Drawing on her experiences as a mother of three, a long-time yoga teacher, and a physical therapist, Judith Lasater presents easy-to-follow programs of yoga poses and breathing techniques to help a woman stay flexible and healthy throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.

For parents-to-be who are considering home birth, Special Delivery is an excellent resource. Written by midwife Rahima Baldwin Dancy in the '70s and updated in 1986, this book covers the benefits of home births; gives details on how to have a home birth, including pregnancy preparations; and coaches participants on specific ways they can help the mother. The easy to comprehend in the middle of a crisis details on what can go wrong, what to do, and when to bring the mother to the hospital are outstanding.

This holistic approach to childbirth examines this profound rite-of-passage not as a medical event,but as an act of self-discovery. Exercises and activities such as journal writing, meditation, and painting are designed to help mothers analyze their thoughts and face their fears during pregnancy.

The newest procedures. The latest information. The complete rundown on modern pregnancy and childbirth...for women who want the facts. 

Believe it or not, birth resulting from a normal pregnancy needn't take place in a hospital. Harper explains why birthing centers and home births, along with other "gentle birth choices," are beneficial to both mother and baby. 

An updated edition of Kitzinger's must-have compendium for expectant mothers offers new insights into having a healthy pregnancy and what's happening in today's birthing rooms.

A doula is an experienced labor companion who provides continuous emotional support and assistance before, during, and after birth. Through research with over 2,000 women, the authors show that the presence of a doula shortens labor by an average of two hours, decreases cesarean sections by over 50%, decreases the need for pain medication, helps fathers participate, and more. 

The authors present clear-headed information on everything from finding a birth attendant to questions for the hospital to understanding your feelings about it all. 

This guidebook to the potential for wonder in birth grew out of the author's 25 years of pioneering experience (e.g., hospital consultant, perinatal nurse, childbith educator, montrice). To her own experience she has added the cumulative wisdom of 75 families who chose to hire professional labor support, whose descriptions of their experiences enliven and enrich the discussions. 

This book covers all aspects of childbearing from conception through early infancy. It includes information on what to expect during pregnancy and birth and how you can work with your caregivers to make childbirth a happy and healthy experience.

The role of birth partner is a tough one. A birth partner may be expected to help a laboring woman make decisions and help her get through the pain and discomfort of childbirth. During this high-intensity time, the birth partner--whether father, partner, or friend--needs a book that can give thorough information for studying ahead of time, yet can be easily referenced in an emergency or for quick answers during labor and delivery. The Birth Partner fills both needs. 

A perceptive and helpful guide to building a respectful, loving, and effective relationship between parent and teen or pre-teen. With many sample dialogues and practical, concrete suggestions, the authors show how parents can offer help and guidance that a teenager will accept, and maintain a loving, non-combative relationship.