fathers, birth coaches and doulas. With its easy-to use format and new illustrations, The Birth Partner is the essential guide to have on hand in the delivery room.
6. The Mother of All Pregnancy Books: The Ultimate Guide to Conception, Birth and Everything in Between
Unlike all those otherbossy, tell-you-what-to-do titles, this funny, entertaining guide presents expectant parents with all the facts on such perennial hot topics as pain relief during labor, episiotomy, and circumcision, and empowers them to make informed personal choices. It's packed with tools you won't find anywhere else
7. Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth
McCarthy applies her in-your-face manner and blue humor to the subject of pregnancy and childbirth in this little piece of fun. Like a gossipy girlfriend, McCarthy brings you in and makes you laugh; there's a certain comfort in knowing that even a sex symbol gets stretch marks and balloons to 200 pounds during pregnancy. A must-have for any childbirth collection.
8. Your Best Birth: Know All Your Options, Discover the Natural Choices, and Take Back the Birth Experience
Asserting that the high tech, low touch trend in medicalized births has usurped parents' sense of power and choice, the authors present a detailed examination of the birthing experience, beginning with their own personal accounts. The authors discuss the pros and cons of such interventions as episiotomies, epidurals and electronic monitors, and encourage women to carefully question their practitioners and hospital personnel. Above all, the authors advocate a safe and empowered birth, whether one chooses a hospital, home or birth center.
9. The Nursing Mother's Companion: Revised Edition
The best-selling The Nursing Mother's Companion, now in its fully-updated fifth edition, will help you get off to a good start and guide you through the early months, covering all the basics of breastfeeding and including easy-reference "survival guides" for quick problem-solving. Since its original publication in 1986, more than 1 million nursing moms have relied on this classic guide.
10. The Pregnancy Book: Month-by-Month, Everything You Need to Know From America’s Baby Experts
This book is a complete and joyful guide to what happens during pregnancy - mentally, emotionally, and physically - to mom and baby. It has a great index; so if a specific symptom doesn't crop up in the exact month they cover it, you can easily look it up in the back and read about it.
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