If you're anything like me, you're ready to immerse yourself in ALL THE RESEARCHING during this pregnancy. Whether it's your first (or 15th), you know that there is always something new you can learn (or re-learn) to make this birth experience your best so far.
But there is SOOOOO much freaking information out there...especially when it comes to preparing for labor, delivery and postpartum. It can be super overwhelming to know where to start. But I got you, mama. I've put together a list of books I've read (so far), along with a short summary and review so you can decide whether or not to put it on your list (and whether it belongs at the top or the bottom of said list).
This post is living - which means every time I read a new book worth sharing, I will add it here, along with my review: what I liked, what I thought was lacking (if anything), and who I think would benefit most from reading it.
Enjoy!
Click the arrow next to the title below to see the book cover and read my review! :)
Summary: This book will help you learn how to feel empowered and supported in your pregnancy, birth and postpartum experiences. You will learn how to trust yourself and your instincts for what's best for you and your baby, while also learning about how to find a care provider who will fully support you. You will learn about medical freedom (your rights), birth options, and how to navigate it all from a place of empowerment rather than fear.
What I liked: Birth without Fear is truly non-judgmental. No one birth experience is treated as "better" than another. Rather, January encourages you to do your own research, know your rights, and make empowered choices, while also recognizing that birth is unpredictable. She helps you prepare for those times when birth takes a turn, so that an intervention or outcome is not something to be feared, but rather something that you know you can face if it shows up because you've done the work ahead of time.
What was lacking: For me, the book was very heavy on encouragement and "you go girl", but light on evidence-based data to help make decisions regarding your own birth plan. If you are wanting empirical evidence to help make decisions about interventions/risks/benefits, then you'll want to supplement.
You should read this if you're a first time mom and feeling anxious/unsure about your upcoming birth experience. I also recommend this book for anyone who has experienced trauma prior to this pregnancy - whether it was birth trauma, or otherwise. Often, unresolved trauma can impact our birth experience in big ways, and I think this book would be a great start to processing and moving through any fears that may be related to prior trauma.
Pushed - The Painful Truth About Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care