Home Recommended Reads for Every Expectant Mother (and Father!!) Active Birth by Janet Balaskas.  This book is one of the best tools for a woman to understand what birthing will be like, and how she will use her body as a catalyst for the birth of her baby.  She gives great insight into positioning and movement which will help your baby descend and rotate throughout labor, making the whole process a lot easier on you!   In May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin.  If you want to hear about what birth is like and gain excellent tools for coping with and expediting your labor, this is the book for you!   The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer.  This is an evidence based look at the choices we make in the childbirth process.  It will give you real tools to make true informed decisions about the care and you receive.   Many women pack it in their bag for easy reference if they don't have a doula with them. The Power of Pleasurable Childbirth By Lorie Annis Morgan Childbirth without fear:  The principles and practice of natural childbirth By Michel Odent Rediscovering Birth by Sheila Kitzenger.  This is a beautiful book of photographs and stories from around the world and throughout history of women birthing.  It's nice to feel special during pregnancy, but realizing that you are just one of millions and millions of women who have birthed sets you in your rightful place and brings the whole experience down to a manageable level.