Childbirth educators and doulas have lots of reading to get certified and stay abreast of current medical literature. Here are some of my handy references I keep on my book shelf to help me answer tough questions and point me in the right direction.
1. Medications and Mother's Milk
Dr. Thomas Hale's classic book for drug references for the breastfeeding mother. This book is updated every two years. It is a must for anyone who counsels nursing mothers. It also makes a great gift for a lactation consultant or pediatrician for a special thank you.
2. Breastfeeding Answer Book
This book is a great resource to help you with common and not so common breastfeeding questions. It is an amazing primer for the novice breastfeeding counselor, childbirth educator or doula. It's easily tabbed to help you find the information that you need quickly. It also includes information on multiples, special needs babies and premature infants.3. The Labor Progress Handbook
Penny Simkin and Ruth Ancheta have done an amazing job writing down all the helpful hints they've gathered through research and practical experience. Handy charts and references make this a great addition your birth bag as a doula or class reference for the childbirth educator.4. Multifetal Pregnancy
This book is for multiple pregnancies from twins, triplets and higher order multiples. The research is clearly defined, including great sections on premature labor prevention and nutrition. A must for anyone dealing with a population with multiple gestation mothers.5. Birth as an American Rite of Passage
Robbie Davis-Floyd is an anthropologist, so this book is less about medicine and more about the culture of birth. A great read for historical and cultural perspective for every childbirth educator and doula. A fascinating read.6. A Good Birth, A Safe Birth
A wonderful book on the health and safety of pregnant women. It is a book designed for the consumer, but it will make you want to stand up and take action even as an advocate for pregnant women and their families. Some doula and childbirth education certification requirements still have this book listed for a good reason.7. Birthing From Within
Another book designed for the consumer by midwife, Pam England. A great supplement to any childbirth educators resource library. It also has lots of practical ideas for exploring feelings and emotions of pregnancy, labor and postpartum in your classes. An easy way to add that extra dimension to your childbirth class.8. Obstetric Myths Versus Research Realities
Henci Goer writes an amazing book comparing current cultural thinking on hot obstetric topics like VBAC, home birth, medications and more with the actual research, showing how what the research says is not what we're practicing. A great guide to research.9. What if I have a c-section?
While geared towards the consumer, this book is a handy, middle-of-the-road approach to discussing cesarean birth with your couples or clients.10. Brought to Earth by Birth
Photo (c) MotherBaby Press
Brought to Earth by Birth is an amazing book. Not only is photographs and quotes, but it's a story that no reality TV show could capture. This amazing book would make a great baby shower present or thank you gift for the doctors, midwives and doulas in your life.
11. The Official Lamaze Guide
This book is an instant classic! With great advice, humor and birth stories, Lothian and DeVires share the truth about birth and how to make it a wonderful time in your life. The factual information is provided in a practical way, including how to pick a place of birth, talk to you doctor or midwife and most importantly how to trust your body.