baby : resources

Pregnancy & Childbirth
• Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Childbirth isn’t the scary, medical procedure our culture makes it out to be. Labor may be intense but in a completely manageable and almost athletic way, if you know how to prepare for it. On the other hand, labor may be easier than you would ever imagine and progress more quickly than you would expect. Birth can even be orgasmic. Yes, orgasmic! (See page 157 for more info.)

This book is filled with inspiring birth stories from actual mothers and also more technical information about labor and birth. If I had enough money to fund the project, I'd give a copy of this book to every pregnant woman.

• The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
This book is for women who want a no non-sense, straightforward discussion on birth and common obstetrical procedures. No warm and fuzzy feelings here, just pure, evidence-based, meticulously endnoted and footnoted information presented by an award-winning medical writer.

• Birthing From Within by Pam England and Rob Horowitz
This book was originally written as a supplemental guide for a series of childbirth preparation classes; however, it would be appropriate for any childbearing family.

While informational, it is also quite "artsy," "touchy-feely," and "earthy-crunchy". Reading this book resonated very deeply when I read it during my pregnancy; however, I would understand if an "unsuspecting" mom-to-be opened the pages and felt a bit surprised by its message and delivery.

• The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
The information and its tone are a bit dry but a great read for those assisting and supporting a woman in labor and birth.

• Pushed:The Painful Truth About Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care by Jennifer Block
I recommend this book with a disclaimer because it may be especially upsetting for a pregnant woman (with surging hormones) to read this book, as it exposes the unfortunate truths about the history and current state of maternity care practices. This book may be more appropriate before a woman becomes pregnant and/or between pregnancies.

• It's My Body, My Baby, My Birth (DVD)
"...is an educational childbirth film that tells the story of seven mothers and their emotional journeys to natural childbirth. The story is enhanced with footage of partners and the roles of Licensed Midwife Maria Iorillo, Certified Nurse Midwife Yeshi Neumann, childbirth educator Jane Austin, and Laura Norrell, Obstetrician.

Through story telling and photos, we hear the mothers' stories. Elain had a cesarean section for her first birth; Earth wants to be at home for community and comfort. Ann switches to a birthing center in the last month of her pregnancy. Maya has a water birth. Partners express their fears and concerns, ultimately transforming as well."

View the first three minutes of the film.
Learn more about It's My Body, My Baby, My Birth.

• The Business of Being Born (DVD)
"Birth is a miracle, a rite of passage, a natural part of life. But birth is also big business.

Compelled to explore the subject after the delivery of her first child, actress Ricki Lake recruits filmmaker Abby Epstein to question the way American women have babies.

The film interlaces intimate birth stories with surprising historical, political and scientific insights and shocking statistics about the current maternity care system. When director Epstein discovers she is pregnant during the making of the film, the journey becomes even more personal.

Should most births be viewed as a natural life process, or should every delivery be treated as a potentially catastrophic medical emergency?"

After viewing this film, please access resources (like the books and other films listed here) and choose healthcare providers and caregivers that will fully and appropriately support you in pregnancy and birth.

View the trailer.
Purchase a DVD of The Business of Being Born.

Baby Care, Child Care & Parenting
• The Baby Book:Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two by Dr. William Sears, Martha Sears, Robert Sears and James Sears
This has been one of our go-to references with Taylor, especially in the first 9 months of her life. Aside from their professional credentials, Dr. Sears and his wife (who's a nurse) have 8 children. I'd say they're more than qualified in giving sound advice.

• Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child:A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Infants & Children by Janet Zand, Robert Roundtree and Rachel Watson
This reference offers "safe and effective relief of common childhood disorders, using nutritional supplements, herbs, homeopathy, acupressure, diet and conventional medicine".

Instead of grabbing a bottle of syrupy, red liquid at the first sign of trouble, read up on safe and effective alternative methods to help baby heal and feel better, without the side effects of common, over-the-counter drugs.

• The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins
Breastfeeding hasn't been and isn't celebrated in our culture. It's no wonder new mom's are so lost when it comes putting baby to breast. I'd suggest hiring a lactation consultant shortly after birth, especially if you don't have an experienced breastfeeding mom, sister or girlfriend nearby to support you. Kathleen's book is a great reference for troubleshooting, from nipple soreness to increasing your milk supply.

• How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
This book landed on my reading list when I taught at a preschool here in San Francisco. It completely shifted my perceptions of how to interact with children and, since then, has informed the way I communicate with children of all ages. As eye-opening as it was six years ago, How To Talk’s…message and tools have become even more meaningful as Taylor emerges from toddlerhood and steps into childhood.

If people could read only one parenting book, this would be it, as it is approachable, accessible, and well-organized. After a cover-to-cover reading, I expect many people to refer back to certain passages, bullet-point lists, and cartoon strip scenarios again and again as they navigate parenthood.

• Unconditional Parenting:Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason by Alfie Kohn
Whereas How to Talk… is approachable and accessible, Unconditional Parenting is not for the faint of heart. Just about everyone’s philosophical views on parenting will be turned on its head, and you may likely find yourself feeling a bit guilty, under attack, defensive, and/or shaking you head in disbelief. Despite whatever initial reactions may bubble up, I urge readers to remain open to the possibilities and dig deeply about how they’ve been conditioned to parent and how they are currently parenting their children. We all don’t have to agree on philosophy and practice, but I do think we need to consider a wider range of perspectives.

An excerpt from the book jacket:
...Conventional approaches to parenting such as punishments (including "timeouts"), rewards (including positive reinforcement), and other forms of control teach children that they are loved only when they please us or impress us. Kohn cites a body of powerful, and largely unknown, research detailing the damage caused by leading children to believe they must earn our approval. That's precisely the message children derive from common discipline techniques, even though it's not the message most parents intend to send...Unconditional Parenting addresses the way parents think about, feel about, and act with their children...

• Connection Parenting by Pam Leo
This book grew out of a series of parenting workshops facilitated by Pam Leo. Concisely written and well-organized, it is an easy and accessible read. Leo provides journaling prompts at the end of each chapter, asking the reader to reflect upon her own childhood experiences and how they might inform the way she parents. Leo also provides a thorough and extensive list of resources and further reading.

updated 09.30.08