The Book I Cannot Be Without

I am a natural birthing, breastfeeding, baby wearing, sleep sharing, non-circumcising mommy and this book helps me do that the best way I can.

The Baby Book my Dr. William Sears and Martha Sears is my go to book for all kinds of questions. I have referred to it for anything from newborn procedures, to potty training, to growth and breastfeeding. This book has it all.

One of the reasons I really like this book is because it coincides with a lot of the beliefs I have about how to care for my baby. This 28 chapter, 767 page book is written from a non-biased prospective and points out both sides of issues and questions I have. But, I like the fact that my questions regarding parenting from a somewhat non-mainstream point of view are answered.

I laughed. I cried. I recommend.

I love to watch a good movie or get so into a book that I don't want the end to come. Baby Catcher: Chronicles of a Modern Midwife by Peggy Vincent was one of those books. I could not put it down. It was sad, hilarious, and deeply gripping. I highly recommend this book about Peggy's journey as a midwife. The birth stories that she shares are incredible and she sure had some amazing experiences during her tenure as a home birth midwife. Love this book!

Tomorrow is the last day to enter the contest to win some amazing organic body care products. Comment on the post below to enter!

My Current Read: Making Babies

Making Babies: The Science of Pregnancy by David Bainbridge

The cover really grabbed me! This book is a bit over my head, but has some fascinating, scientific information about how sex and pregnancy has evolved over the last several hundred years and really since the beginning of time. It is amazing how much we were not able to know and discover without simple objects such as microscopes. I am about halfway through and have found some interesting information that pertain to my own journey with trying to become pregnant. Not sure if I recommend this one yet as a good source for your own library, but I will let you know.

Book of the Week

Childhood Vaccinations
by Lauren Feder, M.D.

I recently posted that I would write about vaccinations. Since then, I have been reading and researching beyond what I had already done over the past several years. It has been about eleven years since I first learned of the choices that we have concerning being vaccinated and vaccinating our children.

In addition, about a month ago, the daughter of a close friend of mine contracted the measles. Using holistic health care methods and closely monitoring her temperature and symptoms, my friend was able to care for and nurse her child back to health.

I have also had friends whose children have had whooping cough, influenza, chicken pox, and mumps. None of these are deadly if cared for properly. It is interesting to me that many of the illnesses such as these are vaccinated for. It really gets me thinking about why and how this came to be?

It is important for parents to know is that they always have choices no matter the age of the child. Many schools "require" vaccinations before entering school at certain grade levels. You can request a personal, religious, or medical exemption against vaccinations at any age. For more information on the exemptions forms for each state, go to this website.

Because there is so much information out there, I have decided not to post on this. I am encouraging you to read this book that I found at the library. Dr. Lauren Feder writes about childhood vaccinations. She is a medical doctor who has chosen not to vaccinate her own children. I believe that says a lot. She writes from a neutral point of view and states all pros and cons of vaccinating. She has patients who desire to have their children vaccinated and she provides that. But, what I like about her views is that she takes the time to educate and inform her patients.

I will leave you with this. If you are unsure about what to do with your children after gathering all the information and education possible to make an informed decision, ask your pediatrician if he/she vaccinates his/her children. I would question the validity of the vaccination if my own doctor has chosen against it for his/her own children.

Book Pick of the Week

Birthing From Within
by Pam England, CNM, MA and Rob Horowitz, PhD

This book helps inspire you to bring out your inner "artist" while pregnant and adds a new dimension to your pregnancy and birthing ideas. Understand how getting creative in your mind and thoughts can help you have an amazing birth.

Book of the Week

Supernatural Childbirth by Jackie Mize

This is an incredible book that speaks wisdom to women who desire to understand pregnancy and birth. God designed our bodies to do an amazing thing....create and birth baby! He has the power to give us our hearts desire. Reading this book will change the way you think and pray about a safe and absolutely wonderful pregnancy and birth of your baby. Happy reading!

Book of the Week

Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper, R.N

This book is a guide to making informed decisions about birthing centers, birth attendants, water births, home births, and hospital births. It helps dispel many of the medical myths that we Americans have come to know about birth.

Making informed decisions about your pregnancy and childbirth is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your child.