Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding are very special and most often very enjoyable and memorable periods in the life of a woman. No woman forgets the time she was pregnant, her experience of childbirth and the period she was breastfeeding her baby.

However, these can also be times of uncertainty, questions and confusion.
There are many choices to be made; what are all those tests they want me to do during pregnancy, do I really want them, and do I really need them?
What childbirth choices do I have? How can I prepare myself for a natural childbirth?
Is it worth breastfeeding my baby if I have to return to work soon?

I always encourage mothers to acquire as much information as possible.
I firmly believe that when you are well informed about all aspects of pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, you will feel more confident, and you will be able to make informed choices on these matters.

Nowadays there is an enormous amount of books available on pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. The choice may be overwhelming. To help you make your selection I have made a list of books that I personally recommend. They contain excellent and accurate information and I recommend them to all new and expectant mothers.

BOOKS ON PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH

BIRTH WITHOUT VIOLENCE, by Frederick Leboyer.
Inner Traditions Intl Ltd; ISBN: 0892815450 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.36 x 7.16 x

A book that evokes respect for babies. In words and photos Dr. Leboyer shows how we can treat babies as human beings and how, with dimmed lights, quiet, and a warm, fluid environment, we can ease them from the womb gently, kindly and with respect. Highly recommended, all my babies were "Leboyer" babies!

THE COMPLETE BOOK OF PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH, by Sheila Kitzinger.
Knopf; ISBN: 0679450289 ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.02 x 9.44 x 6.86



A must for every mother to be who wants to be well informed about the developments during pregnancy, about pre-natal tests, pain control during delivery and childbirth choices. Written by the well-known childbirth educator Sheila Kitzinger, who has written many books on pregnancy and childbirth in a sympathetic and reassuring way. Highly recommended.

THE YEAR AFTER CHILDBIRTH, by Sheila Kitzinger.
Fireside; ISBN: 0684825201 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.75 x 9.03 x 6.03

In this book Sheila Kitzinger explains the physical changes a woman can expect after childbirth, adjustments to be made in couples emotional and sex lives, breastfeeding and more. Especially recommended for first time mothers.

PREGNANCY DAY BY DAY
THE EXPECTANT MOTHER'S DIARY, RECORD BOOK AND GUIDE
by Sheila Kitzinger.
Knopf; ISBN: 0394587510 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.72 x 9.61 x 7.73

A pregnancy guide with spaces where you can record your pregnancy progress and write down your experiences and emotions. It has many photo's and watercolors, a beautiful and useful book, a lovely memento for later.

ACTIVE BIRTH, THE NEW APPROACH TO GIVING BIRTH NATURALLY
by Janet Balaskas.
Harvard Common Pr; ISBN: 1558320385 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.74 x 8.97 x 5.97

A practical handbook with a wealth of information for pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period for the woman who wants to give birth actively and naturally and who wants to stay in control during the whole process. With lots of prenatal exercises to prepare yourself for an active birth. The writer of this book, Janet Balaskas, was educated at the National Child Birth Trust and is co-founder of the London Birth Center. She organized the first Active Birth Conference in London in 1982.

PREPARING FOR BIRTH WITH YOGA, by Janet Balaskas.
Element; ISBN: 1852304316 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.63 x 9.68 x 7.49

This excellent book is full of easy-to-follow yoga exercises for pregnancy and birth. You don't need to be familiar with yoga to be able to do the exercises. Yoga is a natural way to relieve stress and discomfort during pregnancy and birth.

NATURAL CHILDBIRTH THE BRADLEY WAY, by Susan McCutseon.
Penguin USA (Paper); ISBN: 0452276586

An easy to read handbook with sound advice on how to prepare for a natural labor and birth and what to expect. It has relaxation exercises to help you learn to relax during pregnancy and birth.

BOOKS ON BREASTFEEDING

THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, by La Leche League.
Plume; ISBN: 0452279089 ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.32 x 8.97 x 6.01

The world-famous manual on breastfeeding. Contains all the information a new or expectant mother needs, not only on breastfeeding but also on parenting, family life and nutrition.
Written in a sympathetic way, it offers encouragement and support to new mothers. Contains many personal stories.

BREASTFEEDING YOUR BABY, by Sheila Kitzinger.
Knopf; ISBN: 0375701958 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.55 x 9.13 x 7.54

This book, from the exceptional writer Sheila Kitzinger, who has written many books about pregnancy, birth and infancy, is a complete guide on breastfeeding. Full of positive advice and encouragement. It has a special section on breastfeeding for working mothers. With lots of very beautiful photo's.

THE NURSING MOTHER'S COMPANION, by Kathleen Huggins.
Harvard Common Pr; ISBN: 1558321527

This book is an invaluable reference for the nursing mother. Easy to read, the information is organized according to baby's age. It has a section on drugs and their safety during breastfeeding. Also a chapter on how to select a breast pump and breast pump ratings.

BESTFEEDING: GETTING BREASTFEEDING RIGHT FOR YOU, by Mary Renfrew.
Celestial Arts; ISBN: 0890875715 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.64 x 9.19 x 7.25

A fully illustrated guide with many clear photo's depicting both good and incorrect positioning of the baby at the breast, with explanation why the baby is faulty positioned. A very positive and helpful book.

SO THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE FOR, by Janet Tamaro.
Adams Media Corporation; ISBN: 1580620418 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.76 x 8.39 x 5.48

Breastfeeding basics. A lighthearted look at breastfeeding, full of practical information and humor. With wonderful illustrations.

BREASTFEEDING AND THE WORKING MOTHER, by Diane Mason.
St. Martin's Press; ISBN: 0312154860 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.63 x 8.23 x 5.50

This book is based on the experiences of working mothers. A guide on how to balance breastfeeding with a career. With lots of practical advice.

BOOKS ON BABY AND CHILD CARE

To this list of recommended resources I want to add a few books on Baby Care, especially recommended for the first-time mothers.
When you come home from the hospital with your new baby you may feel a bit unsure of yourself and even a bit panicky. The care of this tiny baby is yours day and night and the realization can seem overwhelming at times. You may have many questions and having a reliable resource at hand may put your mind at rest and make you feel more confident.

YOUR BABY AND CHILD: FROM BIRTH TO AGE FIVE by Penelope Leach.
Knopf; ISBN: 0375700005 ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.25 x 9.25 x 6.75

My favorite book on baby and child care, written by the famous Penelope Leach who has written so many excellent books on babies and children. This easy to read and well organized book is divided into sections by age and in each section you'll find all the information on daily care, nutrition, development, sleep patterns, crying, comforting, common concerns etc. Very encouraging and reassuring. The writer helps one understand the experiences that babies go through and why a child does the things he does. Full of kind advice and simple solutions to try.

CARING FOR YOUR BABY AND YOUNG CHILD: BIRTH TO AGE 5
by The American Academy of Pediatrics
Bantam Doubleday Dell Pub (Trd Pap); ISBN: 0553379623 ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.53 x 9.12 x 7.24

A comprehensive parenting manual that is divided in two major sections. The first section is arranged by age and includes all the information you need on basic baby care, nutrition, development, safety, common problems etc. The second half of the book is a health encyclopedia, giving detailed information about childhood illnesses, recognizing and solving common health problems, immunization, injuries etc. It includes also a comprehensive first-aid section.

CRYING BABY, SLEEPLESS NIGHTS, by Sandy Jones
Harvard Common Pr; ISBN: 1558320458 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.53 x 6.96 x 9.00

A very useful book for parents with a baby who cries a lot. Why is your baby crying and what can you do about it. This book explains what could be the possible cause of your baby's crying but it also helps you to cope with your crying baby. With many suggestions on how to calm your baby and how to stay calm yourself.

GROWING TOGETHER, by William Sears.
La Leche League Intl; ISBN: 0912500360 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.55 x 9.20 x 7.28

A parents guide to baby's first year. William Sears promotes the attachment style of parenting where parents recognize and meet the needs of their child consistently and,
by being open to the child's cues, learn how to respond. Like this, the parent and the
child bring out the best in each other.

NIGHTTIME PARENTING, by William Sears.
New American Library Trade; ISBN: 0452264073 ; Dimensions (inches): 0.52 x 8.43 x 5.26)

A guide on how to get your baby and child to sleep. William Sears explains in this book why young babies aren't designed to sleep through the night and shows how to find a solution to your baby's night waking. A very useful book with lots of practical advice.

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