BOOKS WE LOVE
Becoming Two & Keeping You
We absolutely love Kim and Sam from Powerful Women’s Health, who are two of the co-authors of Becoming Two & Keeping You. We have them in each of our Postpartum Planning classes, as many of our clients work with them for either pelvic therapy or mental health counseling. This book will organize the details, address any uncertainties, and prepare you for delivery and the transition home with greater confidence. You’ll learn a lot of this in our Postpartum Planning Class, which they teach at Philomena Birth once a month. Much of the information from this book is covered in the class, making it an excellent guide to read beforehand or even if you’re not attending.
Natural Hospital Birth: The Best of Both Worlds
This is one of our favorite books because it offers a balanced approach for parents seeking an unmedicated or low-intervention birth in a hospital setting. Written by Cynthia Gabriel, a doula and advisor to hospitals on low-intervention childbirth, Natural Hospital Birth provides clear, reassuring guidance for birthing people, their partners, and even medical staff. This fully updated edition is a must-read for those who want the benefits of natural childbirth alongside the peace of mind offered by hospital care.
THE BIRTH PARTNER
This classic childbirth education book is a must-read, particularly for partners, though mothers will find it equally valuable. Written by Penny Simkin, a pioneer of the doula movement and a founder of DONA International—through which Mary and some Philomena Birth doulas are certified—The Birth Partner remains the definitive guide for supporting someone through childbirth. Now in its fully revised fifth edition, it covers:
Preparing for labor and recognizing when it begins
Supporting the laboring parent step by step during normal labor
Understanding epidurals, other medications, and non-drug pain relief techniques
Managing cesarean births and potential complications
Breastfeeding and newborn care
Packed with practical guidance, this indispensable manual equips partners to be genuinely helpful during labor and beyond.
INA MAY’S GUIDE TO CHILDBIRTH
This highly acclaimed book is a classic among doulas and midwives. Ina May Gaskin, a pioneer of the midwife movement in America, helped normalize unmedicated births and has over 30 years of experience in the field. In Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, she shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth, encouraging expectant parents to trust in the wisdom of their bodies. Rooted in the female-centered Midwifery Model of Care, this guide offers comprehensive insights on the mind-body connection and how to give birth without technological intervention.
THE FIRST FORTY DAYS
This book emphasizes that while the birth of a baby is a monumental event, it’s not the end of the journey. The 4th trimester is real, and it’s vital to honor the body’s incredible healing process during this time.
As modern parents feel pressured to “bounce back” quickly, this book serves as a lifeline, offering connection, nourishment, and guidance for navigating the postpartum period. It features 60 simple recipes for healing soups, replenishing meals, snacks, and lactation-boosting teas tailored to the unique needs of new parents. Beyond recipes, this warm and encouraging guide provides advice on building a support system, managing relationship challenges, and celebrating the profound transition of pregnancy and birth
HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method
You’ll find yourself returning to this book time and again. In this accessible guide, Marie Mongan challenges the myth that pain is a natural part of childbirth and offers techniques to eliminate labor's anguish.
As the textbook for HypnoBirthing classes, it introduces the philosophy and techniques for a calm, gentle birth experience. You and your partner will learn self-hypnosis, guided imagery, and specialized breathing techniques to achieve a shorter, easier, and more joyful birthing process—free of harmful drugs. With these methods, you can remain awake, alert, and fully in control, creating a more comfortable and empowering birth for both you and your baby.
THE NURSING MOTHER’S COMPANION
If breastfeeding is an important goal for you, preparing prenatally is key. Understanding what to expect in the first days, weeks, and months can make all the difference in your breastfeeding journey.
While breastfeeding is natural, it’s not entirely instinctive for mothers or babies. For over 30 years, The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins has been a trusted resource, with over 1 million copies sold. Recommended by professionals such as the International Lactation Consultant Association, T. Berry Brazelton, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, this book is beloved by new parents for its encouraging and accessible style. Huggins provides practical guidance to help mothers overcome challenges and successfully nurse their babies—from the first week to the toddler years or anywhere in between.
LIKE A MOTHER
This book provides a rigorously researched and deeply compelling exploration of the physiology, biology, and psychology of pregnancy and motherhood. Combining in-depth reporting, personal experience, and a feminist perspective, Garbes delves into the emerging science behind pressing questions about miscarriage, complicated labors, and postpartum changes.
With the curiosity of a journalist and the urgency of a mother, she offers an unflinching, full-frontal look at the realities of those nine life-altering months. This book is a powerful call for better care, support, and information for all women during pregnancy and beyond.
EXPECTING BETTER
For mothers who love data and research, we always recommend Emily Oster’s books. This particular book dives into the evidence behind best practices for moms, emphasizing how informed advocacy in prenatal care and childbirth can lead to better outcomes.
Pregnancy, one of life’s most profound experiences, often leaves women overwhelmed by conflicting advice. Why avoid cold cuts, sushi, coffee, or alcohol? Why follow certain rules for prenatal testing? These questions often go unanswered, leaving moms-to-be searching for clarity.
Award-winning economist and mom, Emily Oster, took it upon herself to analyze the data behind these pregnancy rules. Her findings reveal that many recommendations are misguided—and some are entirely incorrect—empowering women to make informed, confident choices for their pregnancy journey.
THE FORTH TRIMESTER
This holistic guide provides practical advice to support women through postpartum healing on physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual levels, offering a roadmap for this important transition that can last anywhere from a few months to a few years.
Kimberly Ann Johnson, drawing on her extensive experience as a doula, postpartum consultant, yoga teacher, body worker, and women’s health care advocate, combines the wisdom of Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, herbalism, and her personal experience to address a wide range of topics.