Pregnancy, Labour, and Birth Resources

Books Worth Reading

If you only buy one pregnancy book, this should be the one! It's the most complete. It covers all aspects of childbearing, from conception through early infancy, and tells you what to expect.

Drawing upon her thirty-plus years of experience, Ina May Gaskin, the nation’s leading midwife, shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience.

Now in its fourth printing, The Birth Partner, 4th Edition is newly revised and updated. This is the definitive manual for any helpful companion at a birthing mother's bedside.

As an intelligent woman, you are probably used to learning as much as you can before making major decisions. But when it comes to one of the most important decisions of your life--how you will give birth—it is hard to gather accurate, unbiased information. Surprisingly, much of the research does not support common medical opinion and practice.

The Simple Guide to Having a Baby: A Step-By-Step Illustrated Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth

This new edition of The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth has been extensively revised to reflect scientific advances and cultural trends.

With over 200,000 copies sold and now revised and redesigned, the “Mother of All” books are the manuals for those looking for real-world advice to help them during all the stages of pregnancy, from conception to birth to your baby’s first year and everything that can happen throughout!

Revealing the many options women have beyond birthing location, the testimonials offer insight into the joys, concerns, and realities of natural birth.

Kitzinger explores the universal experience of pregnancy and childbirth and looks closely at feelings and behaviour in pregnancy, the physical and spiritual experience of giving birth, the role of the midwife, the bonds that are traditionally formed between mother and midwife and ideas about birth in many different cultures, and she asks how we can learn from them.

Mother's Intention is a decision-making self-help book for the childbearing year. It explores how our beliefs regarding birth influence the decisions we make for our babies and ourselves, and calls into question where many of our beliefs originate.

This holistic guide offers practical advice to support women through postpartum healing on the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual levels—and provides women with a roadmap to this very important transition that can last from a few months to a few years.

Breastfeeding is the natural and healthy way to nourish your baby, yet it’s not always easy. New mothers need practical information about getting off to a good start and solving breastfeeding challenges.

Respected for over 30 years as the definitive guide, now more than ever, The Nursing Mother's Companion is the go-to guide every new mother should have at hand.

Highlights of the third edition include new approaches to positioning and latch-on, information on the use of prescription and herbal medications to increase milk supply, new illustrations of breast structure and how the breast functions.

For over two decades, Canadians have counted on Ann Douglas for her reassuring, proven and never bossy advice.

Discusses ways to cope with the stress, depression, anger, and relationship changes that can afflict new mothers and addresses special problems faced by mothers who have survived abuse or who have lost a child.

Great Apps

Videos That Don't Scare the Crap Out of You

TDG Recommended

06:22

The Essence of Coping in Labor

Penny discusses one of her favorite topics in labor which she refers to as "the 3 R's: Relaxation, Rhythm and Ritual." You can now download Penny's classic childbirth education film of the same name at https://www.pennysimkin.com/project/t... to see lovely examples of the 3 R's in a series of live births.

14:19

The Essential Ingredient: Doula

The Essential Ingredient: Doula is a documentary produced by DONA International in 2010 featuring commentary by all of DONA International's esteemed founders and some of its celebrated past presidents speaking on the origin and rationale of doula support. Their words are complemented by inspiring visuals of treasured birth and postpartum moments courtesy of Jodie Myers/MyBirthMovie (www.mybirthmovie.com). You are encouraged to use this documentary in your practice. Embed it on your web site and share it with potential clients and professional. *Please be advised that you may not edit or cut the video or remix portions of it for other projects.

08:49

Trends in Maternity Care - Honest Advice for Improving Your Birth

Penny talks about trends in maternity care that have brought us to where we are today. While our goals have been to improve birth outcomes using technology, drugs and surgery there are important trade-offs to consider. Penny's discussion includes the impact of your choices around where to give birth and how you choose a care provider.

08:21

The Role of Fathers at the Birth: An Interview with Amy Gilliland

Penny Simkin interviews Dr. Amy Gilliland, psychologist and doula, about the role of fathers at birth. What kind of support do fathers need? What does the research tell us about a father's experience of birth? Dr. Gilliland suggests that there is a need for a cultural shift in expectations of fathers at birth and how “research going back decades, as well as the current research, shows that when fathers are alone to do labor support their overwhelming feelings are anxiety and fear . . . the only studies where men have enjoyed being at the birth, they had one-on-one support from a midwife or a doula."

16:27

Reducing fear of birth in U.S. culture: Ina May Gaskin at TEDxSacramento

Ina May Gaskin, MA, CPM, PhD (Hon), is founder and director of the Farm Midwifery Center in Tennessee. The 41-year-old midwifery service is noted for its women-centered care. Early in her career, Gaskin learned an effective method for dealing with a feared obstetrical complication (when baby's shoulders become stuck during birth) from indigenous midwives in Guatemala. Years later, the low-intervention Gaskin Maneuver became the first obstetrical procedure to be named for a midwife in this era. The Farm Midwifery Center is noted for its low rates of intervention, morbidity and mortality despite the inclusion of many vaginally delivered breeches, twins and mothers of more than five babies. Author of several books, she promotes joyful birth, maintenance of breech skills and recognition of certain ingenious skills and techniques used by indigenous midwives of Mexico and Brazil. She has been awarded honorary doctorates from Thames Valley University, London, England and Shenandoah University, Winchester, Virginia. In December of 2011, she received the Right Livelihood Award, also known as the Alternative Nobel Prize. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Reputable Websites

with reliable and up-to-date info

Normal Labour Without Pain Medications, PCN

Packing Your Bags, PCN

Labour Positions Cheat Sheet for Partners, Simkin

Practice Sessions Worksheet, PCN

Signs Associated with Early Labour, PCN

Understanding Your Coping Style Worksheet, PCN

Early Labour Record Worksheet, PCN

Pain Preference Scale Worksheet

Systemic Medications for Labour

Alternative or Complementary Methods for Induction

Best Cesarean Possible

Another Cheat Sheet for Partners

Contact A Doula

The Doula Group

Let’s Take a Deep Breath Together

Serving Ontario families in Simcoe County, York Region, Dufferin County & North Toronto

Pregnancy, Labour, and Birth Resources

Books Worth Reading

Great Apps

Videos That Don't Scare the Crap Out of You

The Essence of Coping in Labor

The Essential Ingredient: Doula

Trends in Maternity Care - Honest Advice for Improving Your Birth

The Role of Fathers at the Birth: An Interview with Amy Gilliland

Reducing fear of birth in U.S. culture: Ina May Gaskin at TEDxSacramento

Reputable Websites

with reliable and up-to-date info