The Midwife Life Women’s Health Resources

Award-winning economist Emily Oster evaluates the data behind accepted rules of pregnancy and discovers that most are often misguided, and some are just flat-out wrong. She debunks myths and explains everything from the real effects of caffeine to the surprising dangers of gardening so that Moms-to-be have a resource that empowers them to make their own right choices. Expecting Better is the book for every pregnant woman who wants to enjoy a healthy and relaxed pregnancy.

Doulas and reproductive health experts Natalia Hailes and Ash Spivak answer questions for today’s wellness-focused, intersectional parents-to-be. Drawing on years of experience in their birth doula practice, Natalia and Ash guide readers through the entire process, from the earliest stages of pregnancy to postpartum. Bite-sized pieces of advice are interspersed with vibrant illustrations to break down the doubts and fears that often surround childbirth. By addressing common fears, incorporating regular tips for partners, and providing information on a wide array of birth and parents styles, this unique and inclusive guide is the perfect tool for empowering a new generation of parents.

Getting diagnosed with gestational diabetes can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. “Real Food for Gestational Diabetes” by Lily Nichols offers a refreshing alternative to conventional nutrition advice, focusing on nutrient-dense foods that support both you and your baby without causing high blood sugar. Many women struggle with outdated dietary advice, leading to erratic blood sugar and excessive weight gain. Nichols provides updated carbohydrate recommendations and exercise guidelines based on the latest research, helping reduce the likelihood of needing insulin. With this book, you can turn your diagnosis into a positive experience, ensuring a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Many mothers-to-be find themselves torn between choosing childbirth with minimal medical intervention, and the peace of mind offered by instant access to life-saving technology that a hospital can provide. Cynthia Gabriel, a doula who has attended hundreds of births and who advises hospitals on how to facilitate low-intervention childbirths, knows that new moms can have both. In Natural Hospital Birth, Gabriel gives moms, as well as partners and even medical personnel, concise and reassuring guidance on how to have as natural a birth as possible in a hospital setting.

An inclusive, non-judgmental, and empowering guide to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum life that puts mothers first. In Birth Without Fear, January Harshe–founder of the global online community Birth Without Fear–delivers an honest, positive, and passionate message of empowerment surrounding everything that involves having a baby. Birth Without Fear shows moms, dads, partners, and families how to choose the best provider for them, how to trust in themselves and the birth process, and how to seek the necessary help after the baby has arrived. In addition, it will educate them about their rights–and how to use their voice to exercise them–as well as how to cope with the messy postpartum feelings many people aren’t willing to talk about.

The First Forty Days revives the lost art of caring for the mother after birth. The first 40 days after the birth of a child offer an essential and fleeting period of rest and recovery for the new mother. As modern mothers are pushed to prematurely “bounce back” after delivering their babies and are often left alone to face the physical and emotional challenges of this new stage of their lives, The First Forty Days provides a lifeline—a source of connection, nourishment, and guidance. This book includes 60 simple recipes for healing soups, replenishing meals and snacks, and calming and lactation-boosting teas, all formulated to support the unique needs of the new mother. In addition to the recipes, this warm and encouraging guide offers advice on arranging a system of help during the postpartum period, navigating relationship challenges, and honoring the significance of pregnancy and birth.

Parents love this book because it puts them in control; experts love it because it’s based on the latest medical research and recommendations from leading health organizations. Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn provides the information and guidance you need to make informed decisions about having a safe and satisfying pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period–decisions that reflect your preferences, priorities, and values.

Economics is the science of decision-making, and Cribsheet is a thinking parent’s guide to the chaos and frequent misinformation of the early years. Armed with the data, Oster finds that the conventional wisdom doesn’t always hold up. She debunks myths around breastfeeding, sleep training, potty training, language acquisition, and many other topics. She also shows parents how to think through questions like if and how to go back to work, how to think about toddler discipline, and how to have a relationship and parent at the same time.

Over 90 percent of new mothers experience scary, intrusive thoughts about their baby and themselves, often kept secret out of shame. In “Good Mothers Have Scary Thoughts,” Karen Kleiman offers hope and expert help to new moms through world-class guidance, simple exercises, and nearly 50 stigma-busting cartoons from the #speakthesecret campaign. This book helps mothers validate their feelings, share their fears, and start feeling better. It’s a lighthearted yet serious resource, perfectly designed for busy moms needing support during this challenging period.

“MAKING BABIES” offers a proven 3-month program to help women get pregnant, focusing on less invasive methods than traditional fertility medicine. Dr. David and Blakeway introduce “fertility types” and cover everything from identifying fertility issues to lifestyle changes that enhance fertility. They also suggest surprising strategies like taking cough medicine, reducing fertility drug doses, or combining acupuncture with IVF. This book is essential for any woman trying to conceive, whether naturally or with medical assistance, as it revolutionizes the fertility field.

In “The Infertility Cure,” Dr. Randine Lewis provides simple guidelines involving diet, herbs, and acupressure to create a nurturing environment for a healthy baby. She offers natural methods to support pregnancy efforts, addressing issues like advanced maternal age, recurrent miscarriage, and male-factor infertility. The book covers a range of conditions, including hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, and polycystic ovaries, and aims to improve the outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques. Dr. Lewis’s approach opens the door to new ideas about treating infertility, significantly increasing the chances of getting pregnant naturally.

In “The XX Brain,” Dr. Mosconi, a leading neuroscientist, helps women navigate menopause and emerge with an even better brain. She reveals how menopause impacts the brain, not just the ovaries, influencing everything from mood to memory. Dr. Mosconi offers the latest approaches, including hormone replacement therapies and lifestyle changes, to manage symptoms and prevent cognitive decline. She dispels the myth that menopause signifies an end, showing it as a transition to a vibrant new chapter of life.

“Grown Woman Talk” by Dr. Sharon Malone is a practical guide for women who feel ignored or marginalized by the medical profession, especially regarding menopausal and post-reproductive health. This book combines a medical handbook, memoir, and supportive advice, offering resources and real-life stories to empower women. Dr. Malone provides clear, direct guidance on living better, aging better, and obtaining better medical treatment. By facilitating open discussions and providing accurate medical insights, she aims to give women more agency over their health and well-being.

“Perimenopause Power” by Maisie Hill is an empowering guide for women navigating menopause, offering advice on managing symptoms and understanding effective treatments. With three-quarters of women experiencing mood changes, insomnia, hot flushes, and night sweats, this book fills the gap with engaging, evidence-based information. Hill explains complex physiological processes in an easy-to-understand manner, helping women make menopause a positive experience. This handbook provides valuable insights and tips, empowering women to address their issues and have informed conversations with loved ones and doctors.