Water Birth

	Choosing Waterbirth: Reclaiming the Sacred Power of Birth Lakshmi Bertram In this complete guide to waterbirth, a yoga instructor and mother of five water babies relates her own experiences in the tub while providing the important information that every parent needs to understand, prepare for, and undertake waterbirthing.
	The Waterbirth Book: Everything You Need to Know from the World’s Renowned Natural Childbirth Pioneer Janet Balaskas Janet Balaskas is a pioneer and innovator in the field of childbirth and maternity care. She is the founder of the well-known and influential Active Birth Movement. The Waterbirth Book is the comprehensive guide to all aspects of waterbirth and the use of water throughout pregnancy and during infancy.
	Water Birth: A Midwife’s Perspective Susanna Napierala In her carefully presented book, Susanna Napierala, midwife to more than 600 births over 18 years, suggests that giving birth in water offers mother and infant the ideal circumstances for beginning their lives together. Recognizing that this birthing approach is not yet widely practiced in the United States, Napierala readily acknowledges the commonly-asked questions. For midwives, their assistants, pregnant women and their families considering birth options, Water Birth offers a wealth of solid information, personal testimony, and guidance for those who make this choice.
	We Are All Water Babies Jessica Johnson & Michel Odent An examination of the role of water in pregnancy, labour and the neonatal period, which covers water-based exercise during pregnancy, water birth and swimming for babies. Johnson has captured remarkable images of underwater births, pregnant women swimming with dolphins, and infants and babies swimming underwater–eyes open, breath held, delighted expressions on their faces. Odent’s accompanying text is explanatory and he brings an interesting, off-beat approach.
	Gentle Birth Choices Barbara Harper, RN Harper outlines the elements of gentle birthing: support from loved ones, a reassuring and quiet environment with soft lighting, and minimal medical intervention. She shows you how to plan a meaningful, family-centered birth experience and discusses the many alternatives available, providing a new model of maternity care that reduces the need for high-tech crisis intervention and focuses instead on preparation and good health for mother and child.

*All descriptions adapted from the publisher’s descriptions.