Ch.1/ Book recommendations
Boost your birth background with these approved books. These are the books that I swear by time and time again.
I am an avid book reader and I find that helpful information found in reputable books is often better than endlessly scrolling on Google through false and sometimes scary information.
Also, I’m a big proponent of shopping small so I’m linking each book’s Bookshop.org page but feel free to call up your local bookstore, as well!
These are the books that I always recommend:
Conception & Fertility
Awakening Fertility by Heng Ou – A beautiful book and cookbook on how to nourish yourself before conceiving.
It Starts With the Egg by Rebecca Fett – More science-y take on conception. Good to know info but definitely takes some of the magic out of conception so I don’t recommend this for everyone.
A Fertile Path by Janetti Marotta – More focused on infertility and taking the stress out of the process.
Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar – Easy ways to incorporate herbalism into your life to live more holistically and naturally.
Pregnancy & Birth
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn by April Bolding – Great book on useful tips and what to expect.
Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin – Ina May Gaskin is problematic but her stories are empowering and helpful in preparing for a birth where you trust your body’s innate wisdom.
The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin – Great for partners and other members of your birth team so they can support you in the best way possible.
Postpartum
The First 40 Days by Heng Ou – A beautiful book and cookbook about honoring the time immediately after the birth to rest and nourish yourself.
The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson – Heavy emphasis on healing all aspects of your body and life after pregnancy and birth.
Breastfeeding May Simple by Nancy Mohrbacher – Answers to all your breastfeeding/chestfeeding questions.
Birth Justice & Psychology
Killing the Black Body by Dorothy Roberts – How racism has affected how black people give birth in the US.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk – How trauma is held and healed in the body.
Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B Rosenberg – Must read book on how to empathize with everyone and anyone.
