Navigating pregnancy can be both exciting and overwhelming with so many choices and new information to navigate. As weeks unfolded during my pregnancy, I found it was crucial to surround myself with positive stories and voices that resonated with how I wanted to approach my birth. Getting informed was pivotal to feeling calm and in charge.
These are my top five pregnancy books that were a source of inspiration, knowledge, and reassurance through the extraordinary journey of gestating a new life.
My 2 cents: If you only read one book, let it be this one! This book is easy to digest, covers all bases and keeps an upbeat and positive tone, no matter the birth you envision. The Positive Birth Book is also the perfect accessible guide for birthing partners to be informed of the in’s and out’s to better support their partners.
Who’s it for: Milli Hill's Positive Birth Book is a must-read for those wanting to feel fully informed of the many avenues pregnancy and birth can take and approach birth feeling armed with knowledge and a positive mindset. Whether you're a first-time parent or looking to redefine your birthing experience, this book empowers all expectant parents to embrace the transformative journey ahead with optimism and confidence no matter what road you're taking.
My 2 cents: While hypnobirthing sounds like yoga and acupuncture's mad cousin, Hypnobirthing is based on an understanding of the physiological changes in labour, the anatomy of the uterus and the shift of hormones that power birth. With this understanding you can then learn its simple breathing techniques and visualisation tools to help cope with sensations and work with your body rather than against it. Knowledge is power!
Who’s it for: Maybe you’ve already heard about hypnobirthing and want to know more, but don’t know where to start. Hypnobirthing by Siobhan Miller is a concise but comprehensive guide to relaxation techniques, visualisation exercises, and positive affirmations that will empower you to navigate your birth with calm.
My 2 cents:Â I much preferred the light hearted tone of this book to the often recommended Expecting Better by Emily Oster.
Who’s it for: Perfect for those early weeks of pregnancy when trying to navigate the MANY do’s and don’ts out there. An easy read and full of guidance based on research and evidence.
My 2 cents: This iconic book is the magnum opus of legendary Ina May, the matriarch midwife at the helm of The Farm, renowned in the eighties and nineties for facilitating thousands of natural births without intervention. While sitting on the hippier side of the spectrum, the many varied birth stories included are a personal touch that despite conventional medicines dogma for reference ranges demonstrates there is no ‘normal’ birth and as we let them unfold without too much interventional each is beautiful and unique.Â
Who’s it for: Ina May Gaskin's A Guide to Childbirth is for anyone desiring a more holistic approach to childbirth with less intervention. With a focus on natural birth and creating a supportive environment, this book is ideal for those who want to understand and celebrate the strength of women during the birthing process.
My 2 cents:Â An easy to read collation of doula Natalie Meddings reflections, professional experience, evidence and reasoning on pregnancy, birth and beyond. Her insight and approach resonated with me deeply.
Who’s it for: How to Have a Baby is a down to earth, quick and easy to digest guide for individuals interested in a 360 degree holistic approach to pregnancy and birth from someone with years of experience.Â
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