Doulas of Iowa City Reads: books for the childbearing year

Looking for the perfect book as you prepare for baby or navigate the first year postpartum? Read on as Doulas of Iowa city  members share their favorite reads.

The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin

My biggest take away from this book is the list and pictures of positions in here! I did not know about this book with my kids. I would've loved it and utilized it while planning for my own births. If I can get the word out to other Mama's about it, it would be worth it! There are so many options than just laying on your back or squatting or all 4's. I love it and will absolutely refer back.

​- Allison of Divine Doula Services

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Birth Your Story by Jamie Fleres

Why I love the book? Capturing your birth story is a gift to give yourself. Jaime gives you the tools to create your writing space, remember all those beautiful and raw moments in labor and birth, and shows you as you write your birth story how healing it is. Whether you had your dream birth or plans were shifted, seeing your story on paper reveals the amazing goddess you are as a woman and mother.
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​- Stacey of Iowa Doula Agency

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Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

Ina May does a phenomenal job of bringing you back to the basics through real life examples. She teaches the importance of trusting your body, educating yourself, and seeking the help you deserve.

​-Kristi of Bodhi Tree Birth Services

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 The Gentle Sleep Book by Sarah Ockwell-Smith

Looking for a sleep book that is compatible with an attachment theory based approach to parenting? Sarah Ockwell-Smith offers gentle sleep advice in line with developmental norms for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. I loved the chapters devoted to ages and stages so you can easily find helpful suggestions based on exactly where your baby or child is in terms of development.

-Johanna of Nested Mama Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Support 

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Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers by Nancy Morhbacher

Breastfeeding Made Simple did just that for me - made it simple! The book breaks down the “Seven Natural Laws” of breastfeeding and is so encouraging and not overwhelming - two things that are very important when it comes to learning to breastfeed. I have opened this book many times during my nursing journey and always close it feeling more calm and confident!

-Emma of (Em)powered by Birth Doula Services

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Mindful Birthing: Training the Mind, Body, and Heart for Childbirth and Beyond by Nancy Bardake

Mindful Birthing is based on MBSR: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, a program created by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Author Nancy Bardacke created the Mindful Birthing practices on the MBSR foundation in order for birthing parents to prepare not only for labor and birth, but also for parenting. The book takes the concepts from her class, Mindfulness Based Childbirth and Parenting and provides both the research/biology as well as physical and mental exercises to help parents get to a state of mindfulness, which can help us cope with pain, stress, anxiety and more. I love this book for birth preparation because it is applicable and helpful no matter what kind of birth your are planning, and can help provide real coping strategies when things do not go according to plan.

​-Grace of Iowa City Birth Services

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Looking for more support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum? Come Meet the Doulas of Iowa City at our next free event!