Essential Reading and Listening List for Expecting Families

ResourcesPregnancyBirth
Written By Hanna Hill

Preparing for birth is more than just a physical process—it's a journey that requires mental and emotional preparation. One of the most crucial aspects of this preparation is education.

By investing time in learning and absorbing information about birth, you empower yourself to make informed decisions and to become the best advocate for your unique experience. Understanding the intricacies of birth, from the stages of labor to potential interventions, equips you with the knowledge needed to navigate any situation that may arise.

Birth can be unpredictable, and knowing your rights and choices gives you a sense of control and empowerment, regardless of how your birth unfolds. I love seeing families enter their births confidently with the tools and knowledge to communicate their preferences to their birth team and actively participate in the decision-making process.

Reading and listening to birth podcasts is also about surrounding yourself with a positive and supportive mindset. Pregnancy is a time of heightened emotions, and consuming uplifting and empowering birth stories can help alleviate anxiety and foster a sense of calm and confidence.

By pouring ourselves into learning and growing, we can walk with confidence through our birth journey.


Today, I'm excited to share my essential list for those who are eager to learn about birth and feel confidently prepared. This collection includes a variety of resources, including books, online platforms, and podcasts, each offering a wealth of information to explore. Recognizing that everyone approaches birth education differently, I've pulled together my absolute favorite resources in different mediums so you can engage with the learning in a way that feels comfortable and accessible to you.

close up newborn after birth in hospital
 

for my readers

THE ESSENTIAL BOOK LIST FOR EXPECTING FAMILIES

real food for pregnancy book cover

Real Food For Pregnancy

by Lily Nichols

changing birth on earth book cover

Changing Birth on Earth

by Gail Tully

mindful birthing book cover

Mindful Birthing: Training the Mind, Body, and Heart for Childbirth and Beyond 

by Nancy Bardacke

birthing from within book cover

Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation

By Pam England and Rob Horowitz

orgasmic birth book cover

Orgasmic Birth

by Elizabeth Davis & Debra Pascali-Bonara

the fourth trimester book cover

The Fourth Trimester

by Kimberly Anna Johnson

babies are not pizzas book cover

Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!

By Rebecca Dekker, PHD, RN

the womanly art of breastfeeding book cover

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding

by La Leche League International | Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, Teresa Pitman

birth without fear book cover

Birth Without Fear

by January Harshe

the first forty days book cover

The First Forty Days

by Heng Ou

pregnancy and childbirth book cover

The Mama Natural Week to Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth

by Genevieve Howland

Hypnobirthing book cover

Hypnobirthing: A Natural Approach To A Safe, Easier, More Comfortable Birthing

By Marie F. Mongan

 

for my online searchers

THE ESSENTIAL ONLINE RESOURCES FOR EXPECTING FAMILIES

spinning babies logo
motherboard logo

[M]otherboard Birth

***An annual membership and access to their library is included with all of my doula packages!

The miles circuit logo

 

for my podcast listeners

THE ESSENTIAL PODCAST LIST FOR EXPECTING FAMILIES

Birth Worker Podcast Cover

The Birth Worker Podcast

https://www.birthworker.com/podcast

photographer stands smiling in green dress

Welcome

I’m Lindsey Eden

Doula and birth photographer based in Denver Colorado! Mama of two and passionate believer that documenting the journey of birth can heal and change lives!

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Hanna Hill

Award-winning Durham, England, UK Birth and Family Photographer capturing lifestyle images of parenthood and documentary birth photojournalism.

https://www.hannahillphotography.com
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