Recommended Reading Pregnancy and Birth  “Having a Baby, Naturally” by Peggy O’Mara “The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth” by Henci Goer “Obstetric Myths Versus Research Realities” by Henci Goer Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” by Ina May Gaskin “Gentle Birth Choices” by Barbara Harper “The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth” by Sheila Kitzenger…

Websites Parents Requesting Open Vaccine Education – PROVE provides information on vaccines, and the immunization policies and practices that affect the children and adults of Texas. Their mission is to prevent vaccine injury and death and to promote and protect the right of every person to make informed independent vaccination decisions for…

“Routine circumcision of babies in the United States did not begin until the Cold War era. Circumcision is almost unheard of in Europe, Southern America, and non-Muslim Asia. In fact, only 10 to 15 percent of men throughout the world are circumcised.” “The natural penis requires no special care. A…

VBAC stands for “Vaginal Birth After Cesarean”. Remember: choose your caregiver carefully, take an independent childbirth class and consider hiring adoula. YOU CAN DO IT! And you’ll be glad that you did! Articles Rebuttal to Rationales for Denial of VBAC Websites The International Cesarean Awareness Network, Inc. (ICAN) is a nonprofit organization…

Waterbirth has proven to be one of the gentlest ways for a baby to enter the world and is being proclaimed by birthing women to provide optimal pain relief and comfort. No longer a “new trend,” this method of labor and birth has become the number one option for women…

Breastfeeding is one of the most important things you can do to give your child the very best start in life. Breast milk provides the optimum nutrition for your baby. Despite their efforts, formula companies simply CANNOT duplicate the amazing benefits of breast milk. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding…

What is a Doula? The word, “doula,” comes from the Greek word for the most important female slave or servant in an ancient Greek household, the woman who probably helped the lady of the house through her childbearing. The word has come to refer to “a woman experienced in childbirth…

What is a Midwife? Since the beginning of human history, women have helped other women in the transition to motherhood. Midwives are the primary health care providers in most countries where birth is an integral part of family life. Countries with the highest rate of midwifery care today – emphasizing…