Cross Your Bridges When You Come To Them by Estelle Myers, Hon. PhD. (Australia: Self-Published, 1999.)

There is nothing original in this book! The most amazing fact is that it was written in 1976! A powerful potion of practical common sense drawn from pwersonal experience- empowering individuals to make their dreams into reality, to expect only miracles. Proving that nothing is impossible or that lack of money is not lack of personal power. Written by one of the grandmothers of waterbirth and "dolphinicity."

The Descent of the Child: Human Evolution From a New Perspective by Elaine Morgon(New York, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1995.)

In her much debated earlier works, Morgan has championed the controversial Aquatic Ape Theory of human evolution against the widely accepted Savannah Theory. The Descent of the Child takes her further into the fray with a provocative new argument adding new evidence to support AAT even as she explores such urgent topics as conception and infertility, the maturation of the fetus, child rearing and parental roles, overpopulation, and a woman's place in society. This fascinating book should be read by parents (both new and soon to be) as well as anyone interested in child development or human evolution. Offering a controversial theory of the evolution of human intelligence, the author of Descent of the Child argues that the infant holds the key to evolution and considers evolution from the point of view of infant development.

Fluid Beginnings,Early Infant Aquatic Education, By Basia Szpak, DEC, LMT (September 2000.)

A lovely paper back by a waterbirth mother, certified watsu instructor and therapist instructor. This book covers information on energy medicines, the three respirations and the actual work developed by Basia Szpak, herself. Informative, inspirational and great resource list in appendix.

Gentle Birth Choices: A Guide to Making Informed Decisions About Birthing Centers, Birth Attendants, Water Birth, Home Birth, Hospital Birth by Barbara Harper, RN (Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 1994.)

Believe it or not, birth resulting from a normal pregnancy needn't take place in a hospital. Harper explains why birthing centers and home births, along with other "gentle birth choices," are beneficial to both mother and baby. Harper also discusses giving birth in water and explores the connection of mind and body during labor and birth. She stresses the importance of midwives for a more natural and satisfying experience. Well illustrated with photos by acclaimed birth photographer Suzanne Arms and containing a first-rate resource section, Gentle Birth Choices provides an excellent alternative to mainstream birth books. Jo Peer-Haas

Also Available: Opciones para un parto suave

The award winning book, Gentle Birth Choices, by Barbara Harper, in a Spanish edition. Description: Excellent Spanish translation by Laser Press in Mexico City. Photographs by Suzanne Arms. Foreward by Robbie Davis-Floyd. (288 pages)

Healing Power of Birth by Rima Beth Star (Texas: Star Publishing, 1986.)

As women we are virtually concerned about the ethics, environment and future of this planet for our children. Therefore, like the Stars, the deeper we can go into ourselves and our origins, the more we can begin to enter social and cosmic realms of understanding. Rima's pioneering efforts in sharing her story will empower other mothers to come forth and explore the spiritual and healing power of birth.

Inward Journey Outward Bound, A New Paradigm for Conscious Birthing by Irv Wieder. (Published by Irv Wieder, New Mexico 1999.)

A stunning little book with profound sensitivity and respect for the preconception, prenatal, labor and birth experience. A self published work of art the simple yet exquisitely presented photographs bring back the possibility of a safer, more gentler tomorrow as a result of a softer more conscious prenatal and birth today.

There are a limited number of copies so make sure you don't miss out on this treasure of wisdom and love.

Labor Pain, A Natural Approach to Easing Delivery, By NickyWesson.

A book full of inspiring stories and useful advice ("Wild Yam: Good for Women who are Nervous") for any woman considering a more spiritually pleasing alternative to the soulless hospital delivery room. However, at times author Nicky Wesson makes claims that seem overly optimistic. Not only was her own natural labor a deeper, more satisfying experience, she says, but it was actually less painful than her "hospital births, which involved induction,epidural, laboring flat on my back, forceps, and emergency cesarean section." It is hard to imagine this is true--surely anesthesia must be good for something. Nonetheless, any woman considering home birth will want to consult Wesson's book. (Beliefnet, June 2000)

Midwifery Today Magazine, "Waterbirth Issue, Summer, 2000, Number 54," by Midwifery Today.

Numerous articles regarding the latest research on waterbirth. "The First Hospital Birthing Pool - Michel Odent," "Waterbirth Basics - Barbara Harper," "Aquadural, Douladural Replace the Epidural, " Judith Halek, "VBAC Waterbirth," and more.

Mothering Magazine, "Warm Welcome, A Water Birth Revolution,(Nov/Dec 2000)

by Shelly P. Albini. & "Aqua Baby, Birth At Home In A Tub," by Nicole Lundrigan. Two article's by mothers in Mothering Magazine, Nov/Dec 2000, No. 103. Pgs. 52-58. To order: www.mothering.com

Ocean Born: Birth as Initiation by Chris Griscom (Germany: Wilhelm Goldmann VERLAG, 1989.)

A world premiere: Chris Griscom shows the birth of her son Bapu, the world's first-ever ocean born baby. This unique experience is documented in breathtaking photographs and highly personalized texts on the subject of conception and birthing. Chris Griscom regards birth as a spiritual initiation and a gateway to our multidimensional existence.

Reclaiming The Spirituality Of Birth: Healing For Mothers And Babies, By Mauger A therapist and childbirth educator shows how connection to nature and the spiritual world can heal birth trauma and preserve the health and well-being of mothers and babies. * Encourages mothers to reconnect with nature and spirit to heal old wounds and have deeply satisfying birthexperiences. * Provides convincing evidence that prenatal and birth experiences have a lifelong effect on emotional health. Fosters a close and abiding bond between mother and child. (216 pages March 2000) by Chris Griscom (Germany: Wilhelm Goldmann VERLAG, 1989).

Water and Sexuality by Michel Odent (NY: Viking Penguin, Inc., 1990.)

As well as discovering the practical advantages of 'underwater' births, Dr. Odent began to consider the meaning and importance of water as symbol. In this book he looks at what water has meant in the past, through myths and legends, and what it means for us now: from an advertiser's tool to a metaphor for the archetypal feminine or instinctual aspects of the psyche struggling to emerge as an antidote to our technological era. He looks at water and eroticism throughout history and around the world and a the 'aquatic ape' theory. In addition there is a practical section on the use of water during birth and in therapy, particularly sex therapy.

Water Babies: A Book About Igor Tjarkovsky and His Method for Delivering and Training Children in Water by Erik Sidenbladh (NY: St. Martins Press, 1982.)

One of the first waterbirth books on the market, Water Babies presented the most constuctive and exciting approaches to childbirth and child rearing during the years it was published. A personal account of Igor Tjarkovsky, the Soviet researcher, along with his innovative method of assisting the births and training children in water. Sensational photographs of swimming and diving babies, has aroused the interest of scientist with his theories about the significance for child development of life in water.

Water Baby! A First Fun Book of Water Skills, by Lauren Heston, Photography by Zena Holloway (Element Books, Inc., MA, 1999.)

It's fun and it's good for your baby! Discover and enjoy the benefits of introducing your child to water from the earliest age. The physical benefits of this water safety program include a stronger respiratory system and improved muscle development, strength, and stamina. Introducing babies to the water at a young age helps to stimulate their awareness, making them more confident and relaxed in everyday life. At the same time, learning water skills together will help you and your baby to develop your own special bond. Water Baby shows you how to introduce your baby to water, safely and confidently. This water safety program takes you through all the steps, from wetting baby's head in the bath and the first underwater swim to vital life-saving skills. As a parent, you will be secure in the knowledge that you are helping your baby to learn the water safety skills that he or she will need for life.

Water Birth, The Concise Guide To Using Water During Pregnancy Birth and Infancy by Janet Balaskas & Yehudi Gordon (UK: Unwin Hyman Ltd., 1990.)

This book is written for expectant parents and their birth attendants. It was one of the first books to give comprehensive and practical information on the use of water throughout pregnancy, birth and during infancy. Water Birth is straightforward and dtailed, yet reassuring and supportive. A companion volume to this book is, New Active Birth, it provides encouragement and all the necessary advice for parents contemplating a waterbirth and the midwives who will attend them in labor.

Water Birth Unplugged: Proceedings of the First International Water Birth Conference by Beverley A. Lawrence Beech (UK: Books for Midwives Press, 1996.)

This softcover book reports on the proceedings from the April 1995 conference featuring the third symposium to examine the methods and advantages of water births. The 23 presentations consider the experiences of doctors and midwives, including case records and data, detailing the physiology of water birth, family birthing, technology and childbirth, the roles of midwife and obstetrician in water birth, international reports from Australia, Denmark, and Italy, and topics in safety and public information.