Birth Planning and Nutrition

It starts with the Egg by Rebecca Fett
A wealth of scientific research shows that adopting a Mediterranean diet can help you get pregnant faster and boost success rates in IVF.

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler
This book will empower you to understand your body, family plan naturally, and take control of your reproductive health using the simple, proven Fertility Awareness Method.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Balch
An alphabetical encyclopedia of nutritional treatments and therapies for a wide range of common ailments.

Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition by Lily Nichols
In this book you’ll get clear answers on what to eat and why - supported by a comprehensive review of the scientific literature.

Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook That Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition by Sally Fallon and Mary Enig
This well-researched, thought-provoking guide to traditional foods contains a startling message: Animal fats and cholesterol are not villains but vital factors in the diet, necessary for normal growth, proper function of the brain and nervous system, protection from disease and optimum energy levels.

Birth Preparation

The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
This book contains information about the physical aspects of labor and birth with comfort measures, pros and cons of testing/medications/procedures, and details about how you can incorporate your partner.

Birthing From Within by Pam England
A holistic guide to birth on a mental, emotional, and spiritual level. Examines birth as a non-medical event and rite of passage for mothers.

The Doula’s Guide to Empowering Your Birth by Lindsey Bliss
Written by an advanced doula, it provides a nice, basic overview of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum options from a realistic yet holistic point of view. Great for beginners!

Babies Aren’t Pizzas: They’re Born Not Delivered by Rebecca Decker
A retelling of the author’s birth experiences and how they prompted her to look more closely at our current maternal model of care in the United States. It includes evidence regarding inductions, common medical interventions, and more.

Nurture by Erica Chidi Cohen
This book includes a human approach to birth and postpartum preparation. It includes recipes, common questions, mindfulness exercises, and support for those looking for an intentional experience.

When a Survivor Gives Birth by Penny Simkin
A resource for survivors of sexual trauma or assault who are preparing for birth. Includes common triggers and how to work with them, as well as stories from survivors about their birth experience. Recommended for women who feel that past sexual trauma may play a part in their birth preparation.

Hypnobirthing: A Natural Approach To A Safe, Easier, More Comfortable Birthing by Marie Mongan
A fantastic resource that introduces the birthing mother and partner. This will allow you to understand the basics of hypnobirthing. Hypnobirthing is built around the idea that fear causes the body to tense up, which can make labor feel more painful. By learning relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques, many people feel calmer and more in control during birth.

Postpartum & Breastfeeding

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League
A resource with info on breastfeeding. Includes troubleshooting for common problems, feeding positions, weaning advice, milk storage suggestions, and more.

The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson
An all encompassing guide to restoring your vitality after birth–physically, emotionally, sexually, and mentally.

How to Heal a Bad Birth by Melissa Bruijn and Debby A Gould
Written by the founders of BirthTalk, this is an excellent guide for those who have experienced trauma in the birth space and are looking to find meaning in their experiences.

Podcasts

The Birthful Podcast with Adriana Lozada

The Birth Hour with Brynn Huntpalmer

Evidence Based Birth Podcast with Rebecca Decker

The Holistic Birth Podcast with Allison Morgan

Birth Mystics with Stephanie Sorenson and Katie Förster