Recommended Childbirth and Labor Books

There are so many books out there that it's easy to get overwhelmed. Here are some books that consistently get good reviews. The Book Depository has free shipping to Korea. What the Book in Itaewon can get most books for you. Amazon might be a good option if you have someone coming to visit or can buy the Kindle version of the book. The descriptions are based off of Amazon's descriptions.


Birth Without Violence
Written by Frederick Leboyer M.D.
This famous doctor challenged traditional views of infants in the western world. He proved that infants are very aware of their surroundings, they can feel pain, they need to be near their mother, and their birth must be gentle. Low lights, quietness, and warmth can help ease a baby's transition into the world. First published in 1974 it completely changed the way the western world viewed birth. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.


Birthing From Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation
Written by Pam England and Rob Horowitz
The authors believe that childbirth should not be a medical event, but rather a rite of passage. There's information about how to cope with pain during labor without the use of drugs, how the father can help during labor, and what the doctor's role should be. There is also information about newborn care, breastfeeding, and postpartum. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.


Childbirth Without Fear
Written by Grantley Dick-Read
A famous pro-natural birth advocate, Dick-Read discusses why western women fear childbirth and helps them overcome this fear. He also discusses the importance of breastfeeding and overcoming the obstacles. A must-read for moms-to-be. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.


The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth
Written by Shelia Kitzinger
This book gives parents all the information they need to make informed choices about pregnancy and childbirth, from interventions to pre-natal testing. There are also over 300 photos, drawings, and diagrams. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.


Gentle Birth Choices
Written by Barbara Harper
In this day and age we are inundated with dramatic births courtesy of Hollywood. This book also contains a DVD with 6 gentle births. The book helps debunk many of the myths surrounding childbirth and tells you how to make it a family-centered event. Fear, pain, and violence do not have to be a part of birth. She also gives advice about using water during birth, hiring a doula, and avoiding interventions. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.


Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: A Doctor's Guide to Natural Childbirth and Gentle Early Parenting Choices
Written by Sarah Buckley
This book is written by a doctor who birthed all four of her children at home. She advocates natural birth and gentle parenting. She backs up her information with current research and women's experiences. She also has good information on breastfeeding and sleeping. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.


Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
Written by Ina May Gaskin
Ina May is the nation's leading midwife. Known for her work on The Farm, a natural birthing community, Ina May tells you everything you need to know about birthing, such as what happens during labor, how to induce labor, episiotomies, anesthesia, c-sections, postpartum depression, how to choose a place to birth, and more. This book was written to empower women and allow them to birth easily with less pain and little interventions. You can buy it off Amazon or the Book Depository.


Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn
Written by Penny Simkin, April Bolding, Ann Keppler, Janelle Durham, and Janet Whalley
Consistently a best seller, this book is easy to read yet chock-full of information. There's information about traditional medicine, such as acupuncture, interventions, VBACs, how to make an informed decision, and much more. There are features such as Common Q&As, in their own words, and fact or fiction that add even more to this award winning book. You can also check out their website, PCNGuide. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.


Spiritual Midwifery
Written by Ina May Gaskin
Another great book by Ina May. This book contains information about many of the routines that are used during birth and calls their safety into question. There's also information about birthing classes and doulas. Well worth a read for the expectant mother. You can buy it from Amazon or the Book Depository.


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Tender Embrace Birthing offers childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care classes and support.