I was wondering if anybody could recommend a good book for preparing for birth? I know, I've had FIVE kids, but I always feel so ill-prepared, like I don't know what to do. I *love* spinning babies, and if you natural childbirth gals think that's plenty, well then, that's good enough for me. Do you guys ever read a book, like the Bradley Method, and actually put the info to use? I'm just wondering if it'll even do any good... I think most of it is just instinct and such... but if there's a "better way" then I'm open to read/hear it!

I did the natural birth thing too and still feel unprepared, insane huh?! lol T recommended a book to me when I was last prego, can't remember the name of it now, nor the author but I'm sure she'll pipe in soon! :mrgreen: I need to dig it out and dust it off!

Well, I really need help then! After 2 cesareans, I feel so unprepared and kinda lost... Add to that I'm not sure if my OB-GYN will support my decision to VBAC and I only transfer to her @ 32 weeks... Feeling very nervous! Sorry for the hijack...

My sister speaks highly of the Bradley method though...

No need to apologize! I love hijacks!! Great conversations get started from them! I sure hope that your OB will be on board for your VBAC, and don't worry! Even though I've been "ill-prepared", things have gone well at EACH birth. I never had an issue, uneducated as I am~ :) Seems like instinct kicks in well enough... I guess I'd just like to have better coaching in remaining calm, breathing, and dealing with contractions in a more "thought out" manner. This way I can coach hub on what to say/do, to help me better, ya know? If you wind up with a VBAC, you'll do great, gal... I know it!

I took Bradley classes with my firstborn. Very informative and very helpful for preparation! I would highly recommend them. Both my births were wonderful and I credit part of that to the childbirth class!

Active Birth is the one I recommend, by Janet Balaskas (I actually have the name this time LOL I'm in the office looking directly at my bookshelf :P) As the name implies, it shows you how to be active during your birth. To not just lie down and let things happen. To work WITH your body, give yourself an advantage, stuff like that.

Active Birth is the one I recommend, by Janet Balaskas (I actually have the name this time LOL I'm in the office looking directly at my bookshelf :P) As the name implies, it shows you how to be active during your birth. To not just lie down and let things happen. To work WITH your body, give yourself an advantage, stuff like that.

Thanks T! I'll have to see if I can order that asap~ :)

I loved this website with my last pregnancy.. http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/ Full of info (and it is way updated and better than when I was nearly 2 years ago now). I wanted to order the curriculum but couldn't afford it. Maybe when God blesses again we'll be able to afford it.

I also read every book about birth, the birth industry and stuff at the library (I do that even when I'm not preggers. I am enamored with the subject, but then, I'm mapping out a path to becoming a CPM after the kids are older...:-). Check with yours, it may be helpful. It is also good to read about other ways just to cement your decision to do it naturally.

I can't for the life of me remember my favorite book for natural birth while I was pregnant. Must be the hormones and the amnesia. Though, I did read a lot of Ina May Gaskin's stuff. Some of it is, um, different, but the stories of natural births did help to show how it can be different for everyone.

Hope you find the exact resource you want/need!

Thats it, thanks, T! :) and I got lots of useful information from that book. :)

I loved this website with my last pregnancy.. http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/ Full of info (and it is way updated and better than when I was nearly 2 years ago now). I wanted to order the curriculum but couldn't afford it. Maybe when God blesses again we'll be able to afford it.

I also read every book about birth, the birth industry and stuff at the library (I do that even when I'm not preggers. I am enamored with the subject, but then, I'm mapping out a path to becoming a CPM after the kids are older...:-). Check with yours, it may be helpful. It is also good to read about other ways just to cement your decision to do it naturally.

I can't for the life of me remember my favorite book for natural birth while I was pregnant. Must be the hormones and the amnesia. Though, I did read a lot of Ina May Gaskin's stuff. Some of it is, um, different, but the stories of natural births did help to show how it can be different for everyone.

Hope you find the exact resource you want/need!

Thanks Gal~ :) I have always thought I'd make a great midwife~ :) I, too, love everything surrounding pregnancy, childbirth and babies!

Here are my top picks.

http://naturalblessings.ca/Resources.html