Childbirth & Breastfeeding Resources
After 3 natural births, (read my latest birth story here), and exclusively breastfeeding 3 babies (first 2 to 18 months, with this last one going strong at 6 months), I wanted to share my favorite resources that have really helped me to have such positive childbirth & breastfeeding experiences! By resources, I mean books ;) You know how much I love them. But honestly, reading during my pregnancy’s was one of the best things I did for my babies & I. The mental preparation & self knowledge gained from reading these helped me enter those unknown times with such great insight, I doubt anyone would have told me otherwise. The whole ‘you enter motherhood without a manual thing’ is hard enough, let alone pregnancy & breastfeeding! Besides reading, I recommend joining your local Le Leche League meetings or breastfeeding support group, they are absolutely amazing. I think I called those LLL leaders daily for the first months, and they would give me amazing advice over the phone & in person. I definitely recommend checking out local doulas for natural childbirth classes, a lot of times the hospital ones are not as in depth as you need. Lastly, dedicate your pregnancy to Mother Mary & an intercessory saint, Saint Gerard or Saint Gianna are great ones. My mom gave me a Saint Gerard prayer cloth that my husband puts on my pregnant belly & prays nightly over. The more grace the better, prayers for all my pregnant & breastfeeding friends & Creighton clients & all moms out there, enjoy! And if you are looking for a nice gift for a pregnant or new mom, anything from this list would be great!
Childbirth Books:
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way
Husband Coached Childbirth: The Bradley Method
The Official Lamaze Guide: Giving Birth with Confidence
The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth
A Catholic Mother’s Companion to Pregnancy: Walking with Mary from Conception to Baptism
Breastfeeding Books:
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
The Seven Standards of Ecological Breastfeeding: The Frequency Factor
Breastfeeding & Catholic Motherhood
Miscellaneous
The Business of Being Born movie series
What did I miss? :)