RECOMMENDED READING

Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering answers your important question and gives you the information you need to create a safe, satisfying, and gentle start to family life. Dr Sarah Buckley, family physician and mother of four, shares the science as well as the wisdom of gentle choices in pregnancy, birth and parenting.

Dr Buckley explains, in easy to understand language, the logic, safety and benefits of natural birth and gentle parenting, using the best medical evidence. She also explains the conditions we need to optimize the flow of the “ecstatic hormones” that every woman’s body produces during a natural labour and birth, and that continue to support her during early mothering.

In an age when normal birth can still be overtaken by obstetrics, Grantly Dick-Read's philosophy is still as fresh and relevant as it was when he originally wrote this book. He unpicks the root causes of women's fears and anxiety about pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding with overwhelming heart and empathy.

As one of the most influential birthing books of all time, Childbirth Without Fear is essential reading for all parents-to-be, childbirth educators, midwives and obstetricians!

Drawing on over 40 years' experience, internationally acclaimed midwife Ina May Gaskin shows you how to use the mind-body connection to help labour progress calmly and safely.

In Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, she shares:

- Inspiring real-life stories that show what a positive experience childbirth can be
- What happens during labour and the true capabilities of the female body
- How to create a comfortable environment for birth in any setting
- Tips for maximising your chances of a relaxed and joyful birth experience

In this easy to read and straightforward book, one of Australia’s leading experts on childbirth education explains how normal birth has been hijacked by the current birth system.

In Birth with Confidence, Rhea Dempsey distills almost four decades of experience to show how the choices a woman makes about her birth setting, care provider and support will impact her birth experience.

Discussing how life experience and personal perspectives of pain also influence birth outcomes, Rhea includes current Australian statistics, real stories from women, and guided reflection.

This accessible book offers knowledge and practical advice that women can use to aim for and achieve a normal and positive birth experience.

The Aware Baby marks a major breakthrough in our understanding of babies' needs from conception to two-and-a-half years of age. Now translated into eleven languages, it has contributed to a revolution in parenting around the world. This revised edition includes new research and insights from the author's extensive experience as a consultant and international workshop leader.

This book will teach you how to bond with your infant, respond to your baby's crying, enhance your baby's intelligence, help your baby sleep better, find alternatives to punishment, and raise your child to be non-violent.

The author, Aletha Solter, is a Swiss/American developmental psychologist living in Southern California.