Here are some of my favorite resources for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. No matter what kind of birth you’re planning, these resources can help you feel informed, empowered, and more mentally and physically ready to give birth and begin your journey into parenthood. 

All books are available to borrow free of charge.

Birth Preparation

The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin Combines practical information about the physical aspects of labor and birth with comfort measures, pros and cons of testing/medications/procedures, and details about how you can incorporate your partner.

Birthing From Within by Pam England
A holistic guide to birth on a mental, emotional, and spiritual level. Examines birth as a non-medical event and rite of passage for mothers.

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn
by Simkin, Whalley, Keppler, Durham, Bolding
Includes tons of information on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. It’s like a literal encyclopedia for everything pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. It also includes medical information and real-life applications.

The Doula’s Guide to Empowering Your Birth by Lindsey Bliss
Written by an advanced doula, it provides a nice, basic overview of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum options from a realistic yet holistic point of view. Great for beginners!

Babies Aren’t Pizzas: They’re Born Not Delivered by Rebecca Decker
A retelling of the author’s birth experiences and how they prompted her to look more closely at our current maternal model of care in the United States. It includes evidence regarding inductions, common medical interventions, and more.

Nurture by Erica Chidi Cohen
This book includes a human approach to birth and postpartum preparation. It includes recipes, common questions, mindfulness exercises, and support for those looking for an intentional experience.

When a Survivor Gives Birth by Penny Simkin
A resource for survivors of sexual trauma or assault who are preparing for birth. Includes common triggers and how to work with them, as well as stories from survivors about their birth experience. Recommended for women who feel that past sexual trauma may play a part in their birth preparation.

Postpartum & Breastfeeding

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League
A resource with info on breastfeeding. Includes troubleshooting for common problems, feeding positions, weaning advice, milk storage suggestions, and more.

The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson
An all encompassing guide to restoring your vitality after birth–physically, emotionally, sexually, and mentally.

How to Heal a Bad Birth by Melissa Bruijn and Debby A Gould
Written by the founders of BirthTalk, this is an excellent guide for those who have experienced trauma in the birth space and are looking to find meaning in their experiences.

Podcasts

The Birthful Podcast with Adriana Lozada

The Birth Hour with Brynn Huntpalmer

Birth Kweens with Ali Faroah and Karly Nuttal

Evidence Based Birth Podcast with Rebecca Decker

Birth Mystics with Stephanie Sorenson and Katie Förster