My favorite things: The Birth Partner
For 2020, I am writing a series of all of my favorite things! This will include my favorites for supporting people in childbirth, doula life and recovery, small business owner hacks, books and resources, and more. With just a few exceptions, you will NOT find links to purchase these products in this blog series. I trust that you can search for these and like items if you would like to purchase them on your own.
I do not want this series to give anyone FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) though! You do not need all of these things to be a great doula, or have a satisfying birth! However, as with everything humans do, tools can be helpful and help you to work smarter, not harder, especially when you find yourself doing the same things over and over in professional birth work, or you find something particularly helpful for increasing your own comfort in pregnancy, birth, and general life.
Today is all about The Birth Partner, by Penny Simkin!
This excellent book has been one of my favorite items since my own first pregnancy. My sister-in-law sent me a copy of the 2nd edition when I was expecting, and I read it cover to cover before the end of my second trimester. It is written to birth partners, doulas, and other birth companions, but it is comprehensive, to-the-point with late pregnancy through the first weeks postpartum, and chock-full of tips, facts, and easy to understand information to help you navigate childbirth. Now in its 5th edition, this book is a trusted resource that I readily recommend to expecting families.
The book is separated into sections, with quick-reference guides on various topics. The book includes an illustrated guide to birth positions, what to do when baby is unexpectedly born quickly, a comprehensive chart of the benefits and risks of interventions and medications, and as it is written to the partner rather than the birthing person, it’s full of tips on how to support the birth-giver during pregnancy, during birth, and postpartum.
I keep a photocopy of the illustrated guide to birthing positions in my doula bag, it’s a fantastic tool to quickly communicate what I have in mind to a birthing family for their next labor position.
Why is this one of my favorite things? It is an excellent resource for myself and for my birthing clients alike. If you could read only one resource to prepare for birth, this would be my top recommendation.
I hope this was helpful for Parents and for Birth Professionals alike, and that you enjoyed learning about why The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin is one of my favorite things in my doula work!