On this page, I’ve listed great informative books, support groups, and services that I think are just perfect for an expecting family. I hope this will help you navigate your way through the overwhelming information out there.
I’ve also listed important documents that are related to the childbirth classes and doula services I provide. Please scroll down to the bottom of the page to find these. Here you can find the registration forms, childbirth questionnaire, HIPPA form, doula contract, and others. You can print them off directly from the site, or copy and paste them in whatever format you prefer.
BOOKS:
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin,
This book is written by a seasoned midwife who payed a huge role in the natural birth movement in 
America. Reading “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” is like cracking an ancient code etched in many women’s DNA. As Ina May’s words unfold, they bring to modern consciousness information that is essential and visionary, articulating and applying the ancient wisdom of childbirth in the language and culture of the present time. In this information age, this book is creating a “new” birth culture. Like “Spiritual Midwifery” in its time, “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” is a pioneer and an instant classic, a significant and inspiring milestone in the evolution of human culture. This book is intelligent and lovely.
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg, Erick Ingraham, and Robert A. Bradley 
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way is a wonderful resource on the Bradley Method. Author, Susan McCutcheon introduces you to the Bradley Method, explains how it differs other birthing methods, like Lamaze, discusses ways to choose your childbirth educator and your doctor/ midwife, explains the extreme importance of nutrition and how to prepare yourself for this life transforming experience.
Along with the general information she provides in helping you to prepare, Susan thoroughly walks you through the Bradley Method. Through exercise, illustration, nutrition, and practice, McCutcheon completely covers how you should prepare and deal with both First and Second Stage of Childbirth. Finally, she closes the book with a discussion of various childbirth controversies – episiotomies, cesarean sections and home birth.
Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation by CNM, MA, Pam England and PhD, Rob
Horowitz
Mothers-to-be, this book will empower you with stories of birthing women all over the world and all through history. It takes you through fun, artistic ways to open your creative doors; preparing not just your left brain, but also your fantastic feminine right brain for the big event!
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers : The Most Comprehensive Problem-Solution Guide to Breastfeeding from the Foremost Expert in North America by MD Jack Newman 
Because of the lack of breastfeeding info in many hospitals and doctors’ offices, and the lack of baby-knowledge in general in our culture, it is such a relief to just get answers. This book is divided into three sections – the first is a primer on breastfeeding – benifits, proper positioning, good and bad “advice” and how to deal with it, and the tactics used by formula companies to undermine breastfeeding. The second section deals with common problems and solutions, and the third deals with special situations like introducing solids, weaning, nursing toddlers, sleep, seperation, and troubleshooting.
Check out his very helpful website for great videos of live breastfeeding! http://www.drjacknewman.com/
The Le Leche League of America is a great way to meet other moms choosing to breastfeed their babies. Go to a meeting in your area while you’re pregnant and get to know the leaders and other mothers. They can become very helpful should you run into difficulty during your first few days of nursing your new baby.
Click here to find a group close to you.
When I has my second son, Jason, I decided with my husband that it was time to check out cloth diapers. Once we did some research we learned how much waste is created from disposable diapers. It was astonishing! No one knows how long it takes for a disposable diaper to decompose, but it is estimated to be about 250-500 years, long after your children, grandchildren and great, great, great grandchildren will be gone. We chose the best system of cloth diapers out there in my opinion. Check out
these bumGenius diapers. You will be so surprised at how easy it is to treat Mother Earth well!
