One of the most important aspects of taking responsibility for your birth is also taking responsibility for research and decision-making in your pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting. No longer is anyone making decisions for you, but instead, you are the investigator, the researcher, the expert. This doesn’t mean that you have to find all the answers on your own, but it does mean that you aren’t blindly trusting someone to make all the decisions for you and your children.
With so much conflicting information online, it may be difficult to find holistic, balanced experienced resources. In this guide, I’ve put together some of my favorite resources that can help you on your informed decision-making journey. I also encourage you to consult with God and with your intuition when considering your options—they are foundational, not secondary.
And always remember: you can say no. You can say “I am taking more time” before deciding. You can say “I’m going to get second, third, and fourth opinions”. You can always fire a provider who uses pressure, fear, disrespect, or coercion. You ALWAYS have bodily autonomy. No one can make you do anything. You are worthy of being surrounded by compassionate, kind, respectful individuals. YOU are the expert of yourself and your baby.
The following links are not listed in order of importance:
Midwife Archives: The Midwife Archives is a long-standing collection of writings and discussions compiled by midwives, parents, and birth advocates over several decades. It covers a vast range of topics, from interventions and complications to birth stories, informed consent, and the philosophy of midwifery, making it both practical and thought-provoking. While the site is older in format, its depth and perspective make it a treasure trove for parents who want to explore beyond mainstream information and see how midwives and families have engaged with birth in real-life contexts.
Anne Frye’s Textbooks: This online store offers Anne Frye’s comprehensive midwifery textbooks, including Holistic Midwifery Volumes I & II and Understanding Diagnostic Tests in the Childbearing Year. These resources are invaluable for parents seeking in-depth knowledge about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Frye’s work is renowned for its thoroughness and clarity, making complex topics accessible and empowering for those who wish to understand the physiological and emotional aspects of childbirth.
Birthing Instincts Podcast: Hosted by Dr. Stuart Fischbein, an experienced obstetrician, and Blyss Young, a licensed midwife, this podcast offers a candid and evidence-based exploration of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum topics. With over 55 years of combined experience, they delve into subjects like VBAC, breech births, and the realities of modern obstetrics, providing listeners with a balanced perspective that honors both medical expertise and midwifery wisdom. Their engaging discussions aim to empower parents with knowledge, fostering informed decision-making and a deeper understanding of the birthing process.
Dr. Sara Wickham’s Blog and Books: Dr. Sara Wickham is a respected midwifery researcher and author known for her evidence-based approach to childbirth topics. Her website offers a wealth of accessible, well-researched articles on subjects ranging from induction and home birth to vitamin K and placental birth. Each piece is thoughtfully written, providing balanced perspectives that empower parents to make informed decisions. Her books, such as In Your Own Time and Plus Size Pregnancy, delve deeper into these topics, offering comprehensive insights and practical guidance. Whether you’re seeking to understand medical interventions or explore alternative birth options, Dr. Wickham’s work serves as a valuable resource for parents navigating their childbirth journey.
The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast: Hosted by Dr. Melanie Jackson, an experienced midwife and researcher, this podcast offers evidence-based insights into pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Dr. Jackson delves into topics such as epidurals, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), and the physiological aspects of childbirth, providing listeners with practical strategies and information to make informed decisions about their maternity care. Each episode is backed by research and includes resources to support the discussions, making it a valuable tool for parents seeking to navigate their birth journey with confidence.
Dr. Sarah Buckley: Dr. Sarah Buckley is a medical doctor and author renowned for her evidence-based approach to childbirth. Her website offers a wealth of resources, including her best-selling book Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering, which provides insights into the science and wisdom of gentle choices in pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Additionally, her comprehensive report, Hormonal Physiology of Childbearing, delves into the hormonal processes during labor and birth, highlighting the importance of supporting these natural processes for optimal outcomes.
Midwifery Today: Midwifery Today is a longstanding and respected resource for midwives, birth professionals, and parents seeking evidence-based information on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Through its comprehensive magazine, online articles, and international conferences, it offers a wealth of knowledge on topics such as physiological birth, homebirth, breastfeeding, and global midwifery practices. The platform features contributions from a diverse range of professionals, including midwives, doulas, and medical experts, providing a holistic perspective on maternity care.
Dr. Rachel Reed: Dr. Rachel Reed is an experienced midwife, educator, and researcher specializing in childbirth physiology, care provider practices, and women’s rights. Her website offers a wealth of evidence-based resources, including her acclaimed books Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage and Why Induction Matters, which delve into the physiological, cultural, and emotional aspects of childbirth. Through her blog, journal articles, and online courses, Dr. Reed provides in-depth analyses and practical insights, empowering parents and professionals to make informed decisions and advocate for respectful, woman-centered care.
Evidence Based Birth: Founded by Dr. Rebecca Dekker, Evidence Based Birth is dedicated to making high-quality, peer-reviewed research accessible to birthing families and professionals. The blog features a diverse array of articles, including in-depth Signature Articles on topics like induction, cesarean birth, and perineal care, as well as timely discussions on current trends and practices in maternity care. Each post is meticulously researched and presented in an easy-to-understand format, empowering readers to make informed decisions about their birth experiences.
Mama Natural: Mama Natural is a comprehensive resource for parents seeking evidence-based, natural approaches to pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting. Created by Genevieve Howland, the platform offers a wealth of information, including the popular Natural Pregnancy Week by Week series, which provides detailed insights into each stage of pregnancy from a natural perspective. The site also features a variety of articles on topics such as baby care, breastfeeding, and natural living, all reviewed by Certified Nurse Midwives.
KellyMom: KellyMom.com is a trusted resource for evidence-based information on breastfeeding and parenting, created by Kelly Bonyata, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). The website offers a comprehensive collection of articles covering topics such as breastfeeding techniques, infant nutrition, pumping, and common concerns like nipple pain and low milk supply. Each article is thoroughly researched and provides practical advice, making it an invaluable tool for parents seeking to navigate the challenges of early parenting.
Pubmed: PubMed is a free, publicly accessible database maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, offering over 39 million citations and abstracts from biomedical and life sciences literature. While it doesn’t provide full-text articles, it often links to the complete text when available through PubMed Central or publisher websites. PubMed is an invaluable tool for parents and professionals seeking to explore peer-reviewed research on topics like pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum care. Its advanced search features, including filters for publication date, article type, and language, enable users to find specific, high-quality studies to inform their decisions
Google Scholar: Google Scholar is a freely accessible web search engine that indexes the full text or metadata of scholarly literature across various formats and disciplines, including journal articles, theses, books, preprints, abstracts, technical reports, and court opinions. Google Scholar provides a convenient platform for users to locate academic resources, explore related works, and access full-text documents through library links or publisher websites. While it offers a comprehensive database, be aware that access to full-text articles may require subscriptions or institutional access.
I hope these are helpful starting points for your research. Other resources that may be helpful is asking likeminded women for their experiences and also reaching out to knowledgeable birth workers for their insight.
Looking for more resources? Check out my other resources guides here.