• The Birth Partner: One of my absolute favorites. I highly recommend this book. I still use it, and I always have an extra on hand for my clients. The book goes over preparing for labor and knowing when it has begun. Teaches normal labor and how to help the woman every step of the way. Talks about Epidurals and other medications for labor. Goes into the ever important Non-drug techniques for easing labor pain, and much more.
• Birth Without Fear:  Another favorite of mine. Straightforward guidance, supportive and empowering guide to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. 
• Hypnobirthing: a positive, natural approach to childbirth. This empowering method develops awareness to your instincts and ability to labor and birth.
• Mindful Birthing: Training your mind, body, and heart!
• The Whole 9 Months: nutrition, and week-to-week guide for healthy eating while pregnancy.
• Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth: I love reading Ina May’s books, they are easy to read and so helpful. She is short, sweet, and to the point! She gives you everything you need to know about pregnancy and childbirth!
• Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: This is the complete guide to all that you need to know for the whole journey. If you were only going to buy one book, this should be it. I wasn’t much of a reader until after my kids, and oh boy do I wish I had these books when I was pregnant with them! 
• Natural Baby and Childcare:  essential reference guide to conventional and holistic health options for baby.
• Ina May’s guide to breastfeeding: another great one that she wrote. Very helpful for breastfeeding. Encouraging as well. I know sometimes breastfeeding can be frustrating, but it is totally worth all that goes into it. 
• Breastfeeding Made Simple: This is my favorite breastfeeding book, I always recommend this one to my clients. 

Some added extras:

• How to Heal a Bad Birth: I love this straightforward guide. It really helps answer the “why” questions, and how to move forward.
• Heal your Birth Story: I love how Maureen Campion wrote this book. It is realistic, and teaches how to release those unexpected wounds that come up, even 10 years later. I know, some not so fun books, but they are a necessity sometimes. 
• Babies Are Not Pizzas:  This book is by far my favorite read. I had to read this for one of my classes in Midwifery school. And I keep reading it over and over. Rebecca Dekker is spot on. I seriously felt like she was writing my birth story. This is also the book that got me wanting to read more books on healing. 

• Prenatal Yoga: yoga can help relieve many different pregnancy-related issues! A good yoga mat is essential. Also, a knee pad can help save your knees, and I still use mine. 
• Nutrition and supplements: Consult your provider before taking any supplements. In today’s world, supplements have become essential. Above all, nutritious foods come first, but sometimes they are only readily available. This is where supplements come in. They are not food replacements.  “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!” That saying is very true. Nutrition is the base of good health. 
• Water, Water, and more water: Invest in a good water bottle because you need it! Pregnant, you want to aim for at least 2 quarts of water daily. Keep that favorite water bottle after pregnancy because you will want it while breastfeeding. Pro tip: You get super thirsty while breastfeeding. Keep a snack bin and water next to you for easy access.