Books

Cheers to Childbirth: a dad's guide to childbirth support by Lucy Perry
This book is written specifically for men, giving expectant fathers useful tips on how to help their partner have a faster easier labour. From what to say and what not to say during childbirth to tips on how to be an advocate for a woman in labour, this book gives dads-to-be the information they need to be involved in the birth of their baby in a positive and empowering way, together with insightful interviews with men who have been there before. Doulas would also benefit from this book, jamm-packed with great tips for birth support.

Birth Right by Susan Ross
This is an essential manual on birthing choices in Australia. The first half is all about how to choose your caregivers and place of birth. The second half is about making the right choices during and after the birth to suit you and your family. This is a brilliant book that I wish I had read when I was pregnant with my first baby.

Hospital by the River by Dr E. Catherine Hamlin with John Little
This wonderful, inspiring book is about the work of Reg and Catherine Hamlin, Australian obstetricians who established a fistula hospital in Ethiopia to treat rural woman injured in childbirth. It makes you realise how lucky we are to have the best medical knowledge in the world caring for us when we have our babies in Australia. To make a donation to Dr Hamlin's continued work, please visit www.hamlinfistula.org.au.

Sleeping Like a Baby by Pinky McKay
In this new book, subtitled 'Simple sleep solutions for infants and toddlers', she offers a natural, intuitive approach to solving sleep problems and gives practical advice on: understanding your baby's tired cues; creating a safe sleeping environment; gently settling babies and toddlers; and feeding infants to encourage sleep.

The New Pregnancy and Childbirth by Shiela Kitzinger
What a great book written by one of the gurus in mother-centred childbirth. Anything by Shiela Kitzinger is a highly recommended read. This is an excellent reference to look up during your pregnancy and to prepare yourself for the birth.

Birth Stories by Katrina O'Brien
Famous and not-so-famous mums share their always moving - sometimes outrageous, on occasion laugh-out-loud funny, and always touchingly personal - stories of bringing their babies into the world. You can never read enough birth stories!