How to cheat & NOT take a birth class; not generally recommended, but I have attended more than one set of parents that had never taken a class & was happy with the outcome at the birth of their child.
- First, look into birth doula support during labor. I’ve met women who had no birth know-how going into their birth; who didn’t read books, who did not take classes, and still had a great birth because they had doula support.
- Read one or two of these:
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: the Revised Edition
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth
Mothering Magazine’s Having a Baby, Naturally: The Mothering Magazine Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth
Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation
Watch these videos:
Birth As We Know It
A large collection of natural birth DVDs - If you are interested in childbirth in general, but not sure that totally natural is right for you, try these resources:
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth - this is my favorite general childbirth and pregnancy book. This book is not only about natural childbirth, but you should be aware of all your options. Knowing about medical interventions in labor and birth is very important,even if you want a natural birth. The author, Kitzinger errs on the side of natural is best when possible, but always shows you all your options.
The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying Birth
Pregnancy Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide - Watch this video:
Laugh and Learn About Childbirth - covers Lamaze based childbirth technique.
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