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A Doctor's Guide to Natural Childbirth and Gentle Early Parenting Choices

An authoritative guide to natural childbirth and postpartum parenting options from an MD who home-birthed her own four children.

Sarah Buckley might be called a third-wave natural birth advocate. A doctor and a mother, she approaches the question of how a woman and baby might have the most fulfilling birth experience with respect for the wisdom of both medical science and the human body. Using current medical and epidemiological research plus women's experiences (including her own), she demonstrates that what she calls "undisturbed birth" is almost always healthier and safer than high-technology approaches to birth. Her wise counsel on issues like breastfeeding and sleeping during postpartum helps extend the gentle birth experience into a gentle parenting relationship.

Every intelligent, informed woman is used to gathering the most complete information she can get before making a decision. But when it comes to one of the most important decisions in her life -- how she will give birth -- it can be tough to get the complete picture, even from an obstetrician. Surprisingly, much of the latest research goes against common medical opinion. Certified Lamaze instructor and activist Henci Goer brings women the carefully researched facts they'll want to have.

The international bestseller that has helped millions of women trust in their body and their baby and give birth without fear!

Drawing on over 40 years' experience, internationally acclaimed midwife Ina May Gaskin shows you how to use the mind-body connection to help labour progress calmly and safely. In Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, she shares:

• Inspiring real-life stories that show what a positive experience childbirth can be

• What happens during labour and the true capabilities of the female body

• How to create a comfortable environment for birth in any setting

• Tips for maximising your chances of a relaxed and joyful birth experience.

Read by millions of women around the world, this reassuring and practical guide will take the fear out of childbirth and restore your faith in the power of your body. With Gaskin's timeless wisdom, you can approach birth with confidence and excitement, wherever and however it happens.

Impact of Birthing Practices on Breastfeeding, Second Edition examines the research and evidence connecting birth practices to breastfeeding outcomes. It takes an in-depth look at the post-birth experiences of the mother and baby, using the baby's ability to breastfeed as the vehicle, the mother's lactation capacity as a factor, and the intact mother-baby dyad as the model to address birth practices that affect breastfeeding.

Weaving ancient wisdom with modern knowledge

It's time for a childbirth revolution.

Childbirth has always been, and always will be, a significant rite of passage that transforms a woman into a mother. However, the modern approach to maternity care fails women, families and care providers with outdated practices that centre the needs of institutions rather than individuals.

In this book, Rachel Reed demonstrates how childbirth can be reclaimed to centre women and support birth physiology. The book weaves history, science and research with the experiences of women and care providers to create a holistic, evidence-based framework for understanding birth. It takes the reader on a journey through childbirth physiology and practices and focuses on what can be done to create change one mother at a time, one birth at a time.

THIS BOOK WILL MAKE YOUR BIRTH BETTER. IT IS FOR EVERY WOMAN AND EVERY TYPE OF BIRTH.

Expert hypnobirthing teacher and founder of The Positive Birth Company Siobhan Miller has made it her mission to change the way women around the world approach and experience birth. Through her teaching she seeks to educate and empower women - and their birth partners - so that they can enjoy amazing and positive birth experiences, however they choose to bring their babies into the world.

It's time to empower yourself and just say no to giving birth passively.

This is the book that has revolutionized childbirth, turning birthing mothers from subdued and passive "patients" to active and empowered owners of their childbirth experience. Janet Balaskas started a movement of women who refused to give birth lying down and she has been teaching women about "active birth” ever since. She emphasizes the importance of movement during labor, the wide range of options and positions for delivery itself, and the many natural alternatives to heavy sedation and other medical interventions. Her book is eminently useful whether you are planning to give birth in a hospital, a free-standing birth center, or at home. If such options as water birth or hypno-birthing are appealing to you, this is an essential book; at the same time, it is non-judgmental and encourages you to give birth in whatever manner and position you see fit. It covers:

• Exercises for pregnancy, to prepare you optimally for childbirth

• Massage and yoga during labor

• Labor and birthing positions that maximize your comfort and encourage efficient contractions 

• Essential tips for birth partners, spouses, doulas, and other attendants

• Relaxation and recovery exercises, for the postpartum period

Janet Balaskas shows you how to prepare for and experience a truly natural, joyful, and empowering birth. 

Birth With Confidence will:

• Outline the benefits of physiological birth

• Help you understand how our current birth culture can undermine your intentions for physiological birth

• Explain how the various ‘circles of influence’ around you — from your friends and family to the wider culture — can support or sabotage your birthing potential

• Help you identify your own attitude to pain — your ‘pain type’ — and what it will mean for your birth

• Provide practical and emotional steps you can take to raise your pain tolerance level

• Give you a framework for deciding on the best caregivers and support people to help you work through any ‘crisis of confidence’ during labour.

How western medicine controls the start of labour and why this needs to stop

Pregnant women and maternity services are facing an induction epidemic. As medical guidelines include more "at risk" categories, women and our already overwhelmed and under resourced maternity systems are increasingly pressured to induce birth before labour begins spontaneously. Women are deemed to be too large and too old, while babies are estimated to be too big and too overdue. But is ''better-out-than-in'' really a safer option than waiting to birth in your own time?

An inclusive, non-judgmental, and empowering guide to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum life that puts mothers first, offering straightforward guidance on all the options and issues that matter most to them (and their partners) when preparing for a baby.

Rooted in earthy tones and natural texture, this vase draws the eye with its layered surface and sculptural presence. Its generous shape makes it ideal for statement arrangements—or as a work of art all its own.

Rooted in earthy tones and natural texture, this vase draws the eye with its layered surface and sculptural presence. Its generous shape makes it ideal for statement arrangements—or as a work of art all its own.

Rooted in earthy tones and natural texture, this vase draws the eye with its layered surface and sculptural presence. Its generous shape makes it ideal for statement arrangements—or as a work of art all its own.