Resources
Movies
In this classic 2007 documentary, Rikki Lake explores the business of birth in the United States.
This 2014 documentary takes a look at the microscopic events of childbirth and how these are influenced by current care standards in the United States.
This documentary from 2016 explores why so many doctors, nurses, and other hospital-based providers are choosing to deliver their own babies at home.
This is a documentary exposé about breastfeeding in the US. The stated goal of the filmmakers is to “empower [breast/chest-feeding parents] to trust their body, their baby, and themselves in their unique journey.”
Podcasts
Books on Pregnancy
Mama Natural's Week by Week Guide to Pregnancy and Birth
by Genevieve Howland
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth
by Sheila Kitzinger
Books on Breastfeeding
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
by Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, and Teresa Pitman (La Leche League)
The Breastfeeding Answer Book
by Nancy Mohrbacher, and Julie Stock (La Leche League)
Books on Postpartum Care
The First Forty Days
by Heng Ou
The Fourth Trimester
by Kimberly Ann Johnson
Websites and Organizations
A "fun and functional" resource page for all things natural pregnancy, birth, baby, and toddler.
The Midwives Alliance of North America:
Useful website with information about midwifery generally as well as Certified Professional Midwives. Click through or search for information about the use of this credential in Maryland and other states.
Hospitals in Portland Oregon are working to make home birth safer and hospital birth more acceptable, unlike most hospitals in the US. Learn more about the practice at this website.
A good resource for discussion of the evidence used to justify current practices.
Everything you want to know about your baby’s position, how it affects your birth, and what can you do to move your baby prior to birth.
Kelly Mom:
A great resource about breast/chestfeeding and general parenting. Answering all your questions about infant feeding that you didn't think to ask.
Waterbirth International:
A website devoted to educating providers, parents, and other birth support personnel about the use of water in labor and birth.
Aviva Romm, MD on Natural Pregnancy:
Herbal remedies for optimal health during pregnancy from an MD, midwife, and herbalist.
A state by state compilation of hospital C-section rates to help you use informed consent to choose your hospital.
Books on Labor and Birth
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
by Ina May Gaskin
The Birth Partner
by Penny Simkin
Birthing from Within
by Pam England
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth
by Henci Goer
Mindful Birthing
by Nancy Bardacke
Active Birth
by Janet Balaskas
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