Pregnancy Resources - Eastern Livity

Holland's Pregnancy Recommendations

From enlightening books and empowering videos to soothing remedies for common discomforts, we’ve got you covered. Connect with local people who are here to ensure your journey is as positive as can be. Embrace the magic of pregnancy with our carefully curated recommendations.

Reading Recommendations

Early Pregnancy or when trying to conceive:

Spirit Babies by Walter Makichen
Spiritual Fertility by Dr. Julie Von
Expecting Better by Emily Oster

Pregnancy, Labor and Birth:

Birthing from Within by Pam England
The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin ***great for your partner to read or listen to***
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Birth with Confidence by Rhea Dempsey
Transformed by Birth by Britta Bushnell
Hypnobirthing (there are many books out there, look up Marie Mongan to start)

Postpartum:

Seven Sisters for Seven Days by Michelle Peterson
The First Forty Days by Heng Ou
Nourishing Newborn Mothers by Julia Jones
The Fourth Trimester:A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality by Kimberly Ann Johnson

Parenting:

Hunt, Gather, Parent: What ancient cultures can teach us about the lost art of raising happy, helpful little humans by Michaeleen Doucleff
Cribsheet by Emily Oster
The Nurture Revolution: Grow Your Baby’s Brain and Transform Their Mental Health through the Art of Nurtured Parenting by Greer Kirshenbaum, PhD
Montessori Baby: A Parent’s Guide to Nurturing Your Baby with Love, Respect, and Understanding by Simone Davies & Junnifa Uzodike

Breastfeeding:

Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding by Ina May Gaskin
Go Milk Yourself by Francie Webb

Viewing & Listening Recommendations

Watch live birth videos/photos on Instagram or YouTube! Examples: Empowered Birth Project, Birthing from Within, Birth Without Fear, @Midwifeangelina
Also on Insta – @prenatalyogacenter is where I got my certification and so you will see very familiar poses there as well as links to excellent blogs by the owner, Deb. She also does a podcast called YOGA. BIRTH. BABIES.
Seven Sisters Program – Resources for planning the care & support needed in postpartum
Spinning Babies – Resources for getting baby into optimal positioning for an easier labor
The Thompson Method – Video resources for breast-feeding as well as labor/birth

Supplements/Teas/Therapies Recommended for Symptoms

Leg/calf cramps

Amish remedy for leg cramps (Jonesboro Health Food Store), magnesium gel, stretch daily, try not to keep toes pointed while sleeping!

Edema (Swelling)

Purchase some compression socks – especially if you are on your feet a lot OR sitting a lot. I like Comrad.

Anxiety or other strong emotions

Bach’s rescue remedy (anxiety) or other Bach Flower Remedies for specific issues

General Wellbeing

Buy or mix your own pre/postnatal tea – red raspberry leaf, oat straw, nettles, alfalfa (bulk herbs available at Truck Patch or Jonesboro Health Food)
Epsom salt bath soaks for de–stressing, leg cramps, circulation, edema (swelling)

Acid Reflux

Apple Cider Vinegar (pre-made drinks available too), baking soda water, lemon water, raw almonds. Prop up in bed and keep head above heart when sleeping, exercising etc.

Constipation

Add loads of daily fiber like prunes, bananas, apples, pineapple, flaxseed meal, oats. Can supplement with Calm magnesium powder or a gentle digestive enzyme. Gentle belly massage – try yourself and learn from your prenatal massage therapist! Get a “squatty potty”!

Lactation

Once baby arrives, check out teas and supplements (fenugreek, goat’s rue etc) to increase lactation as well as recipes for lactation “cookies” with brewer’s yeast & fennel.