Preparation
Be thou prepared...prepare for thyself...and all thy company that are assembled unto thee~Ezekiel 38:7
The very first step in preparing for safe home birth with a midwife is to become educated about the benefits, risks and choices available to you.
There are a multitude of new books, websites and even television programs available today on the topic of home birth. Contemporary media tends to highlight either controversial aspects of home birth or trendiness.
Some of our favorite resources are the older texts and videos which reflect the simplicity of natural childbirth and practical steps to prepare yourself, family and home for a safe home birth.
Recommended Reading
Childbirth Without Fear by Grantly Dick-Read, 1959, 2004
The Home Birth Advantage by Mayer Eisenstein, 2000
Home Birth: A Practical Guide by Nicky Wesson, 2007
The Birth Partner by Penny Simpkin, 2008
Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Penny Simpkin, 2008
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger, 2003
Heart & Hands: A Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth
by Elizabeth Davis, 2004
Gentle Birth Choices Book and Video Set
by Barbara Harper & Suzanne Arms 2000
Parent-to-Parent Support and Classes
Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth
Offers one of the most comprehensive series of classes dealing with prenatal health, truly natural childbirth, understanding variations of normal birth, and labor-coping techniques that work with your body to acheive the goal of spontaneous, natural birth followed by immediate breastfeeding. Classes emphasize husband's role as the primary advocate, coach and supporter of the mother in labor. Local classes are taught by independent teachers who are not bound by the protocols of medical institutions to "prepare students" for the way things are done in a particular facility.
La Leche League
Helps mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
We encourage parents to attend La Leche League meetings while pregnant. This is a way to become familiar with the places and people who can help you after the birth, so you are not scrambling to find them, or intimidated by meeting them for the first time during the vulnerable and transitional period of your postpartum, when you may need the most support.
