"How to" Books

I know some people don't like to read "how to" books. I am one of those people. However, I realized that having children is a huge responsibility...and I wanted to be prepared.

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, by Ina May Gaskin
Some of her views are a little "out there," but of all the books I read, this one best explained the birth process and helped me to feel "more ready" and that birth shouldn't be a big deal. I just skimmed passed the first half of the book (labor/delivery testimonies). In the rest of the book she gives great ideas to help the birth go faster and also how to relax and what to expect. If you only read one book about birth, this is the one I'd highly recommend! You can get a copy from the library, or if you're in Oklahoma City, let me know and you can borrow mine.

The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth, by Henci Goer
Useful, non-inflammatory info on common procedures and interventions. A good introduction to the array of choices and vocabulary, as well as risks/benefits.

What to Expect When You're Expecting, by Heidi Murkoff
This was fun to read during the pregnancy to know what to expect at each stage.

What the Bible Says About Child Training, by J. Richard Fugate
One of the best child training books I've ever read. I have read it once and am going to keep it handy as the children grow. My husband read it, too and really enjoyed it.

Babywise, by Gary Ezzo
This is a really great book on the first five months of a baby's life. It teaches how to get the baby to sleep through the night, how much to feed, what to expect, etc. Very common sense and interesting. Some people don't agree with the schedule method, but I've seen it to be helpful in the families who have used it (vs. the ones who don't). He also has Babywise II, Toddlerwise, Childwise, Preteenwise, etc. I have read and used Babywise II, and it's been very helpful as well.

To Train Up A Child, by Michael Pearl
The methods in this book are really down to earth. He also has "No Greater Joy" in three volumes and a monthly newsletter. Easy reading, and great information.

Shepherding a Child's Heart, by Tedd Tripp
This is a great book on the philosophy of child training. I think this book needs To Train Up a Child for a more rounded perspective.

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My husband and I were out of town for most of the summer before our son's birth, so we didn't enroll in a Bradley Class in time, but I have heard GREAT things about the class. We got the workbook from some friends and read/studied through it. If you get a chance to go through the class, it's worth it - just going through the book helped my husband know what to expect.

You can find classes at www.bradleybirth.com. It is a 12-week class and costs a couple hundred dollars, I think.