Information Is Power: Essential Birth Preparation Resources
- Mimi
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Pregnancy and birth are profound life experiences, yet many women and their partners move through them without fully understanding their options, their rights or even the physiology of birth itself. One of the most powerful tools you can have during pregnancy is information.
When you are informed, you are better able to ask questions, understand recommendations, weigh alternatives, and make decisions that align with your values. Information helps you move from being a passive recipient of care to being in control during your birth. It allows you to advocate for yourself, or for your partner, with confidence and clarity.
I wrote this list of books, podcasts and websites as a starting point to on your journey to educating yourself about the amazing experience of pregnancy and birth.
Books with a World of Information
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth
If you read only one book about birth, read this one.
Written by one of the most respected midwives in the world, this book combines real birth stories with practical, reassuring guidance. It reinforces the understanding that birth is a normal physiological process and that the body is inherently capable.
This knowledge can help you understand how fear affects labour, recognise when interventions may be helpful, and feel more confident advocating for a calm, supportive birth environment.
Give Birth Like a Feminist
This book explores childbirth through the lens of autonomy, consent, and power. It highlights how social and medical systems can influence birth experiences and why informed choice is essential.
It is particularly valuable for understanding your rights, recognising the importance of consent, and supporting partners in becoming strong advocates during pregnancy and birth.
Birth & Breastfeeding by Michel Odent
Michel Odent’s work focuses on the biology of birth and the conditions that support healthy labour, bonding, and breastfeeding. Understanding the hormonal and environmental factors that influence birth allows parents to make more informed choices.
This book helps you ask meaningful questions about routine practices and advocate for conditions that support physiological birth and early connection with your baby.
Birthing from Within
Birth preparation is not only physical; it is emotional and psychological. This book offers tools for exploring fears, expectations, and personal transformation during pregnancy.
Self-awareness is a key part of self-advocacy. When you understand your inner landscape, you are better able to communicate your needs, set boundaries, and feel grounded during birth.
Podcasts That Inform
Birthing Instincts Podcast with Dr Stu & Midwife Bliss
This podcast offers hundreds of evidence-based conversations on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Topics range from labour physiology to interventions, informed consent, and partner support.
Listening to in-depth discussions like these helps parents understand medical language, feel less intimidated in clinical settings, and participate more actively in decision-making.
Birthful with Adriana Lozada
Birthful is a long-running, evidence-based podcast hosted by Adriana Lozada, a childbirth educator and doula. Episodes cover a wide range of topics, from labour physiology and pain coping strategies to informed consent, birth stories, and emotional wellbeing.
What makes Birthful especially valuable is its commitment to:
Translating research into clear, practical language
Supporting informed choice and autonomy in care
Normalising the wide range of experiences people have during pregnancy and birth
Listening to Birthful can help you better understand medical recommendations, recognise your options, and feel more empowered to ask questions and express your preferences during appointments and labour.
Visit: https://birthful.com/
(link to episodes and resources)
Down to Birth with Christa Orecchio
Down to Birth is hosted by Christa Orecchio and centers on honest conversations about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. With a warm and accessible tone, the podcast explores both the emotional and practical sides of preparing for birth.
Down to Birth stands out for:
Breaking down complex topics into understandable insights
Featuring interviews with birth professionals, parents, and advocates
Providing real-world tips for partners and support people
The podcast encourages listeners to become informed participants in their care, to understand what is happening at each stage of pregnancy and labour, and to feel confident communicating with care providers and support teams.
Websites with Information You Can Trust
Dr Sarah Wickham’s Website
Dr Sarah Wickham is a respected midwife and researcher whose website is filled with clear, accessible explanations of evidence related to pregnancy and birth. Her work supports parents in understanding risks, benefits, and statistics without fear-based messaging.
This kind of information empowers you to say yes, no, or “I need more time” with confidence and to engage in respectful, informed conversations with care providers.
Why Information Matters
Being informed does not mean you need to know everything or have a rigid plan. It means you understand your options, trust your instincts, and feel empowered to speak up. Knowledge supports informed consent, respectful care and decisions that align with your values, even if birth takes an unexpected turn.
Information is power, and power supports advocacy.
How a Doula Supports Your Voice and Advocacy
Even with the best preparation, it can be challenging to advocate for yourself during pregnancy and birth, especially in intense or unfamiliar situations. This is where a doula can make a meaningful difference.
A doula does not replace medical care. Instead, they provide continuous emotional support, help you understand information, and remind you of your preferences and rights. They help create space for your voice to be heard and support you in navigating conversations and decisions with confidence. For partners, a doula also offers reassurance and guidance, allowing them to focus on supporting their loved one.
Hiring a doula is not about giving your power away. It is about strengthening your ability to advocate for yourself, ensuring you feel supported, informed and respected throughout your pregnancy, birth and early postpartum period.
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