Recommended Texts
The Pink Kit - This is described as a MUST HAVE resource for birth! The kit ensures users will build confidence, and the skills necessary, to achieve a more satisfying and safe birth experience.
Tummy Talk Magazine. The positive approach to pregnancy, labour and birth, which includes antenatal and birth tips. (available from your local homebirth organisation or the link below).
The New Zealand Pregnancy Book. (3rd edition)Sue Pullon & Cheryl Benn. The perfect book to keep close by at your fingertips. (this can be purchased at your local bookstore or from the publishers on the link)
For the clients of Star Bundles, the above books/resources are available for short term loan
Links
Pregnancy
Positive Preparation / useful tips for mothers to
be
Pink Kit Presentation 2008 by the Common Knowledge Trust.
Learn about The Pink Kit Method For Birthing Better. A skills based resource suitable for all births.
Fetal Positioning & how to achieve optimal fetal positioning for an easier labour
Herbs of Caution (and to Avoid) During
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Complementary Therapies
(To find a qualified Complementary Health Practitioner check your local yellow pages)
Acupuncture and Pregnancy for foetal and maternal health
Cranial
Osteopathy for Pregnancy and Childbirth
Osteopathy and Pregnancy - How Osteopathy can help - Preparation for Birth
A Homeopathic Perspective on Pregnancy and Labor: Getting Off to a Good Start
Exercise
Birth
Everyday miracles - A Celebration of Birth, focuses on empowering the mother-to-be (5 min video)
Comfort in labour: How you can help yourself to a normal satisfying childbirth
The 3 R’s in Childbirth Preparation: Relaxation, Rhythm and Ritual
Activebirth
How you can benefit from an active birth
Pain in Labour: Your hormones are your helpers (also describes the "LOVE" hormone oxytocin and its crucial role in infant-parent attachment
Hormones In Labour & Birth – How Your Body Helps You
Homebirth
Is homebirth safe? - Childbirth is a natural, physiological process where international scientific research has shown that home birth is at least as safe, if not safer, than hospital birth for healthy women with low risk of complications.
Home birth: what are the issues? By Sara Wickham
Waterbirth
Known benefits of using water in labour and waterbirth
Frequently asked questions about waterbirth
Complementary Therapies
Natural pain relief techniques for childbirth using acupressure
Birthplans
Ideas to write your birthplan
Cesarean Section
What Every Pregnant Woman Needs To Know About Cesarean Section
Epidurals: risks and concerns for mother and baby
Postnatal
New Baby
The first hour following birth: baby's needs and actions - from article by Dr Michel Odent
The Brainwave Trust - Discusses the importance of baby's brain development in the first 3 years of life
Natural Patterns of infant communication
Growth and development - The first 6 weeks
Ideas for baby names
Breastfeeding
Breast Crawl, to give infants the best start in life
Breastfeeding world of benefits (World Health Organization and UNICEF)
101 reasons to breastfeed your child
La Leche League New Zealand
Parenting
Your baby’s early experiences of attachment, how they
develop trust, and links to their brain development.
Talking to your baby
Helping your baby's brain to grow
Building a great relationship with your baby
Single parents trust - Self help group for single mums, dads & children
Babywearing
Why wear your baby? - Studies showing wearing your baby for as little as 3 hours a day, has enormous lifelong benefits
Advantages of
Babywearing (on articles page)
Your Rights
What to look for in a midwife
Maternity Services Consumer Council
Centres/Associations
Manwatu Homebirth Association
Other Sites of Interest
This documentary shows that you can birth naturally, and that where possible you should birth naturally.
"Evidence-based care," which is the gold standard for maternity care worldwide (The six care practices that support normal birth)
Back to basics for safer childbirth
ABC News 20/20 on birth experiences & perceptions - The Best Kept Secret of Labor
Birth is a family/whanau event: Home birth Miracles- Labour of love: A Midwifes Memoir
Wonderful birth site's interesting articles
Plastic baby bottle concerns raised - current research promoting the use of glass bottles or PBA free plastic
Suppliers of organic products, including body care and foods, including baby food
Tips and resources on reducing toxins in your home, and family health
Currently under construction - check back for regular updates
