Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth - Ina May Gaskin
The newest book from the famous Farm midwife, the first half contains illustrative birth stories and the second half contains information and helpful tips to have an optimal birth experience in a hospital setting. Highly recommended reading for Mindful Mama doula clients.

Everyday Blessings - Jon and Myla Kabat-Zinn
A guide to parenting mindfully, this book has been a huge support in my own parenting. Covers situations from pregnancy to nighttime issues to the bittersweetness of watching kids turn into adults and a lot in between.

The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth - Sheila Kitzinger
A comprehensive guide for pregnancy and birth, this is the text used in Mindful Mama birth classes. Contains beautiful photographs and illustrations with an emphasis on the decision making process.

Birthing From Within - Pam England and Rob Horowitz
As the title suggests, this is a guide to exploring your feelings about the birthing experience. Balances exercises for inner reflection, such as birth art with practical information about the birthing experience.

Spiritual Midwifery - Ina May Gaskin
The original midwifery book from the Farm, first written in the 70s and now in it’s fourth updated edition, is broken into three parts: birth stories, information for the expectant parents, and basic clinical midwifery information. Some readers may find the language to be dated or distasteful.

The Doula Book - Marshall Klaus, MD, et al.
Outlines the results of a number of scientific studies on the use of a doula/ professional labor assistant in labor. Answers questions regarding the doula’s role in labor and delivery and what services she provides.

After the Baby’s Birth - Robin Lim
A wonderful book on the often over-looked issues of the post-partum period. Includes cultural customs from around the world, nutrition and exercise, tried and true delicious recipes for the new mother, settling into the new role of a mother, breastfeeding issues, and family bonding with the new baby.

Immaculate Deception II - Suzanne Arms
The updated version of the groundbreaking book outlining the history of birth and how it became medicalized, includes information all women should know in order to maintain power over their bodies and healthcare. Chapters on birth and hospitals, minimizing fear, “normal” birth, and the experience of the newborn. Also includes Suzanne’s stunning birth photography.

Essential Exercises for the Childbearing Year - Elizabeth Noble
Written by a physical therapist (among other credentials), an exercise guide to support optimum health and comfort for mom and baby and to prepare for birth complete with illustrations of correct and incorrect way of positioning the body. Includes post-partum exercises for an optimal recovery after both vaginal and cesarean births.

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding - La Leche League International
The breastfeeding “bible” from the world’s foremost authority on breastfeeding, now in it’s seventh edition. Covers all aspects of mothering through breastfeeding, from getting it right in the first days to weaning and a multitude of issues in between: pumping and storing milk, returning to work, bonding between mom, baby, and dad, trouble shooting, and gentle discipline. Womanly Art is available for sale through Jeanna as a fundraiser for La Leche League of San Francisco.

Bestfeeding - Mary Renfrew, Chloe Fisher & Suzanne Arms
A wonderful manual on the mechanics of breastfeeding with great photos and illustrations of the proper “latching” technique. Contains a great deal of troubleshooting information with chapters on problems and their solutions, why women have problems with breastfeeding, modern breastfeeding myths, and case studies.

Mothering Your Nursing Toddler - Norma Jane Bumgarner
With less than 20% of babies still nursing past their first birthday, most women have few, if any, other mothers to turn to for practical information in dealing with a nursing toddler. This book is full of real-life stories and comments and many suggestions to deal with concerns like the demands of a nursing toddler, knowing when it is time to wean, health and family issues, and more.

Nursing Mother, Working Mother - Gale Pryor
One of the biggest reasons cited for weaning before the baby’s first birthday is returning to work. This book addresses all of the issues associated with nursing when maternity leave ends: finding a breastfeeding- friendly care provider, pumping at work, guilt, balancing work and family, and finding compromises when exclusive breastfeeding is no longer a possibility.

The Baby Book - Dr. William Sears and Martha Sears
A comprehensive baby care guide for the first two years, especially useful as a reference for when your baby catches the common ailments of childhood. Also has information on breastfeeding, “baby-wearing,” co-sleeping, and the developmental stages of the first two years.

How to Talk So Your Kids Will Listen and Listen So Your Kids Will Talk - Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
It’s never too early to begin practicing effective communication with your little ones. Some parents have reported that the principles in this book have helped them communicate with other adults, as well. Many examples are illustrated in comic book form, so it’s an easy read.

Raising Your Spirited Child - Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Whether or not you have a spirited child, this is a helpful book for understanding and dealing with different temperaments and how parents’ personalities interact with their children’s. Full of funny stories and practical suggestions for dealing with frustrating situations like your three year old throwing a tantrum over toast cut in squares instead of triangles and more.

Playful Parenting - Lawrence J. Cohen
A fun guide to using playfulness to get children to cooperate based on the principle that children learn and deal with life through play. Sometimes it’s amazing how quickly and easily a child will get out her coat on if you pretend it’s a space suit.

Mothering Magazine - bi-monthy publication
Mothering is actually not a book, but a magazine published bi-monthly, covering all aspects of parenting, from pregnancy to teens and beyond. What makes Mothering superior to other parenting magazines is that they are self-published and therefore lack restrain of corporate interests. While they are supported by advertising, you will never see an ad for formula or any other product that compromises the natural-parenting values they promote.