If you have been told your baby is lying breech you do not have to resign yourself to a C-section. There are position changes you can try to help the baby turn, as well as acupuncture and moxibustion, music headphones placed low on the belly can help the baby turn too, you can try placing hot and/or cold packs on your belly while talking to your baby or meditating on the baby turning. 

There are also procedures like chiropractic care or an external version.  You can seek out a doctor who will catch a breech baby especially if this is not your first birth.  Another option is to ask if the doctor can manually turn the baby head down after you have dilated, (you would need pain control.)  The external version can be attempted in advance of the birth, or when you get the epidural for a planned c-section, if the version is successful you can go on to deliver vaginally.  Sometimes there is a reason the baby is in this position which you can intuit or discover at the birth, other times it’s a mystery.

If you try these things and the baby is persistently in a breech position you might seek out a midwife who will catch the baby either in hospital or at home. Studies tell us that a baby born vaginally in certain breech positions is not in greater danger for neurological damage than if he were head down and that by being born vaginally he will have higher IQ scores than if he were born surgically. So, it will benefit you and your baby to try for a vaginal birth. You may have to change you plans or be willing to go some distance for a vaginal birth but it is safer than surgery, your recovery will be quicker, and your baby is not necessarily at greater risk.

Posterior Position For you moms out there with a baby in a posterior position you can help your baby to turn around a bit too. Forward leaning positions, sitting on a physio-ball, upright postures rather than slouching, and stretching in a hands and knees or head-down-butt-in-the-air positions can help your baby get angled and settled in the best position for birth.  You can also do hot/cold packs on your belly and talk to the baby or visualize your child turning the direction you want (face to the back). Chiropractic care is well known to help with assisting the baby find the correct direction.  Sometimes there is a reason the baby is in this position and we may never know. But babies can and are born “sunny side up” every day. Many times the baby can and will turn during labor to the position that makes birth easier. If he doesn’t you could ask the doctor if the baby can be turned manually once you are fully dilated.

If you have questions about these suggestions seeking out the assistance of a doula or childbirth educator can be very helpful prenatally. In the mean time I’ve listed below a variety of sources in practitioners and information.

 

Chiropractors

Dr. Kimberly Valentine 585-381-2880

Dr. Paula Derleth 585-598-3535

Dr. Howard Hadley 585-272-1480

 

Chiropractic works by balancing the muscle tone of the body by aligning the bones of the torso and pelvis and releasing tight muscles. When all is balanced the baby can lay in the proper position.

 

Acupuncture

Deeanne Bevin 585-383-8450

John Shang and Jin Feng 585-223-7880 www.ancientacu.com

Molly Branch  585-256-3980 www.mollybranch.com

Acupuncture stimulates and balances the energy patterns of your body releasing blocked areas allowing proper function.

 

Midwives

 

Home and Hospital Midwives in the Ithaca Area http://www.ithacabirthgroup.org 

Linda Schutt 607-387-3591 Trumansburg

Sue D. (call Ellen 315-462-3394) Syracuse and Rochester area

Meg Grindrod  and Sarah Cayer 585-669-2355 Rochester area

Eileen Stewart 716-655-6025 Buffalo area

http://www.thefarmmidwives.org 

For a complete list of Rochester area midwives contact RABN (Rochester area Birth Network): http://www.rabn.org/information.html

 

 

Reading-Visual-Information

 

http://spinningbabies.blogspot.com/2007/02/how-to-do-inversion.html

video of getting into the inversion position

www.spinningbabies.simplewebsite.com 

 information about fetal positioning and ways to turn the baby

http://pregnancychildbirth.suite101.com/article.cfm/turning_a_breech_baby 

17 ways to turn a breech

http://www.thefarmmidwives.org 

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin    read pages 248 and 249 especially

 

There are many sources of information on the web, keep looking! Learn all you can so you can make an informed decision.

 

 

Classes for Families, Moms, and Kids

Baby Wearing/Slings

Caren Pita 585-464-0207

Alia Heise 315-577-2153

1-to-1 help learning to use your sling, knowledgeable about different types and styles of slings

http://www.mobywrap.com/t-instructions.aspx great for small babies and distributes weight over both sides of your body

http://www.cobaltcarriers.com/mei-tai-baby-carrier.htm# There are other sellers for this sling. I like this sling because it can work well with a toddler, goes on your front OR on your back!

There are many styles of slings. Explore, talk to friends and other moms, try out their slings before you buy.

 

Elimination Communication (the un-diapered baby)

Caren Pita 585-464-0207

 

Family Planning/ Fertility Awareness

Couple to Couple League of Rochester http://www.dor.org/ec/sacraments/familyplanning.htm

Fertility Awareness Network, Ilene Richman, director, 212-475-4490  800-597-6267

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler   http://www.ovusoft.com/library/primer001.asp

Your Fertility Signals by Merryl Winstein

 

Infant Massage

Amy Campbell LMT  585-244-5626

Sarah Brown LMT 585-381-9780

Learn to massage and soothe your baby

 

ICAN- International Cesarean Awareness Network

For moms who would like to prevent a C-section, have a VBAC, or need a place to open up about a traumatic birth

Mom to mom support,  also on-line support when you join the group

Alison Spath 585-594-4601 alison.spath@gmail.com

www.ican-online.org

 

Kindersign

Learn to communicate with your baby and discover what your baby wants before she can talk!

Kim Maguda, instructor 585-359-1044

 

Movement

Silent Rhythm Dance, Barbarah and Kamenah teachers   www.silentrhythmdance.com

Rochester Belly Dance, Laura teacher 

www.rochesterbellydance.com

Middle Eastern dance is excellent preparation for childbirth. It both loosens and strengthens all the muscles that need to loosen and be strong for birth. It helps us become comfortable moving this middle part of our bodies when our culture tells us to keep it tight. In actuality we need to be able to move freely and be comfortable to give birth. It helps with back pain, hip pain, and helps us feel beautiful. And no, you don’t have to reveal your belly. 

 

Open Sky Yoga   585-244-0782

Organic Alley  585-264-9133

Prenatal yoga increases flexibility, focus, and relaxation, helps with

relaxed breathing, and teaches you positions that will help with birth.

 

 

Pet Preparation

New pet? Or new baby? Learn to help your furry friend accept and love your newest family member.

“See Spot Think” (dog training) Cindy Harrison: 585-359-2341

“Bring Baby Home To Your Pet” Birth Matters!: 585-330-0600

 

Cloth Diapering

In today’s world when so many of us are concerned about preserving the environment and resources, cloth diapers just make sense.    I was in them, as were my brothers and cousins and some of the kids I babysat for. I learned about changing babies in cloth diapers from the time I was small.  Those were the days when pins were the only things used to close the diaper and plastic or “rubber pants” were used to keep baby’s clothes dry. Some baby clothes even came with a plastic liner in the bottoms!

 

         But maybe you’ve never even laid eyes on a cloth diaper let alone changed one… do you still have to fold them to fit the baby? What about washing? Will they smell? You certainly don’t want to poke the baby with a pin. You have a lot of choices today… different kinds of diapers, different kinds of covers, different sizes, and different ways to keep the diaper on. But no matter what you use, you’ll love the softness of the cotton on your baby’s bum. And you can rest easy knowing that the landfills are not loading up on the many hundreds of diapers your baby will go through before he is potty trained. 

         Below you will find ways to care for your diapers and some local places to purchase the items you’ll need.

 

Setting up for cloth diapering

You will need:

Minimum of 3 dozen diapers

6-12 diaper covers depending on the style

4 pins, or 2-3 clips

Wipes

1 diaper pail

One bar of soap in a cheap plastic dish if using pins

Dreft, Ivory Snow, or Purex baby soap

Borax,  Oxyclean, and vinegar

Optional: Clothesline or drying rack

                   Cloth diaper doublers or liners

 

Recommendations

Diapers: I like the flat prefolds, Chinese, Gerber diaper service quality, or other brand. I do like the inexpensive Gerber birds-eye cotton flat prefolds that can be purchased at discount department stores and come in packs of 1 dozen, for use with a newborn. Don’t get the ones that have a “lining”. These little diapers work well as thick liners at night when your baby is 10 months older and up. 

 

There are many styles and other kinds of cloth diapers… terry cloth lined nappies, hour glass shaped, snap on diapers, all -in-ones that work like a disposable, etc. As you shop around ask if you can get a sample of the style you are interested in… you’ll get a few different kinds to try and to compare right there in your hands. There are hundreds of sources on-line to purchase diapers.

 

In Rochester you can buy locally from:

Time To Change The Diapers (585) 729-8675 also known as Luvaboos http://www.timetochangethediapers.com

 

Diaper covers: There really was only one style I really liked; pull on covers. There are a few ways to go with these. Plastic/vinyl ones are inexpensive, come in packs of 5, can be purchased at most baby departments of discount department stores and you can wash them any which way and they can go into the dryer. This means you can have LOTS of them.   The other pull on covers I really loved are Bummi nylon “whisper pants” and Alexis “feather-lite” nylon diaper pants. They are soft, lightweight, washable, come in 2 or 3 packs, and worked wonderfully. They are a little more expensive but much less than other types of covers.    The thing I like about both these pull-ons are that they completely cover the diaper ( no leaks), are very washable, inexpensive enough that you can afford to have many of them and they come in lots of sizes so you can afford to keep the baby covered. 

 

There are lots of styles of covers, some snap, some are covered in cloth, some come in  great colors, some you never have to use a pin or clip with, some Velcro. All these styles are more expensive. The Velcro can stick to your baby’s other clothes like terry sleepers and lace and ruin them, they take longer to dry, and some need to be cared for carefully. Explore, find the style that works for you.

 

 

Fasteners: Pins, Clips, or Snaps

 

Pins: Don’t be afraid! Slip your fingers between the diaper and your baby’s skin to hold the diaper in place and if anyone gets poked it’s you… and you will learn quick if you prick yourself!  Pins are versatile, inexpensive, close securely, and last a very long time. I recommend Dritz diaper pins because they are very sharp so they can go through many layers of cloth easily. You can purchase them at fabric stores in the notions department… no need to order on-line. You can get other pins in almost any baby department, they work well too and sometimes have cute little ducks or other designs on the “cap”. Both these kinds of diapering pins have safety features to keep them secure in the diaper. A secret: Stick the pin into a bar of soap and your pin will glide right through the cloth without a struggle!

 

 

Clips: Nothing sharp here. Just a stretchy plastic ”T” with teeth in the 3 ends to catch in the cloth of the diaper. It takes practice to learn but some moms love them. They do wear out and need replacing several times a year. Great for the pin shy parent.

 

 

 

Snaps: If you think you’d like a snap on diaper you won’t need pins or clips. Most snap diapers have several snaps on both sides of the diaper for adjustability. They are usually plastic snaps. You may not be able to get the diaper as tight as you’d like because the snaps may not be in just the right spot. The downside for an older baby is that he/she might learn to get it off her/him self. 

 

Wipes: You can use the little baby wash cloths you get at the dollar store in 6 packs or make your own of soft flannel squares (about 6”x6”). These can be thrown right into the diaper pail and washed right along with your diapers. Using a box from disposable wipes works for storage and keeping them moist. I used Baby Magic baby wash diluted with water to moisten them. 

 

Diaper Pail:   You’ll want a medium sized unseamed container for your diapers that has a lid of some sort. It will need to be big enough to hold 2-3 dozen wet diapers. Gerry used to make a good diaper pail. A kitchen garbage can will work as well.  Search around till you find something that works for you. True diaper pails often have a lid that locks… keeps baby’s hands out of the mess… and some have a spot for a deodorizing disk. A full diaper pail can be heavy… you may want to keep a big one near your washer and a little one to empty every day or so near the changing table. 

 

Cleaning supplies: I recommend baby soaps because they are designed to clean baby’s stains, they have a light scent, are non-irritating to baby’s tender skin, and have no softeners in them. You don’t want softeners because they reduce absorbency. Borax reduces odors and helps your detergent work better.  Plain inexpensive vinegar in the rinse neutralizes the ammonia in the diapers, and cuts the soap for very soft fluffy cotton.   Oxyclean is a once in a while overnight soaking agent that won’t harm your diapers and gets stains and odors out. NEVER use bleach on your diapers!

 

Your Clothesline: Why have one? Clothes lines are great for diapers and your other laundry. They dry your clothes with solar and wind power which means you aren’t using electricity or gas. It also means that you are putting less wear and tear on your dryer for a longer life of the machine.   

Line drying your diapers in seasons that allow it means less wear and tear on your diapers! It also allows the sun to naturally bleach them removing stains and odors. It’s good for you and your baby to get out into the fresh air, too! 

What if you don’t have a yard of your own or the space to put one up? That’s where a clothes drying rack can come in handy. You place the rack in the sunny patch of a room, on the porch, lanai, or deck, or even near your heat vent or radiator. For moms who use covers that shouldn’t go in the dryer that rack is a handy place to dry. 

         If you diapers come off the line a bit stiff… pop them into the dryer on “Air Dry” and tumble them for 10 minutes, they will be fluffy and soft when they come out.

 

Diaper doublers/liners: These strips of cotton flannel sewn together in layers slip into the center of your diaper for extra absorbency. Small or thin diapers make good doublers too. You’ll want to consider these when you baby gets to be a year old, especially at night!

 

Taking care of dirty diapers

I don't soak, but you can.  But NEVER soak in bleachy water; it eats away at the cotton and reduces the life of your diapers rapidly.
Wet diapers just get tossed into your pail, they don’t need rinsing, but what to do about poop?

In the beginning the baby's poo will be paste and will not be able to be shaken off.  I don't really rinse these early diapers. Just throw them in the pail and wash when ready... the first few weeks you may do a load of 3 dozen 1-2 times a week. 

Later if the poo is a big one and messy I might rinse the pasty poo in the toilet before putting in the pail.  By the time the baby is 5 months you will probably want to do this.  When spoon feeding and solid foods are started the baby's poo may become solid... these you can shake into the toilet then put the dipe in the pail without rinsing.

Even if you soak your diapers, you’ll want to rinse poopy diapers before soaking.

Washing

I always had a top loader machine. I don’t have a lot of advice for you moms with front loaders… soaking might be good but you’ll need to be sure you have a utility sink in your laundry area for dumping the pail. 

 

*If you soak: Dump your soaking diapers into the machine... set the machine to do a spin only cycle.  If you have a front loader, dump into the sink and using rubber gloved hands transfer the diapers to the machine. If you don't soak go to the next step.

 1. Set your machine to do a cold rinse only.  Rinse with plain water.

2. Then do a hot wash/ cold rinse with baby laundry soap... Ivory Snow or Dreft.  You may add 1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax to the wash. 

 

*If your diapers are stained you can add 1+ cup Oxy Clean, fill the machine with hot water (even adding a big pot of boiling water) and leave over night to soak then proceed in the morning with the remainder of the washing.

3. Do a second warm wash/cold rinse but in this rinse add 1 cup white vinegar to the water.  The vinegar changes ph to neutral, whitens and cuts any soap residue.

4. Do a final rinse only, in cold water.

 
5. Line dry in summer if possible... kills germs, whitens, and deodorizes.  You can air tumble to soften for 10 minutes after dry, if desired. Machine dry in winter... mine take about 50-60 minutes,  I use cotton wipes and liners so it is a big load.
If I have no liners or wipes, or if I washed sooner and there are fewer diapers it takes less time.
 
That's it.  It takes time but isn't hard.  I fold for use after washing and stack near the changing table.  Other moms leave them in a neat stack and fold as they use.  I wash the diaper covers in the baby's clothes not with diapers unless they are totally covered in poo. 

 

Troubleshooting stinky or stained diapers

Have you used borax in the wash water?  That can boost the soap but it also freshens the cotton.  It works with dish towels and rags too.  About a cup in an extra capacity toploader.  It really seems to help get the stink out of stuff. 

Are you using hot water? Cold is great if it works for you but I always found hot water to work better on the stains.

 

How many washes are you putting them through?   Sometimes as the diapers get smelly or stained you may need to do a double wash.   Follow this pattern: rinse, wash in hot with borax and soap, rinse, wash in warm with less soap and less borax, rinse with vinegar, rinse with plain water.    

 

Have you done an overnight soak? Do an overnight soak in the hottest water (adding a big pot of boiling water as the water fills the tub) and adding a full cup of Oxyclean.  Agitate the diapers for a few minutes then stop the machine and leave overnight. It removes stains, freshens to fabric, and a long soak allows time for it all to work.  The oxyclean will not hurt your cotton diapers.  It's environmentally sound and *gets out juice and banana stains completely on bibs and other clothing!

Are you over loading your machine?  If the diapers are sitting for a week or a little more between washes you may find washing a little sooner helps keep odors down.  ( I had a lot of diapers and they sometimes did go for a week or more between washes.  As my kids got older and the pee got stronger and poop was involved I couldn't wait as long because the smells seemed to set into the cloth more.)

Are you getting the diapers in the sun? From April through October hang the diapers on the line in the sun to dry, it bleaches and freshens the cloth.  Smelly diapers usually happened in winter for me. 

 

 

 

Troubleshooting soaking through the diapers

How old is the baby? Often times newborns have spindly legs and the diaper covers aren’t close enough in the leg openings to keep moisture or loose stool inside. You may need a different kind of diaper or cover. Always check this as your baby grows to ensure a close fit around the leg and waist. If this is occurring in the night or early morning and your child is a toddler now it is because babies learn to hold their pee while they sleep, then when they wake they flood the diaper. You’ll need more thickness for night time diapering.

 
Are you using soap that has softener in it? Stop, put your supply through a hot wash, using borax in the wash water, and vinegar in the rinse. Be sure to use plain detergent and no dryer sheets or liquid softener. It may take a few washings like this to get all the softener residue out of the cotton.

 

Is the diaper thick enough or big enough? If your baby has grown a lot lately you may need to go to a larger size diaper. If your diapers fit baby just fine you probably need more absorbency. Add another layer with a doubler or second diaper. Use two of your largest thickest prefolds together and add a soaker panel or even two.   Another way to do it is to use small diapers (like you might have had when baby was a tiny infant) as the extra absorbent layer.  If you use all-in-ones you’ll add that doubler inside the diaper. The baby will have a very thick and padded bottom but most kids don’t seem to care. You may need to use a larger size cover if the diaper is especially thick. 

 

 

Are your covers wearing out? Eventually even the best covers get worn out, elastic gets over stretched, coatings wash off, flake off, or just wear out. Especially check this if your covers are second hand.

Have you tried a wool soaker?   Wool soakers are pull-on covers made of wool.  You can make your own out of old wool sweaters that have been shrunk.  They are expensive to buy.  The thing about them is that they are very absorbent but also breathe and wool doesn't feel cold when it's wet the way cotton does.  I used them if my baby got a rash because it helped the healing.

 

 

Diapers? Do you really have to use them?

The answer is no.   Elimination Communication (the un-diapered baby) is the idea that your baby can communicate his or her need to eliminate waste and parents can learn to hear those signals just like we learn to tell when baby is hungry or tired, and respond appropriately.

The good folks at Diaper Free Baby have made a great website for you to explore and learn more about this.

http://www.diaperfreebaby.org/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=2&MMN_position=3:2

For in-person support in Rochester you can speak with Caren Pita 585-464-0207

 

Mom to Mom Support

Having a baby can mean so many changes for each member of the family, especially mom. I’ve included here many groups you can join in on to find friendship and support.

 

Adoption Resource Network (birth mother support group): 585-350-2500

Dads at Home: www.athomedad.org

Elimination Communication( un-diapered baby information and support): Caren Pita 585-464-0207

Greater Rochester Mothers of Twins: http://www.grmotc.com   585-234-9231

Holistic Moms Network: Mary Rundberg 585-248-5583

Home Birth Circle (information and support about homebirth options): Lynn 585-899-6803

ICAN (cesarean prevention and support) : Alison 585-594-4601

La Leche League:   ( breastfeeding support and information)  For a meeting close to you call Lifeline 585-275-5151 

MOMs Club (stay at home moms): for a local chapter email:   momsclub@aol.com

MOPS (Christian Mothers of Preschoolers): jayanacross@hotmail.com 

                                                                   St John’s Lutheran Church 315-986-3045

Mothers and More(stay at home moms ): Liz 585-234-6498

Parallel (pregnancy and newborn loss): 585-582-2280

Rochester Area Birth Network (birth related services, services, and advocacy): www.rabn.org 585-234-0022

Twins & Triplets Mothers Club of Central NY: Lisa.kane@worldnet.att.net

 

Nutrition and Nausea

There are many sources for learning to eat well in pregnancy. The important thing is to EAT WELL, for by eating with nutrition in mind you will feel better, your body will be healthy and will make a healthy pregnancy, your baby will be healthy & strong and will more likely come one time (not early!) , and her placenta and amniotic sac will be healthy and functioning optimally for her growth and development.    

 

Self Study:

Nutrition in Pregnancy http://www.rabn.org/pdf/Nutrition.pdf

Staying Healthy In Pregnancy http://www.rabn.org/staying_healthy.html

Brewer Diet for healthy pregnancy

http://www.momswhothink.com/lose-weight-fast/brewer-baby-diet.html

 

Professional help:

Eating For You and Baby Too 585-271-6310 http://www.eating-for-you.com/

WIC Supplemental Food Program For Women Infants and Children for low income families

Contact your local WIC agency:

 

Monroe County: 585-464-6486

Finger Lakes: 585-394-9240

Anthony Jordan: 585-454-2630

 

Nausea

Feeling sick to your stomach is never a good feeling and its can be a real let down in the midst of such an exciting time in your life! Unfortunately, nausea and vomiting are not uncommon in pregnancy. And it can strike in any or all of the trimesters. Eating healthful foods that appeal is important. Eating high protein snacks, not going long periods without food, staying hydrated, and avoiding situations and foods that disturb your belly are important ways to keep that feeling at bay.   Fresh air goes a long way to stop nausea. You may need change the temperature of the water you’re drinking especially if you like cold water best. Room temperature, warm or hot water or beverages are often less upsetting to the stomach. Air sickness acupressure wrist bands may help. 

 

If the vomiting is severe, you can’t stop, it goes on all day and you are concerned you’ll want to see your doctor.

You can visit this website and so can your doctor for information on how best to help : www.helpher.org

Talk to your doctor about taking a shot of Vitamin B6 or B6 plus an antihistamine to help control the vomiting.

 

You might consult an acupuncturist or Chinese herbalist as Eastern medicine has treatments that allopathic medicine doesn’t know about. The same can be said for Ayurvedic medicine (East Indian). 

Deeanne Bevin 585-383-8450 acupuncture and Chinese herbs

John Shang and Jin Feng 585-223-7880 www.ancientacu.com acupuncture and Chinese herbs

Sonam Targee 585-256-1841 ayurvedic and Chinese herbs

 

Professional Support

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Deeanne Bevin 585-383-8450

John Shang and Jin Feng 585-223-7880

 

Ayurvedic

Sonam Targee 585-256-1841

 

Chiropractors

Dr. Kimberly Valentine 585-381-2880

Dr. Howard Hadley 585-272-1480

 

Emotional Counseling (licensed therapists)

Ruth Fogarty 585-247-1512

Estalyn Walcoff 585-442-3440

 

Herbs/Natural Foods

Lori’s Natural Foods 585-424-2323

India House Store 585-244-9210

Mother Earth Natural Foods 315-789-2714

 

Midwives

Home and Hospital Midwives in the Ithaca Area http://www.ithacabirthgroup.org

Linda Schutt 607-387-3591 Trumansburg

Sue D. (call Ellen 315-462-2200) Syracuse and Rochester area

Meg Grindrod and Sarah Cayer 585-669-2355 Rochester area

Eileen Stewart 716-655-6025 Buffalo area

http://www.thefarmmidwives.org 

For a complete list of Rochester area midwives contact RABN (Rochester area Birth Network): http://www.rabn.org/information.html

 

Nutrition

Eating For You and Baby Too 585-271-6310 http://www.eating-for-you.com/

WIC Supplemental Food Program For Women Infants and Children

Contact your local WIC agency:

Monroe County: 585-464-6486

Finger Lakes: 585-394-9240

Anthony Jordan: 585-454-2630

 

Recommended Reading

Reading is a great way to educate yourself about pregnancy parenting and birth. While not everyone enjoys or finds reading easy there are always times when a book can be handy. For those who love to read or who are determined to educate themselves this list is a good place to begin.

 

 

Birth and Pregnancy

An Easier Childbirth by Gayle Peterson

The Birth Book by William and Martha Sears

Birthing from Within by Pam England

The Birth That’s Right For You   by Amen Ness, Lisa Rubin & Jackie Berner

The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzsinger

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin

You & Your Baby: Pregnancy by Laura Riley

 

Parenting and Breastfeeding

The Baby Book by William and Martha Sears

BestFeeding: Getting Breastfeeding Right For You by Renfrew, Fisher, & Arms

The Happiest Baby On The Block by Harvey Karp

The No-cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley

The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins

Nursing Mother, Working Mother by Katleen Huggins

The Vaccine Book by Robert Sears

 

Fertility Awareness and Post Partum

After the Baby’s Birth by Robin Lim

Fertility Cycles and Nutrition by Marilyn Shannon

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler

The Year after Childbirth by Sheila Kitzsinger

Your Fertility Signals by Merryl Weinstein

 

For Young Children

Angel in the Waters by Regina Doman

The Best Gifts by Marsha Skrypuch

Happy Birth Day by Robie H. Harris

It’s So Amazing! A Book About Eggs Sperm Birth Babies and Families by Robie H. Harris

On Mother’s Lap by Ann Herbert Scott

Sophie and the New Baby by Laurence Anholt

Welcome With Love by Jenni Overend

Will There Be A Lap For Me? by Dorothy Corey

Visit your local library for a wide variety of books about having a new baby at home