Childbirth Education

A doula’s advice: If you have the time and the means PLEASE access childbirth education beyond what is offered in your hospital. Attend those as well, of course! The more information the better.

Your hospital’s class will likely focus on what it takes to be a great maternity hospital patient. While this is relevant information it is limited. Adding education will help you to have a great birth even if that means being a less than perfect patient.

Reference Materials

Favorite Online Education

  • Real Food For Pregnancy - Lily Nichols

  • Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth - Ina May Gaskin

  • Birth Without Fear - January Harshe

  • The Birth Partner - Penny Simkin

  • Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn - Penny Simkin

  • Mindful Birthing - Nancy Bardacke, CNM

  • Expecting Better - Emily Oster

  • Mama Natural Week-By-Week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth - Genevieve Howland

  • The Natural Pregnancy Book: Herbs, Nutrition, and Other Holistic Choices — Aviva Jill Romm

Favorite Books

  • Hypnobirthing

  • The 3 Rs of Birth by Penny Simkin

  • The Bradley Method

  • Spinning Babies

  • Mama Natural

  • Birth from Within

  • Lamaze

  • Documentary: The Business of Being Born

Even More Learning Options!