Top 10 Books for Expectant Families

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From Lamaze International

Resources to help guide women and their families through the various decisions that will be made during pregnancy and early parenting.

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Your Amazing Newborn
By Marshall and Phyllis Klaus
(Buy on Amazon.com or Powells.com)
More than 120 exquisite photographs celebrate the first hours and days of life. With their fascinating research, the Klaus team proves that babies possess extraordinary abilities from the moment of birth. A must-have for parents-to-be, grandparents, siblings and caregivers.

So That’s What They’re For!
By Janet Tamaro
(Buy on Amazon.com or Powells.com)
Written by journalist-turned-lactation consultant Janet Tamaro, So That’s What They’re For! lends support and encouragement to those wondering whether they should try breastfeeding, pregnant women who are sure they will breastfeed and new moms who are having trouble and are considering stopping. With a humorous approach, warm anecdotes and wonderful illustrations, this comprehensive guide offers a supportive, pragmatic view from the real world.

Rediscovering Birth
By Sheila Kitzinger
(Buy on Amazon.com or Powells.com)
Kitzinger looks closely at the emotional aspects of pregnancy in this book that examines the physical and spiritual experience of giving birth and the bonds that have traditionally formed between mothers and midwives. She helps women today recognize that we need to find ways to ensure that birth as a vital human experience is not overshadowed by medical procedures by exploring birth from cultures past and present.

Lamaze International Care Practices That Promote Normal Birth
By Lamaze International, Inc.
Lamaze International promotes six care practices, adopted from the World Health organization (WHO), to promote, support and protect nature’s plan for birth. These six care practices are supported by research studies that examine the benefits and risks of medical care practices. One of the most important goals of medical care today is to provide evidence-based care. Visit the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth at www.normalbirth.lamaze.org to download free copies of these papers.

What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know About Cesarean Birth (2004)
By The Maternity Center Association
This book comes with a special insert: Vaginal Birth and Cesarean Birth: How Do the Risks Compare?, a simple presentation of the facts that is a quick introduction to essential information for childbirth education classes or for the mother (or father) on the go. (Download for free at www.maternitywise.org.)

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth
By Ina May Gaskin
(Buy on Amazon.com or Powells.com)
Drawing upon her 30-plus years of experience, Ina May Gaskin shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience. Based on the female-centered Midwifery Model of Care, Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth gives expectant mothers comprehensive information on everything from the all-important
mind-body connection to how to give birth without technological intervention.

Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn
By Penny Simkin
(Buy on Amazon.com or Powells.com)
Open this book and a cornucopia of information and advice spills forth in well written text and superbly organized charts, drawings and photographs. Beginning with the reproductive anatomy and physiology and ending with breastfeeding and parenting, the authors address every conceivable topic relating to the childbearing year, including its emotional impact.

Active Birth
By Janet Balaskas
(Buy on Amazon.com or Powells.com)
Balaskas instructs women how to take back control of their childbirth experience by participating actively in their delivery, whether at home or in the hospital. She encourages them to follow their own instincts,
move freely and find comfortable upright or squatting positions for labor and delivery. This book is also intended for partners, teachers, midwives and others involved in childbirth.

The Birth Partner, 2nd Edition
By Penny Simkin
(Buy on Amazon.com or Powells.com)
In the new edition of her classic labor support book, expert Penny Simkin provides page after page of useful information, detailing when and how specific techniques can be used to increase comfort during childbirth. The manual encourages all who participate in the birth to help the mother form a memory of her birth that she can cherish forever.

Yoga for Your Pregnancy
(DVD/video)
By Yoga Journal and Lamaze International
A regular prenatal yoga practice as taught in Yoga for Your Pregnancy can give you the energy to enjoy your pregnancy, the serenity to build a deeper intimacy with your body and the ability to be present for the miracle of birth. This video show you how to modify some poses using yoga props.

© Lamaze International

Visit the Lamaze Bookstore and Media Center online at www.lamaze.org or call 877-9LAMAZE to purchase these and many other valuable resources. For more information about Lamaze International, please visit www.lamaze.org or call (800) 368-4404.