Empowered Birth
Websites and blogs
Evidence on Doulas
The (evidence based) benefits of having a doula!
Special Scars Special Hope
A research-based look at the risk of VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) as compared to the risk of repeat cesarean.
Special Scars is a non-profit organization created for individuals, and providers that support individuals, on their Special Scar birth journey. (Special Scars include any uterine scar other than low transverse, including myomectomy scars).
Top Five Myths About Birth - Debunked!
Is your baby too big for vaginal birth? Can you eat during labor? Has your doctor “allowed” you to make decisions? Once a cesarean, always a cesarean? Is birthing on your back the only way?
The Holistic Stages of Birth
For wanting to know more about the altered state of consciousness in which undisturbed labor, birth, and the immediate postpartum naturally occurs.
Epidurals: Risks and Concerns for Mother and Baby
Epidural risks and concerns by Dr. Sarah Buckley.
Pain in Labour: Your Hormones Are Your Helpers
Managing "pain" sensations during labor by Sarah Buckley.
Healing Birth, Healing the Earth
A beautiful description of healing through childbirth by Sarah Buckley.
The Importance of Delayed Cord Clamping And Its Impact on Brain Development
The importance of keeping your baby attached to the placenta. “Wait for white” is the new delayed cord clamping.
Failure to Progress: A Leading Cause of Unplanned Cesareans
Article on labor progress, with good info for first time moms to learn what normal labor can look like, and why “failure to progress” is a debatable reason for cesarean.
Things You Need to Know About Your VBAC Provider
Despite many doctors claiming to “allow” patients to attempt VBACs, the policies they follow may be setting you up for repeat cesarean. How to cut through the lingo to discover the truth behind what policies truly support women during their VBAC.
Books
Ancient Map for Modern Birth by Pam England
The birth year is a time of immense change and growth, and this book has combined the scientific with the sacred in a guide for navigating the pregnancy journey in both body and spirit. Pam draws upon the wisdom of ancient cultures and practices as well as modern scientific advances. Her underlying message is one that emphasizes the spiritual journey of pregnancy, rather than the goal of a “perfect birth,” and an awareness of all the women who have taken this journey before us. This is an essential read for someone seeking an informed, empowered, and holistic approach to their childbearing year.
Childbirth Without Fear: The Principles and Practice of Natural Childbirth by Grantley Dick-Read
This was written in the 1940s and is directed towards doctors and midwives, so is a bit slow-going, but it has excellent, relevant information on the natural processes of labor. The author talks about how the western obstetric model of birth has infused pregnancy and childbirth with unnecessary fear, and that by breaking the fear-tension-pain cycle, women can experience less painful births.
Indie Birth: A Story of Radical Birth Love by Maryn Green and Margo Blackstone
A first-hand look into what it means to change the paradigm of birth and the unmistakable benefits of autonomous, spiritual, intuitive birth. This book also looks into modern midwifery and how licensure and regulation can get in the way of serving women.
Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin
For a collection of oxytocin-rich (or “psychedelic”) birth stories and a thorough introduction to the physiology of natural childbirth, compiled and written by one of the Western world’s pioneers in the home birth movement.
Unassisted Childbirth by Laura Kaplan Shanley
A captivating collection of personal stories belonging to Laura Kaplan Shanley, a birth educator. Shanley birthed all four of her children at home in the absence of any medical professional, including home-birth midwives.
Podcasts
Taking Back Birth - Two Independent Midwives Discuss All OPTIONS For Your Non-medicalized Birth and Pregnancy
How to keep hospital ritual out of your home birth.
Happy Homebirth - Positive Natural Childbirth Stories
Oxytocin Changes Everything
Bess compared her three births (medicated, unmediated hospital, home) and the oxytocin induced bonding of each.
Well, Actually - Explores The Logic Behind Physiological Birth Practices
A Radical Conversation About Trauma and Healing
A conversation on birth trauma.
Evidence Based Birth - “Evidence That Empowers”
The Evidence on Inducing for Due Dates
Latest info about safety for elective induction when going past your due date.
Doing it at Home - A Podcast on Everything Home Birth
First Time Mother and Labor & Delivery Nurse on The Safety of Home Birth
A Labor and delivery nurse on why she chose home birth for the safety of herself and her baby.
Free Birth Society - A Bold Look at Birth Outside the Medical System
Beyond Complicity: Birth Work Outside the System
An interview with a radical birth worker on her journey being a licensed doula within the medical system, and the secondary trauma that doulas face when supporting medicalized birth.
Birth Stories in Color - A space that specifically celebrates, mourns with and supports people of color and their transformation through birth.
Reimagining the Village
Tayo and Toni create a village, as a family and of Chicago Birthworks Collective
Birthful - Talking to Maternity Pros - And New Parents! - To Inform Your Intuition
Rethinking the Pushing Stage with Whapio
Elder midwife Whapio urges for a reformation of the concept and practice of pushing.