Resources

Feeling good and well informed:

1. The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services setting the standard for respect for pregnant women and infants.
2. Dona of North America all about doulas
3. Circumcision Only 50% of the U.S. is still circumcising, find out why
4. TheBirthSurvey.com intervention rates in local hospitals, share your birth story, read about others' experience with various doctors, midwives and hospitals, birth centers

Are you questioning the American Academy of Pediatrics Vaccination recommendations?
These books will help you question:

1. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Vaccinations by Stephanie Cave
Vaccines: Are they really safe and effective by Neil Z. Miller
3. Realbirth - offers seminars in vaccine issues

Books to Support you through Labor:

1. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
   If one book can radically alter the way you think of birth and revitilize your confidence in birth – this is the book. A must read for pregnant women and their partners

2. The Official Lamaze Guide to Childbirth by Judith Lothian and Charlotte DeVries
   This book walks you through the physiology of childbirth assuming you are confident enough to play the lead role in this major undertaking

3. The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth
   This is a great book if you want to understand specific interventions and what their effects are

4. Birthing From Within by Pam England
   This book helps women tap their resources so that their birthing will be life enhancing and empowering.

Books to support you in Parenting:

1. The Continuum Concept by Jean Leidloff
   An excellent book that redefines human nature and will leave your excited about your child's innate skills and your own humanity

2. The Discipline Book by Dr. William Sears
   Discusses the family bed and attachment parenting and believing that the first step in creating discipline is teaching your kids they can trust you by tuning into their basic human needs

3. The Baby Book by William and Martha Sears
   An encyclopedia from everything baby from brith to two years

4. Becoming a Father by Dr. William Sears
   It's not just about caring for the baby – it's about adjusting to the changes in your family and learning how to be with a new mom

5. Mothering Magazine
   Breastfeeding, Natural birthing, family outings, and praise for mothers and inspiration in every issue

Resources to support you in Breastfeeding:

1. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding the Le Leche League classic

2. Bestfeeding by Mary Renfrew, Chloe Fisher and Suzanne Arms
   A clear, basic guide for how to get breastfeeding right and solve problems with accurate information and pictures.

3. Le Leche League
   ( 212-794-4687) Free breastfeeding support over the phone and in group meetings.

4. Breastfeeding.com

List of Lactation Consultants

Home Birth Links

1. NY Home Birth
2. Sheila Kitzinger's Website
3. Citizens for Midwifery

Lamaze Tips For expectant parents

Items worth putting on your wish list:

• Glass baby bottles
• Ergo Carrier
• Nurse and Glow Pillow
• My Breast Friend
• Humanity Bed
• Arms Reach Co-Sleeper
• Sleepy Wrap - makes parenting practical, helps baby nap and sleep at night

Mommy Care

• SignificantSelf – a life coach helps new moms hold onto themselves without shortchanging their kids.
• The Upper Breast Side – a breastfeeding boutique on the upper west side
• Realbirth.com – classes and groups for everything you could want from pregnancy to postpartum
• postpartum blues and depression support - offers private sessions and free groups.

 Resources for an unmedicated Induction

• Massage
• Accupuncture
• Accupressure (links are coming)
• Herbs
• Chriopractic
• Castor oil to induce labor
• The New York Guide for a Healthy Birth

Other ideas for inducing a shy labor:
Make love a lot, Walk a lot, take evening primrose oil twice a day from 36 weeks on to help soften the cervix.