Kelly's PG Reads

[tattooedsuess]

I have really enjoyed reading a lot of books this time around. Here are a few of my favorites, and ones that I think (of course, only my opinion) that every pregnant woman should read.

My Favorites:

1. The Birth House - Written by Ami McKay. It's fiction, but is based on a lot of things that actually happened in that time period.

2. Immaculate Deception - Written in the 70's by Suzanne Arms, but is very informative about helping mothers to make the right birthing decisions for themselves.

3. Immaculate Deception II - Written by the same author as the first one, but much more current being from the 90's. Again, extremely informative in the birth decision process.

4. Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth - I'm not going to lie to you ladies....this was my absolute favorite book of all. This is so current and so informative about the childbirth process, information about birthing, and deciding what is right for you. I highly recommend this to every pregnant woman.

5. Birth Without Violence - Written by Frederick Leboyer back in the 70's. He seemed a bit eccentric, but his ideas about a peaceful birth made complete sense to me.

6. Natural Childbirth After Cesarean - Written by Karis Crawford and Johanne C. Walters. Extremely informative if you're planning on trying for a VBAC.

[paula]

Kelly,
This may be a bit personal to share at this point in your pregnancy, but, what birthing method are you hoping for?

[tattooedsuess]

Paula,

I'll respond to you off board about this.

Hugs, ~Kelly

[PhotoNut]

Hey Kelly! I remember when I was preparing for my first child to be born - so long ago! I really really wanted to do the Leboyer Method, but my doctor wasn't too sure about it. So what they did was put pleasantly warm water in one of the rolling newborn beds - you know the ones that have deep sides? When our daughter was born, her father helped cut the cord and then he carefully placed her in the water, which was only deep enough to come up around her sides. He held her head up but let the rest of her float. Everyone was amazed at her response. She immediately opened her eyes, looked up at her daddy and began to happily play in the water. You could see the stress and tension leave that baby's body! It was awesome. I was happy to have the chance to get do at least that much. I might even have a picture of her in the water. I'll look for it over the weekend.

Thanks for the walk down memory lane

I'm sure that whatever you choose, it will be a cherished memory for all involved.

*hugs*
Susan

[tattooedsuess]

Thank you so much for sharing this story with me Susan! It sounds like your little girl responded the exact same way that a lot of the babies in Leboyer's book did. I loved that the babies all seemed to relax, open their eyes and look around, and even begin to splash and play in the water! That is just too amazing to me.

I would looooooooovvvvvve to see a picture of this! Thank you for even considering sharing it with me. I'm sure that it's probably very precious and sacred to you.

Lotsa Hugs, ~Kelly

[Alicia521]

Very cool, especially the last one about natural birth after a c-section.

[wavydaby]

Hi Kelly,
Childbirth is oneheck of a ride!
I did hypnobirthing. PM me if you have any questions.
Good luck with what ever you choose.

[tattooedsuess]

Ok ladies. I've been a reading phene these last 3 months, so here are more books that I've read and recommend.

1. A Good Birth, A Safe Birth by Korte & Scaer - Very good info about planning for the kind of birth you want to have.

2. The Complete Book of Pregnancy & Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger - Highly recommend this one for all moms to read, especially if it's your 1st pregnancy, but good for ALL. It puts that what to expect book to shame! Complete with nice color photos and postpartum information as well.

3. Giving Birth (How it Really Feels) by Sheila Kitzinger - This was a great book too. Very informative on what to expect during your labor and delivery, and contains other great information too.

4. Your Amazing Newborn by Marshall H. Klaus & Phyllis H. Klaus - I LOVE this book. It has many pictures as well as excellent information that talks about newborns and their unique abilities. I am greatly enjoying this book!