Preparing for baby: a list of birth books for new and veteran moms alike.
As March is quickly approaching, I’m going to do a little series on Preparing for Baby. Honestly, I haven’t done much to prepare for this baby. Isn’t that horrible?
My to-do list is long. Nesting is in full swing. I am on a mission to simplify our house and declutter from top to bottom. Not because I have the energy to do it, but because I can’t help myself. I *need* to do this. If I try to let it go, it drives me crazy. Oh, hormones. You gotta love them.

One of the things I am doing to prepare for a baby is skimming the books that we have from our previous births. I may not read each book cover to cover again, but I am highlighting the information I think I may need and what I want my husband to read again. It’s never a bad idea to reread your birth books!
I made a list of the books we have and added in some of the books that have been on my reading list from previous births. While some I loved from cover to cover, others had some great info but the rest was not really for me. I’m not all about birthing circles, and I’d really rather everyone stay clothed while I’m in labor.
You may even be able to find some of these books at Goodwill or other second-hand stores. It’s at least worth a shot to look. I’d also ask your circle of friends to see if they might have them collecting dust on their bookshelves. You never know! I’ve added my affiliate links to help you find the right books for you.
Birth Books to Read to Prepare for Labor and Delivery
I have used affiliate links to make browsing easier for you.
The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth
The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth, Second Edition
Active Birth: The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally (Non)
Redeeming Childbirth: Experiencing His Presence in Pregnancy, Labor, Childbirth, and Beyond
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: Revised Edition
What books did you find most useful while preparing for labor and delivery?
Jamie Rippy (@MamaMommyMom)
Tuesday 11th of March 2014
I loved reading birthing books with my first, but my my second I was so far behind in all aspects of my life, I just couldn't find the time to sit down with a book.
Heather G. @ Golden Reflections Blog
Sunday 2nd of February 2014
Thanks for sharing and linking up to Good Tips Tuesday! Pinned!
Whitney at Beauty in the Mess
Sunday 2nd of February 2014
Thanks, Heather!!
Jill
Sunday 26th of January 2014
These are all great titles every mom to be should read instead of wasting money on those horrible what to expect when you are expecting books.
Thank you for stopping by the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop this week. We hope to see you drop by our neck of the woods next week!
Whitney at Beauty in the Mess
Sunday 26th of January 2014
Haha! I totally agree, Jill. Thanks for hosting!
markandmayaadopt
Thursday 23rd of January 2014
Great list! I liked the Business of Being Born and anything by Ina May Gaskin is great.
Thanks for linking up on Friday Favorites!
Whitney at Beauty in the Mess
Saturday 25th of January 2014
I did watch that movie when it was on Netflix. LOVE Ina May Gaskin. Thank you for hosting the link-up!
Elizabeth (Rock-A-Bye Parents)
Thursday 23rd of January 2014
Great list Whitney! I honestly didn't read any birthing books with Nick. I should look into some of these when we're expecting our second (someday :-) ).
Whitney at Beauty in the Mess
Saturday 25th of January 2014
I only read a few with my first. Mainly articles my friend sent me. But that birth didn't exactly go the way I had planned, so I wanted to read more to prepare for the others. Thanks for stopping by!