Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, 6th Edition
by Weston A. Price,D.D.S., 512 pages, illustrated with over 150 photographs. Takes the reader through many primitive civilizations showing eating habits and how they are connected to health. A must read for anyone who is serious about their health.

Nourishing Traditions
by Sally Fallon, 632 pages. Using the knowledge gained from Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, this book shows you how to apply the principles of good nutrition. This book has many interesting recipes and lots of commentary on modern versus ancient nutrition.

Whole Foods for the Whole Family
by Roberta Bishop Johnson, 302 pages. Published by La Leche League International. This book has lots of good recipes using whole foods and recommendations for feeding babies. Easy-to-make, last-minute, easy-to-freeze, and make-ahead recipes.

Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition
by Marilyn M. Shannon, 204 pages. Discusses practical application of proper eating and nutritional supplements to correct a variety of "female" problems. Also discusses male fertility.

Pregnancy

The Art of Natural Family Planning
by John and Sheila Kippley, 511 pages. This book is very useful to anyone seeking or avoiding pregnancy. To have a full understanding of Natural Family Planning (NFP), it is recommended that you take the course taught by The Couple to Couple League (CCL). Visit www.ccli.org for more information.

Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year
by Susun S. Weed, 171 pages. Good guide to herbs in pregnancy for the novice or expert. It is not exactly a mainstream book, but it has a lot of good information.

Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn
by Penny Simkin, P.T.; Janet Whalley, R.N., B.S.N.; and Ann Keppler, R.N., M.N.; 311 pages. Discusses ways of being comfortable in pregnancy, standard prenatal care, and preparation for childbirth. Does teach breathing techniques of Lamaze Method (not taught in Bradley Method© classes). Also discusses common concerns of new parents.


Childbirth

A Good Birth, A Safe Birth
by Diana Korte, and Roberta M. Scaer; 360 pages. Points out what most women want from their birth experience and why it is important to know your options. Also gives information on common interventions and how to avoid them. Lots of tips on how to get the birth of your choice.

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way

by Susan McCutcheon; 254 pages.  This book discusses the differences between the Bradley Method and other childbirth classes, how to choose a caregiver who will respect your wishes for a natural delivery, exercises and nutrition recommendations to help you stay healthy and low risk, and relaxation techniques that are taught in Bradley Method© classes.  This book is required reading in my childbirth classes. 

Husband-Coached Childbirth

The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth
by Henci Goer, 367 pages. WOW! This book is so comprehensive and really gets you thinking! One of the best reads on birth I have seen. All of the information given is supported by scientific research and gives you the tools to have a great birth. A good book to share with your doctor.

Safe Alternatives in Childbirth

The Birth Book

Spiritual Midwifery

by Ina May Gaskin; 480 pages.  The first part of this book is all birth stories.  In the middle of the book there are instructions to parents.  The third part of the book is instructions to midwives.  This is a classic.  You will gain something new each time you read it.  The language in this book is sort of "hippie-ish" but don't let that fool you.  This book can teach you a lot.  Although this is not required reading in my childbirth classes, it is highly recommended.


Parenting

The Discipline Book

The Baby Book

Breastfeeding

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
by La Leche League International, 465 pages. This truely is the definitive guide to breastfeeding. Covers all aspects of breastfeeding from positioning/latch-on to weaning. Shares mothers' personal experiences which gives the book a warmth that some other books lack.

Mothering Your Nursing Toddler

How Weaning Happens

Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing
by Sheila M. Kippley, 212 pages. This book describes ecological breastfeeding, the type of breastfeeding necessary to delay the return of fertility after childbirth. The average length of infertility with this type of infant care is 14 months. In today's culture, we haven't given this time-honored method the respect it deserves. You will also find out how to detect the return of fertility after childbirth. A gem of a book.

Doulas

Special Women

The Birth Partner