What's Going On in There? How the Brain and Mind Develop in the First Five Years of Life

This book is facinating and if you're going to read a book on baby's brain development, do it now. There will never be time for it after baby is born! Just a facinating look at infant and early childhood brain development by a neuroscientist and mother of three. You will be a better parent (or at least a better informed parent) after reading this book.

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

Yes, doulas wax poetic about Ina May's books. There is good reason. She knows what she's talking about. Just go check out the reviews on Amazon and buy this book (or get on the wait list at your local library).

Your Best Birth: Know All Your Options, Discover the Natural Choices, and Take Back the Birth..

Did you love The Business of Being Born? From Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein comes Your Best Birth, an advocacy book that guides the reader towards how to choose a safe and empowered birth experience.

Laugh and Learn About Childbirth

This is a DVD. It will never equal a comprehensive, 8-week Lamaze or prepared childbirth series but if you find yourself on bedrest, it'lll do in a pinch. Sheri Bayles is knowledgeable and is a delight to watch.

The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two

Start reading this book as soon as you can. It is an amazing resource for baby care and understanding baby's developmental milestones. You will gain confidence in your ability to spot sickness and promote wellness in your newborn baby. Really, the best baby care book out there.

Heart and Hands: A Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth

This is a really cool book for understanding how a homebirth midwife works. It's a little technical but each chapter has a special section for parents to help understand the choices and information detailed in that chapter.

The Natural Pregnancy Book

What a terrific book for women wanting a a pregnancy guide that fits their already spiritual, organic, natural lifestyle. Yes, some would call this book "crunchy". It is the polar opposite of What to Expect When You're Expecting. If you've already thown your copy of WTEWYE on the barbeque and are looking for a replacement, The Natural Pregnancy Book is just for you.

Birth Day: A Pediatrician Explores the Science, the History, and the Wonder of Childbirth

This was my favorite childbirth-related book of 2009. Here's a unique take on childbirth from a pediatrician's eyes focused on the results of childbirth. Dr. Sloan's writing is scientific, anecdotal, and hugely reverant toward the act of childbirth and the experience for both care provider, parent and child.

Pregnancy, Childirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide

The definitive guide on pregnancy, childbirth and the newborn. No really, if you have to buy one book, this is the one to own. It is complete, it is not at all fluffy but it is friendly. It presumes you are smart enough to make your own choices given the facts. You will gain confidence in your abilities to sustain a healthy pregnancy, birth your baby, and competently care for your newborn.

From the Hips: A Comprehensive, Open-Minded, Uncensored, Totally Honest Guide to Pregnancy, Birth..

Honest, raw and what your intelligent girlfriends are talking about. It has a ton of practical advice given in a non-preachy, non-judgemental manner. If you're finding the "regular" pregnancy and childbirth preparation books just too smug, too one-sided, and too over-the-top, you'll appreciate this refreshing viewpoint.

Birthing From Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation

Yes this book was first published in 1998, but it's one of the best out there addressing the spirituality of giving birth. Birthing From Within offers concrete exercises for mentally and emotionally coping with labor pain. This is a classic (even if it's on the woo woo side of things). If you've been all left brain oriented about your pregnancy and childbirth up to this point, give this book a try. You'll likely find it quite soothing and comforting.

Great Expectations: Your All-in-One Resource for Pregnancy & Childbirth

This book is comprehensive and certainly has that confidence-inspiring language that prevents anxiety from spinning out of control. Do yourself a favor and throw your old "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book on the barbeque and pick up Great Expectations. It's a better bet.

The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas and All Other Labor Companions.

This is the definitive guide for labor support people. Everyone you invite to support you in labor should read this book to learn the best ways to physically and emotionally support you in labor. Absolutely one of the books you want to acquire for your childbirth preparation library.

When Survivors Give Birth

If you or a loved one whom you'll be supporting at birth is a survior of sexual abuse, this lovingly written book can help comfortably guide you towards the techniques and comfort measures that will bring peace and comfort during childbirth.