Resources

Here are a few fantastic book recommendations. They will prove valuable in preparation for your labor, birth, and beyond. Preparing and educating yourself on the birth process can normalize the event and help you have a more satisfying birth!

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth

by Ina May Gaskin

Inspiring, empowering birth stories and information—a must read! This is my favorite book and if you were to read just one, I highly recommend this. Learn more about Ina May Gaskin on her website.

Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide

by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley and Ann Keppler

Excellent all-round book. Covers prenatal care, decisions revolving around where to give birth, labor support techniques, birth plans, medical interventions, relaxation, newborn care and feeding, postpartum adjustment, and much more. Learn more about Penny Simkin on her website.

Mind Over Labor

by Carl Jones

Visualizations for labor—ways to use the power of your mind to help you through contractions.

The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth

by Penny Simkin

A clear, informative guide. Covers labor, comfort measures, medical procedures, and more from the partner’s point of view.

Gentle Birth Choices: A Guide to Making Informed Decisions About Birthing Centers, Birth Attendants, Water Birth, Home Birth and Hospital Birth

by Barbara Harper, R.N.

An excellent source for learning about your birth place options.

The Breastfeeding Book: Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Your Child from Birth Through Weaning

by Martha and William Sears

Taking a realistic, contemporary approach, the Sears bring an age-old practice completely up to date.

The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers

by Jack Newman, M.D.

Today’s foremost lactation expert helps new mothers overcome their fears, doubts, and practical concerns about one of the most special ways a mother can bond with her baby. Gives you the facts about breastfeeding and provide solutions for the common problems that arise.

The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two

by William and Martha Sears

Gentle and reassuring—the best baby book on the market. You may not get to this until after your baby is born, but it is a wonderful book to have while you are learning to care for your baby.

Dads & Doulas

Some partners may worry that a doula will take their place during the birth process. But actually, dads and doulas work together as a team, complimenting each other as they provide the support mom needs.
Download Dads & Doulas

Brandon was an important source of support for Heather, as seen here during her time of transition.

Helpful Links

Doulas Of North America: The world’s premier doula organization
The Seacoast Doula Group: A network of independent doulas that live and work in the seacoast area of New Hampshire and Southern Maine. I’ve been a member of Seacoast Doula Group since 2007.
Lamaze’s Care Practice Papers: From Lamaze International, the six care practices that support normal birth
Transition To Parenthood: Simple, well organized childbirth information from a Seattle-area doula and childbirth educator.
Both the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services and Childbirth Connection offer recent, evidence-based information, to help moms make informed decisions about maternity care.
For VBAC or cesarean-specific info, visit VBAC.com or the International Cesarean Awareness Network
For breastfeeding resources, La Leche International has forums, FAQs, and even legal advice. Also, Dr. Jack Newman has video clips and volumes of help documents on his site.

Articles

A Doula Makes the Difference, from Mothering Magazine
Every Woman Deserves a Doula
Doulas deliver help for birthing moms
Penny Simkin answers the question “Why Hire a Doula?”

Local Resources

Seacoast Doula Group, a network of independent doulas that live and work in the seacoast area of New Hampshire and Southern Maine. I’ve been a member of Seacoast Doula Group since 2007.
Mothers’ Helpers, Portsmouth Herald article about doulas.
Thrilled to be back Portsmouth Herald article about the midwives at York Hospital
Coastal Family Birth Retreat, The Seacoast’s first free-standing Birth Center offering birth center and homebirth services.
Seacoast Area La Leche League
New Mother’s Resource Guide, This comprehensive PDF guide lists contact info for local businesses and services—a helpful starting point for pregnant women a new families.