The first and favorite book I read about pregnancy was Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin. This book changed the way I thought about birthing and it gave me the insight to trust my body and the birth process. A couple weeks after reading the book, I was fortunate enough to see Ina May give a speech at the community center in Arcata, Ca. I was pregnant at the time, my first pregnancy, and I was bewildered about the next year of my life. Ina May’s presence was magical. She spoke about life on the farm, her midwifery practice, and she shared her Safe Motherhood Quilt. I walked away from this encounter refreshed and ready to enjoy my pregnancy.
Just in time for my second pregnancy Ina May released her second book Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. Just like her first book, Ina May presented childbirth as a natural and healthy activity. I love her earth mama approach and old soul nature to writing.
If you are at all like I was during pregnancy you will want to read and learn as much as possible about what you are about to embark on. There are so many books out there about pregnancy and birthing. It is difficult to know what direction to go. Let me narrow down your search. Start with Ina May. She is an amazing midwife, activist and author. I am excited to find my copy so I can read it again.