"As more feminism migrates online, full-spectrum doulas remain focused on life's physically intimate relationships: between caregivers and patients, parents and pregnancy, individuals and their own bodies. They are committed to supporting a pregnancy no matter the outcome-- whether it results in birth, abortion, miscarriage, or adoption-- facing the question of choice head-on. Mary Mahoney is founder and board co-chair of the Doula Project, and a...

The new comprehensive guide to healthy conception, pregnancy, and postpartum that every woman over thirty must read. More and more women are choosing to have children later in life, but since fertility declines starting at age thirty, many moms-to-be face conception and pregnancy with fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. Women thirty and older who wish to conceive naturally are often told it is a "bit too late" for easy conception, or they are forced to...

"With more than 1.3 million video views each month and over fifty-two million total views on her YouTube channel, Howland's (a.k.a. Mama Natural) funny but informational videos have empowered millions of women to embrace natural pregnancy and parenting. Now Howland is turning to the page, offering up the first week-to-week natural pregnancy book for soon-to-be moms. For the last half-century, control over childbirth has been in favor of doctors. Many...

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to prepare week-by-week for a relaxed and confident birth. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy format with color photos and expert advice throughout. This book gives a complete overview of baby development through pregnancy and birth. Its combination of conventional mainstream and complementary medical info reflects the way most pregnant women approach their care today. There's also plenty...

Chapter 1. The birth you want: what motivates the willing woman? Chapter 2. Reality hurts: birth in the labor-bypass era. Chapter 3. It's a fine line: reframing pain in labor Chapter. 4. Approaching labor: what pain type are you? Chapter 5. Crisis of confidence: when self-belief crumbles. Chapter 6. The right support: who will get you through?

The collection gives voice to those often overlooked in birthing books, including stories from indigenous families, and families from diverse socio-economic classes, religions, and urban and rural lifestyles. Also unique are the additional stories from witnesses to birth: partners describe their awe, children write sweetly of siblings' arrivals and midwives and doulas recount their experiences aiding women in their journeys. Included as landmarks...

A leading expert on postpartum depression offers new mothers an insightful, medically sound guide to recovery A full 20 percent of new moms will be affected by PPD--but the good news is that PPD is very responsive to treatment. This guide, written by psychiatrist and internationally acclaimed PPD specialist Ariel Dalfen, leads women out of the maze of depression, offering medical and psychotherapeutic options, practical lifestyle changes, and an impressive...

MAKING BABIES offers a proven 3-month program designed to help any woman get pregnant. Fertility medicine today is all about aggressive surgical, chemical, and technological intervention, but Dr. David and Blakeway know a better way. Starting by identifying "fertility types," they cover everything from recognizing the causes of fertility problems to making lifestyle choices that enhance fertility to trying surprising strategies such as taking cough...

Nurse Barb provides readers with a comprehensive guide to the changes, challenges, and joys that are in store for them, as well as a guide to preparing for baby's arrival. A joyful, healthy pregnancy can be just a read away.

A million miles away from her dream of ever holding her baby in her arms – or so it seemed at the time. A straightforward, honest portrait of the process of trying to start a family through surrogacy – as if your best friend was explaining the details to you personally. Abby doesn't hold back as she takes us with her through her journey that is anything but a smooth, straight line to having a baby. You can't help but root for her as she faces...