So if you know much about me you know that I love to read. And plan. I love researching things way before I actually need to so I feel extra prepared. Yes, I was that freshman camped out in the library reading Princeton Review of the best colleges. Yep, I applied to study abroad sophomore year instead until junior year like most people. I just had to do an internship junior spring semester until waiting until the summer (I wanted my job all lined up before junior year was over!). And yes, I joined the knot.com to gather wedding ideas before Arthur proposed. It’s what I do. So naturally when the thought of babies started getting a wee bit serious I had to buy a book (or a few) on it. Here’s a peek on at my pre-pregnancy bookshelf/Kindle.
What to Expect Before You're Expecting It seems like people either love or hate the “What to Expect” series. I didn't even know this book existed, except one of my bridesmaids said she had recently acquired the entire series. Confession: while getting ready on the morning of my wedding the discussion turned to babies. Like I said – I like to plan ahead. Overall this book seemed to be mostly common sense and fluff – probably a way to sell more “what to expect” books. But it was fun to read a baby book that technically wasn't jumping the gun, unlike the next couple of books that I read before I was actually pregnant.
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth – eye opening book. The book was laid out well, and I liked the way she challenged the more “traditional” thoughts on childbirth. I think it’s important to inform yourself and this book definitely gives you a different perspective. Not the most balanced book, but not outrageously biased it. If you strongly prefer the medical model of care vs. the midwifery model you probably won’t like the book. As it was my first real childbirth book I learned a lot (kind of wish I didn't know about episiotomies – ick!). Going into the whole baby/child birth research I instinctively felt I was more comfortable with the Midwifery model and this book definitely pushed me farther in that direction.
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth: loved this book. After reading the Thinking Woman I decided to go straight to the mother of modern midwifery and see what she had to say. Really amazing stuff and a very empowering book. She made me excited about taking on challenge of pregnancy and childbirth, and confidence to trust myself and my body through this age old process. I highly recommend to any pregnant women, regardless of your views. Yes, it is very biased towards midwifery, but her points are based upon 30+ years of experience and research. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The Business of Being Born: ok this one is a movie. Watch it. I think it’s pretty informative on birth today and I liked the way they presented their views, unlike Pregnant in America, which was overall same message, but too extreme for my tastes. Both are available on Netflix streaming.
So there you have it. My Bookshelf - Part 2 coming soon!
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