Books:

Gentle Birth Choices, by Barbara Harper, and Suzanne Arms. One of the most comprehensive, comforting books about normal childbirth out there. Very pro-natural without being pressuring, this book provides good medical research in support of avoiding unnecessary interventions.

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, by Ina May Gaskin. An excellent resource for information and encouragement for those considering non-medicated childbirth. Some folks may be put off by a little of the “hippie language”, but the content is thorough and current.

Birthing From Within, Pam England and Rob Horowitz. A guide to creative tools for pain relief in birth, including art and visualization.

The Birth Partner, by Penny Simkin. A great aide to partners looking for ways to help, support, and participate in the birth experience.

A Guide to Effective Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth, Enkin, Keirese, Neilson, Crowther, Duly, Hodnett, and Hofmeyer. For those who must have the latest medical statistics and studies, this book is regularly published with new additions. An international group of MD’s summarize “the most authoritative evidence available on the effects of care practices carried out during pregnancy, childbirth and after the baby is born.” You may be surprised that their evidence is not always reflected in common American medical approaches.

Happiest Baby on the Block, Dr. Harvey Karp. A local pediatrician made famous by his work and Oprah. Though I dislike the marketing gloss and title of his products, I find his approach to soothing fussy infants a brilliant combination of medical science and ancient wisdom. If your baby is colicky, run—do not walk—to your nearest bookstore for this. I highly recommend the video for a quick lesson in his calming techniques.

The Nursing Mother's Companion, Fifth Revised Edition by Kathleen Huggins. Highly recommended by my nursing clients for practical, supportive, non-pressuring help with breastfeeding.

Be Prepared : A Practical Handbook for New Dads (Paperback) by Gary Greenberg, Jeannie Hayden. A spoof on a scout manual, this book manages to be both helpful and hilarious in prepping new dads. Though not comprehensive or medical, I think it is non-condescending, informative, and entertaining.

Taking Charge of your Fertility, Toni Weschler. An incredibly informative guide to women’s health and reproduction. If you are having trouble conceiving, this is a good place to start.

Helpful Websites:

www.Holisticonline.com
If you want to explore all the choices for your healthcare, this website is a great resource. It explores conventional, alternative, integrative, and mind-body medicine presented in an easy to understand format.

www.babyzone.com
This is a good place to go for parenting information. They offer national and regional resources and information covering all aspects of parenting, from preconception to pregnancy and beyond.

www.epregnancy.com
Their motto is everything pregnancy. Here you can find information regarding your pregnancy from health, to naming your baby, to cooking, and so much more!

www.atlanta.babyzone.com
Find out about local family events and begin to network with parents in the Atlanta area by using the website's message board.

www.healthpages.org/APC/index.htm
This is the website for Atlanta Perinatal Consultants. These physicians and their website focus upon the "diagnosis and management of high risk pregnancies."

www.babycenter.com
A great place to find information on pregnancy and parenting. You can order a personalized account of your baby's development, both during pregnancy and then after birth.

www.marchofdimesga.com/
The March of Dimes is a non-profit health agency that focuses upon improving babies' health by 'preventing birth defects and infant mortality.' A great resource…everyone should have access to information about how to take preventative steps towards a healthy baby.

www.childbirth.org
Pregnancy & Childbirth Information. Offering a variety of informative and personal links relating to childbirth, pregnancy, parenting, early childhood, and infant feeding.