Birth Work Resources: Podcasts, Books & Blogs We Recommend
There’s no shortage of resources when it comes to learning more about birth work… which we quickly learned through writing this article. Below is a selected guide to all things doula, midwife, lactation consultant, etc. in form of podcasts, books, blogs! Choose your preferred method of information consumption and get to learning!
Birth Work Podcasts
Pop on one of these during your workout… or while you’re just sitting on the couch.
Taking Back Birth with Maryn Green
For the natural birth focused mama’s getting ready to bring their flower child into this world.
Evidence-Based Birth with Rebecca Dekker
If you’re looking to hear studies and factual accounts regarding the do’s and don’ts of pregnancy and labor.
Doing It At Home Podcast
A guide to gentle birth, home birth, and how birth workers can help facilitate a safe home birth experience.
The Birth Hour- A Birth Story Podcast with Bryn Huntpalmer
This podcast explores the realities of birth—everything to consider and evaluate from conception to pregnancy to postpartum.
Birth Work Books
A few more books to add to the huge stack already on your bedside table.
Birth Work As Care Work by Alana Apfel
If you’re looking to explore the politics and activism that surrounds birth work.
The Doula’s Guide To Empowering Your Birth by Lindsey Bliss
Consider this book both a physical, spiritual, and mental preparation course for a comfortable and connected pregnancy.
Birth Ambassadors by Elayne G Clift
This book explains the history, the why, and the how behind women becoming birth workers in America.
The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Partners, Doulas and All Other Labor Companions by Peggy Simkin
Perfect for pregnant mamas who are looking to optimally incorporate their partner and birth workers into their pregnancy.
Birth Matters by Ina May Gaskin
The mother of natural/low intervention birth, Ina May Gaskin, breaks down her worldwide renowned philosophy and whether or not it’s right for you.
If you’re looking for birth support beyond the media space, or specific resources for COVID-19, check out a few of our friends in the bodywork space. Our Practioner’s Guide is a tried and trusted list of local professionals and COVID resources! Read more here!
Birth Work Blogs
The following are blogs created by active doulas who are offering up their advice and expertise when it comes to hiring a birth worker, becoming a birth worker, and everyday pregnancy support and advice. Give ‘em a look.
The Doula Chronicles by Efe Osaren
The blog follows the life of Efe Osaren, a Nigerian-American Student Midwife, Full Spectrum Doula, and Reproductive/Birth Justice advocate based in Brooklyn, New York.
Calm Confident Doula
This hub helps you find birth doulas and postpartum doulas. The blog portion includes posts such as “Covid 19 And Doula Care” and “Eight Questions to Consider If Home Birth May Be Right For You.”
Emerald Doulas
This blog is where you’ll want to spend some time if you’re looking for some positive affirmations surrounding a pandemic pregnancy, including articles like “5 Ways Virtual Doula Support Benefits Your Birth.”
One Love Doula
These Florida-based doulas offer methods of dealing with any situation pregnancy or birth may throw your way. We recommend checking out “Planning an Epidural? Here’s How a Doula Can Help.”