One of my all-time favorites!  So enlightening and empowering.

I've never had a baby, but am trained as a doula.  I really like the Birth Partner, which is actually focused for the mother's support person (partner, doula, etc).  It walks the reader through the different stages of childbirth and describes what the mother is experiencing and feeling, what you might be feeling, and what you can do to help support her.  Did you have a doula at your birth?

I had no idea what orgasmic birth meant before but after seeing this cute video I'd like to know more.

I did my doula training with Debra Pascali Bonaro, the writer/film maker.  She is an incredible inspiration and the knowledge she shares in her work is literally priceless. Read the book!

I read about orgasmic birth when I was pregnant with my twins.  I wish I had had the option of natural birth; but with one breach and their size cesearan was the safest option. 

As for child rearing books the one that I found had a lot of helpful advice (for infants) was "The Happiest Baby on the Block".  I read it and then sifted through what I had read and chose the best information that would work for my family.  There were some bits of information that I did not agree with (such as cloth diapers were to expensive to use and time consuming) but I was reading an older edition.

Dear Alicia, many congratulations on the birth of your lovely baby boy. I am so thrilled for you.

The best books I have read on childrearing are:

Naomi Aldort's "Raising our children raising ourselves" - her CDs are amazing too.  http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Our-Children-Ourselves-relationships/dp/1887542329/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305130344&sr=8-1

Sue Gerhardt's "Why Love Matters"http://www.amazon.com/Why-Love-Matters-Affection-Shapes/dp/1583918175/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1305130373&sr=1-1

During the first year of my daughter's life (she's now 3) I had Naomi Aldort's CDs playing constantly - she was like my parenting partner! The way she explains about child rearing makes so much sense and makes you wonder why the whole world doesn't rear their children this way.

Much love to you Alicia, your husband & your lovely baby boy.

How beautiful!  I would have loved to watch this prior to giving birth almost 10 years ago.  I followed the Bradley Method and had a beautiful birth as a result...it teaches you to let go and not fight the birth.  I allowed my birth to progress naturally and it was wonderful. 

Gretchen

www.veggiegrettie.com

I would suggest "Birthing from Within" http://www.amazon.com/Birthing-Within-Extra-Ordinary-Childbirth-Preparation/dp/0965987302/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305134187&sr=8-1

I am 5 month prengnat and planning a home water birth.

This is amazing and definitely the path I would take if/when I have children.

I'd like to recommend a great novel based on the clash between midwife births & modern medical births in Nova Scotia in the early 20th century. It's a fictional story but based in truth and history of Sctos Bay, NS. The author moved into the town and later found out that her current house was known as "The Birth House" in the village. I adored this book and the writing style and definitely recommend it.

Sorry that was supposed to say Scots Bay and I forgot the book and author haha just one of those days.

The Birth House by Ami McKay

http://www.thebirthhouse.com/description.htm

The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin for those who want to be a part of such an amazing adventure.  I also read Birthing a Better Way: 12 Secrets for Natural Childbirth (Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Series) by Kalena Cook, Margaret Christensen M.D. and Christiane Northrup and The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer to name a few.  They had such good information that further proved I had made the right choice on how I was going to give birth. 

I loved reading Ina May's Guide to Childbirth.  The first half of the book is made up of different women's experiences with natural birth.  Reading their stories made me realize how empowering birth was for some women.  It made me want to learn more!  After the birth of my daughter in December, a friend suggested I write about the experience.  I shared it with a few people and ultimately decided to post it on my blog - I would love to share it with you too if you are interested in reading. 

Thanks, Alicia, for all of the great discussion about nutrition, pregnancy and childbirth!       

I really liked secrets of the baby whisperer by traci hoggs.  It helps you to understand what your baby is feeling.

My absolute favorite book was Ina May Gaskin's "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth."  It became my pregnancy and birth bible, especially since I had a homebirth.  I also like her "Spiritual Midwifery" book - a great read even for those of us who are not midwives.  "Birthing From Within" was also good, and my husband found that one easier to read than Ina May's books. 

I am now very curious about "Orgasmic Birth," and will have to check it out when I get preggers again!  ;)  Thank you for the suggestion.  :) 

ox

Wow I was tearing up just watching the freakin' trailer. I gotta watch this!