Orgasmic Childbirth? You Betcha!  And other pregnancy books you just gotta read.

When I opened the large, yellow envelope, I couldn't beleive the words I was seeing. Orgasmic. Birth. I thought, what kind of foolishness are reputable publishing companies sending through the mail these days?  But as I fully pulled out the copy of the book, the words on the cover really spoke to me."Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying, and Pleasurable Birth Experience." 

And I thought, hmmm those are words we just don't associate with the birth experience anymore. But why not? Why can't birth be pleasurable and satisfying? I mean, besides for the obvious pain factor. But we have removed all the pleasure (orgasmic or not) from the birth experience and that may not have to be the case. I don't if birth can be orgasmic, but I'm darn curious to find out.

Check these out these interesting reads for anyone with a bump that offer alternative viewpoints to pregnancy and childbirth. They range from orgasmic to really funny. Here are my picks:

1. "Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth Experience" (Rodale) by Elizabeth Davis and Debra Pascali-Bonaro.  I actually read most of this book and I'm not pregnant or considering it, but the book was really interesting, and both practical and informative, from choosing your ideal birth location, tuning into body and mind, reducing stress levels and avoiding invasive exams and procedures. It also features moving stories from mothers who experienced childbirth on their own terms who share their tips on how to experience empowering and memorable births. And check out the Orgasmic Birth DVD. Learn more http://www.orgasmicbirth.com/the-book  

2. "The Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy and Birth"

 More than 900 tips that 60 doctors who are also mothers use during their own pregnancies and births,  by Rallie McAllister, M.D., MPH and Jennifer Bright Reich. I think the 900 tips speak for themselves, but I love that these guides use real doctors who are also real moms.  Dr. McAllister is a syndicated columnist and a mom of three herself, but she also brings other mom doctors into the mix. The book is funny and practical and debunks myths about stretch marks, reveals the truth about morning sickness, insight into the bottle vs. breastfeeding debate, what to know about C-sections and how to deal with a new baby! Who doesn't need that?

3. "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide" by Penny Simkin, PT; Janet Whalley, RN, IBCLC; Ann Keppler, RN, MN; Janelle Durham, MSW, ICCE, LCCE; and April Bolding, PT, DPT, CD, CCE is already one of the bestselling pregnancy books on the market, but the recently redesigned version caught my attention. Here's why: new information on complementary-medicine approaches such as acupuncture; updated information on interventions during childbirth, new advice on informed decision making,  one of the hottest topics in maternity care today; plus much more. It has more pictures and is much more reader friendly. The good folks who wrote this book also launched a new accompanying website, www.PCNGuide.com, where readers can find more info and helpful forms and worksheets.

4. "The Mocha Manual to a Fabulous Pregnancy" (Amistad/HarperCollins). Of course, no reading list would be complete without including my book, written especially for African American women.Yes I'm biased, but I receive hundreds of emails from readers who love the information, personal stories, humor and wit and most importantly the culturally unique advice that black women need to have healthy pregnancies. This is the pregnancy bible for any African American woman. Filled with practical advice, fact vs. fiction tips, medical advice and personal stories, the book is a great read and a must-have for any woman of color who is expecting.