DONA is the oldest, largest and most respected doula association in the world, and promotes continuing education for doulas and provides a strong communication link among doulas and between doulas, families and the medical birthing community.

Pregnancy and Birth:

 

• Pregnancy, Childbirth and The Newborn by Simkin, Whalley and Keppler. (A wonderful all-around book for expectant moms and dads with helpful ideas for labor, what to expect from the baby and a basic guide to breastfeeding.)
• The Thinking Woman’s Guide To A Better Birth by Henci Goer. (Research based information about the full range of options for childbirth and the risks and benefits of each.)
• Birthing From Within by Pam England and Rob Horowitz. (Focuses on the art of birthing and the meaning of childbirth. Includes helpful suggestions for fathers and birth companions.)
• The Pregnancy Book by Dr. William and Martha Sears. (What to expect month by month from conception through birth.)
• The Birth Book by Dr. William and Martha Sears. (Filled with wonderful information needed to plan a safe and joyful birthing experience.)

Breastfeeding:

 

• The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International. (Written especially for mothers. Includes many women’s stories about their breastfeeding experiences.)
• The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins. (Complete guide to understanding the importance of breastfeeding. Great reference book.)
• The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers by Jack Newman, M.D. and Teresa Pitman. (A comprehensive problem-solution guide to breastfeeding.)

Fathers:

 

• The Joy of Fatherhood by Marcus Jacob Goldman, MD. (A dad-to-dad book. Real life experiences and thoughts from dads are shared throughout this book.)
• So You’re Going To Be A Dad by Peter Downey. (A book about the trials and joys of parenting, written for dads with little or no knowledge or experience with parenting.)

Baby Care:

 

• The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp. (The 5 S’s – Works Like Magic! A must have! I recommend also viewing the DVD.)
• Touchpoints by Dr. T. Berry Brazelton. (Highlights the predictable challenges “touchpoints” occurring in infancy and childhood.)
• The Baby Book by Dr. William and Martha Sears. (Gentle and reassuring - the best baby book on the market! Based on the parenting style called "attachment parenting" developed by Sears. Another must have!)

 

Postpartum:

 

• The Year After Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger. (This book begins where most leave off; gives support and reassurance for mom during the first year following birth.)
•  “Misconceptions”, Naomi Wolf. Truth, Lies and the Unexpected on the Journey to Motherhood