The Best Pregnancy Books

Whether you are a first time mom or an "old pro" these are the best pregnancy books to read - in our opinion - while you are awaiting the birth of your baby.

In childbirth, ignorance is NOT bliss and these natural childbirth books will ensure you are well prepared and knowledgeable.

The very popular "What To Expect When You Are Expecting" is not part of our best pregnancy books list and for good reasons: it will neither prepare you for a natural pregnancy nor a natural birth.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Books

This is a wonderful book. It investigates the emotional aspects that may hinder you during labor. What you believe has much more to do with labor that you think. I - Florence - discovered this while reading another wonderful book: "The Joy of Natural Childbirth."
This book will leave no stone unturned.
The mind-body connection is of prime importance for a healthy natural birth.

This is a classic.
Ina May is the founder of The Farm Midwifery Center in Tennessee. The midwives of the Farm have been studied for over 30 years and for good reasons. They are an example all over the world which proves the safety of midwifery and homebirth.

This is Ina May's second and newest book.
Ina May is a world renowned midwife with decades of experience in natural childbirth.
This is a must read.

This book is for those of you who need or want the facts. If you are saying "show me the numbers" or "show me the facts", this book is for you.
Indeed Henci Goer has done her research and does a wonderful job at presenting it.
It is not however a casual read.

A wonderful book by Dr. Grantly Dick-Read which many consider the father of the natural childbirth movement.
The foreword of this book is by Dr. Michel Odent another pioneer and champion of natural childbirth.

Another wonderful book by Henci Goer.
It has a wealth of information on common labor interventions and their consequences to you and to your baby.
This is wonderful head knowledge which is of great importance. However, do not negate the mind-body connection which is vital.
Head knowledge has a tendency to go out of the window while you are in labor so we would suggest supplementing this book with some that focus more on the mind-body connection.

Best Pregnancy Books: Books on VBAC

This is a classic.

Best Pregnancy Books
More Childbirth Books and DVDs

Best Pregnancy Books: Books Reviews

The Joy of Natural Childbirth by Helen Wessel

Helen passed away a while back but her work lives on.
This book made a major difference in my - Florence's - life. Birthing was never the same after I read it.
I went from normal labors to pretty much pain free labors until transition and really fast births (less than 3 hours). This book is a must read.

Read our review.

Birth Without Violence by Frederick LeBoyer

Frederick LeBoyer, a French obstetrician, was the first to bring attention to the baby during the birth process. He also brought attention to the way newborns were handled in hospitals.
His contribution was invaluable.
However, we must be honest and say that we do not agree with all of his conclusions.

For more information please read Alisha's review.

Do You Have a Favorite Book?

Maybe it is a DVD, or more than one book...please why don't you share with us?