No matter what type of delivery you are planning for, a little preparation goes a long way. I consider pregnancy a time of training – not just for the physical demands, but also the mental and emotional challenges that accompany it. The following are my must reads for any soon-to-be mother:
The Birth Partner
This read is for your main cheerleader, be it your Doula, your husband, your wife, or your partner. This book helps guide your support person on how to best support you and gives valuable advice on how to integrate them into your experience. Buy It Here
The Guide to Childbirth and The Guide to Breastfeeding
Ina May’s books are my bibles.
The Guide to Childbirth
This book helped me know what to expect and offered support and education for what an unmedicated childbirth can look like. Buy It Here
The Guide to Breastfeeding
For my first born I prepared so much for an unmedicated delivery and I did absolutely no preparation for Breastfeeding afterwards. I read this after my delivery when I was already struggling and wish I had read it sooner. Buy It Here
A Natural Hospital Birth
This book goes through the nitty gritty of what to expect when delivering in a hospital– whether you plan for induction, epidural, or unmedicated delivery. I always want to know what to expect as it helps chill out my anxiety and this book has tons of info for everyone delivering in a hospital. Buy It Here
How to Not Hate Your Husband after Kids
The last book is not a bash on husbands but more a funny, practical, and helpful book to get you through some hard times. It’s no secret that having a baby can wreak havoc on your marriage.Buy It Here
Happy reading!
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Are you currently pregnant or planning to conceive? If so, make sure to download my FREE resource — How to Prepare Your Pelvic Floor & Core for Childbirth + 8 Must-Dos for C-Section and Vaginal Deliveries.
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Sara Reardon PT, DPT, WCS is the owner of NOLA Pelvic Health and founder of The Vagina Whisperer, a resource for online pelvic health education and therapy to help women worldwide with pelvic health conditions. She is a board certified women’s health physical therapist with a special interest in treating pelvic pain and pregnancy and postpartum conditions. She is a mom, wife, Saints fan and wanna be yogi
