Books and Research on pregnancy, birth, parenting and breastfeeding
Books and research from a natural, respectful and gentle parenting perspective. These lists hold content on all things from pregnancy through to parenting, discipline and sleep arrangements. While books and research will not provide lived experience, they enable educated, informed and knowledgeable decision making. Browse the resources below and should you find anything you feel is lacking, let me know!
A fantastic acronym to remember whenever making healthcare decisions! This acronym is especially useful during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
The BRAIN acronym is a wonderful tool and can help you to really delve into what information you have available. This ensures you make the most informed, educated and empowered decisions for you and your baby.
If you are in need of more information, read through the books and research and other resources below. Once you’re finished, if you have any further questions, let me know! I’m always happy to help.
Research
I have always been fascinated by the way that books and research slowly catch up with what we intuitively/instinctively know/do. Here are some research articles that explore various aspects of pregnancy, tests/interventions, birth and parenting. If you’re interested in the science behind various different aspects of pregnancy, birth and parenting, read below!
I tend to not update this page as frequently as I do my blog, so check it out for more up to date information!
Suggested Books
Babies aren’t born with an instruction manual (unfortunately). Indeed, it’d be bigger than the baby if they were! However, the right books and research can help you on your journey. By reading you can explore various different parenting methods and learn about different pregnancy and birth interventions. This will give you a head-start in knowing what to look for, and what you might want, from your journey. Being informed provides you the best opportunity for positive pregnancy, birth and parenting experiences.
Pregnancy & Birth
- Birthing from Within, by Pam England – A book providing a holistic approach to childbirth, providing activities to encourage the act of self-discovery.
- Birth Skills, by Juju Sundin – A book providing information, tools and techniques for use during childbirth, giving insight into the labour process.
- Birth With Confidence, by Rhea Dempsey – Reorients ideas around pain, delves into the Australian maternity system and gives tips for natural birth.
- Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering, by Dr Sarah Buckley – Provides evidence based discussion around pregnancy, birth and parenting, and routine interventions.
- Give Birth Like A Feminist, by Milli Hill – An informative look into the history of birth and an exploration of the outdated conventions that have resulted in maternity systems around the world today.
- HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method, by Marie Mongan – Guides you through normal, gentle birthing, promoting guided imagery and breathing techniques.
- Ina May‘s Guide to Childbirth – Explore the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies.
- Spiritual Midwifery, by Ina May Gaskin – The classic book on home birth that introduced a whole generation of women to the concept of natural childbirth.
- Ten Moons, by Jane Hardwicke Collings – Inner journey of pregnancy and preparation for natural birth.
- The Birth Map, by Catherine Bell – A book enabling construction of a birth map, outlining your informed choices for birth, through Birth Cartography.
- The Positive Birth Book, by Milli Hill – A book detailing how you can obtain your most ideal birth, exploring your rights in birth and current information.
- The Down to Earth Birth Book, by Jenny Blythe – A a practical guide to natural birth in any setting, promoting self-nurturing, responsibility and awareness.
Postpartum, Parenting and Breastfeeding
- Baby Led Weaning, by Gill Rapley – An informative and supportive book that steps you through transitioning your baby to solid foods.
- Beyond The Sling, by Mayim Bialik – A beautiful book about connected, attachment parenting techniques.
- Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering, by Dr Sarah Buckley – Provides evidence based discussion around pregnancy, birth and parenting, and routine interventions.
- Ina May‘s Guide to Breastfeeding – Everything you need to know to make breastfeeding a joyful, natural, and richly fulfilling experience.
- No Bad Kids, by Janet Landsbury – A great guide to reframing your childs behabiour, and better understanding and connecting with your children.
- Parenting By Heart, by Pinky McKay – A gorgeous guide to parenting your children, without force.
- The Down to Earth Birth Book, by Jenny Blythe – A a practical guide to natural birth in any setting, promoting self-nurturing, responsibility and awareness.
- The No Cry Sleep Solution, by Elizabeth Pantley – A great series of books (for sleep, naps, toddlers, discipline, eating etc) to help you gently transition your baby to sleeping longer.
- The Whole Brain Child, by Daniel Siegel – An in depth look into the development of a child’s brain, encouraging kindness as our children navigate childhood.
Birth Doula and Lactation Consultant Services
Birth Doula
Feel held and supported with continuous care throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum. We’ll meet, work through your fears and hopes and create a plan, together. I am on call for your birth and come to you for appointments before and after your experience.
Lactation Consults
Work through your struggles and difficulties breastfeeding. Do you have questions or need support? Lactation consults are so much more than breastfeeding help! We can work through a feeding plan and touch on sleep and settling support as well.
Calmbirth Classes
Feel informed and empowered to make your own decisions! Let’s work through the physiology and psychology of birth together, map out your birth and clear any old, limiting fears to make way for positivity in your experience. Feel knowledgeable and prepared for your birth & postpartum.
Birth Time, the documentary, asks the question:
What would it take for women to emerge from their births physically well and emotionally safe?
Three women embark on a mission to find out why an increasing number of women/people are emerging from their births physically and emotionally traumatised. Their discoveries expose the truth and lead them to join the birth revolution and create this Birth Time education platform that hopes to change the face of maternity care across the world. USE CICADA20 AT CHECKOUT FOR 20% OFF!
** Please note: If you click on the links to Birth Time from this page they are affiliate links – I may earn commission from these sales. **
