Pregnancy

The Natural Pregnancy Book: Herbs, Nutrition, and Other Holistic Choices by Aviva Jill Romm M.D

Aviva Romm  in absentia has been my number three (after my inner council (some would call it God) and my midwife) guide during both of my pregnancies. She has an amazing outlook on woman’s health. There is a lot of useful information on what alternative methods to use to deal with common pregnancy issues, and also a lot of good advice to vegetarians. You can read more about the author here.

Birthing from Within by Pam England and Rob Horowitz

This is a book that unlike the others recommended here can be bought in most book stores. In order to birth naturally, one must need to face most of the fears and emotions that come up during pregnancy.  This book shows you how to do it creatively. More about this amazing book here.

Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing year by Susun Weed

This is for those who want more detailed information on herbs that can be used during pregnancy and before and after. I like this book because it treats childbearing as a progression of events, not a single one, there is a section  on fertility (and infertility), pregnancy, birthing and the immediate post-partum period for both mother and her baby. The wise woman talk might be a bit too wacko for some. She does advise that you sit next to the plants that you gather and talk to them. I have no problem with that.

Adventures in Tandem Nursing: Breastfeeding during Pregnancy and Beyond by Hilary Flower (and La Leche League)

I recommend this book to those moms who are still nursing their first (or second or third etc.) child and plan to get pregnant or are thinking of it. You don’t need to stop breastfeeding if you don’t feel like it (even though there will be a lot of pressure from all different directions). Read this book, find a compassionate pregnancy care provider and then see for yourself (it is not easy, but can be done). I also found that this book had a good section on introducing a newborn to the existing sibling/s. I did not read any other on this subject.