Useful Links
http://www.betterbirthsacramento.com
A website committed to educating parents about the local options for pregnancy and birth services.
http://www.icea.org
The official website of The International Childbirth Education Association has a section for expecting parents which outlines the philosophies which my courses are based on.
http://www.wombworksmassage.com
Heather Baker can do amazing things for a pregnant body! Contact her to learn more about her massage and doula services.
http://www.sattvayogaandpilates.com
Sattva Yoga and Pilates offers several prenatal yoga classes weekly on a drop-in basis. They also offer prenatal pilates on an appointment basis.
http://www.childbirthconnection.org
A source for trustworthy, up-to-date, evidence-based information and resources on planning for pregnancy, labor and birth, and the postpartum period.
http://www.aap.org
The American Academy of Pediatrics.
http://www.motherfriendly.org
The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services is a collaborative effort to promote a wellness model of maternity care that will improve birth outcomes and substantially reduce costs.
http://www.hip-chick-pregnancy-guide.com
A great website about natural childbirth, including an exellent selection of birth stories and videos.
Suggested Reading
Journey Into Motherhood: Inspirational Stories of Natural Birth
Sheri L. Menelli
This book convinced me that I could birth my children naturally. The stories vary greatly, but they are all extremely inspirational. During my second pregnancy rereading it allowed me to examine my first birth in a new light and gave me ideas for how to have an even better second birth.
Husband Coached Childbirth
Robert A. Bradley, M.D.
This book gave me ideas to pass on to my husband about how to best help me during labor. It also gave me research based evidence to make my desire to birth naturally stronger.
New Mother’s Guide to Breastfeeding
American Academy of Pediatrics
A comprehensive, quick-read on breastfeeding. Don't skip the sections on breasfeeding problems assuming they won't apply to you. You will feel more confident having read them if any problems should arise.
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth
Ina May Gaskin
Birth Stories and the essentials of birth from one of the world's best widwives!
Choosing Waterbirth
Lakshmi Bertram
This book is not only a great reference for waterbirth, but it inlcudes an amazingly easy to follow prenatal yoga workout.
Buff Moms-to-Be
Sue Fleming
An excellent program to safely keep your body in shape throughout all stages of your pregnancy. Also available as a DVD.
The Baby Book (Or any book in Dr. Sears’ series)
William Sears, M.D.
I used this book on an almost daily basis when my son was a newborn, and have continued to use it regularly throughout his first two years. I particularly like the section on baby wearing.