When I was pregnant with Maddy, I searched out books about pregnancy (like most first time mothers-to-be, I think). I was given several by friends and family, such as the classic 'What to Expect When You're Expecting', 'The Mother of All Baby Books', etc, etc etc. These books gave me lots of helpful information, such as, what not to eat, what not to do, what complications I should always be on the lookout for and what possible deformities and diseases my baby could be born with. If I could give one piece of advice to first time pregnant women, it would be to STAY AWAY from those books. They totally scared the crap out of me, without me even realizing it.
There is one book that I would really recommend. This are 'Ina May's Guide to Childbirth', by Ina May Gaskin. It has changed the way I think about women in general, pregnancy, labour and delivery. I think all women of childbearing age should read this book, whether or not they are pregnant. I am going to start sending this book to every friend I know who is expecting a baby. The book starts with birth stories, not the horror stories that we are used to hearing, but positive stories of women who felt empowered, had their relationships with their partners strengthened, and more, all through the experience of bringing their baby into this world.
The book starts with a quote from Alice Walker, "There is nothing more important than how we are born. We have forgotten this simple fact for far too long." Anyway, please, read this book.
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