
When I became pregnant with my first child, a desire awakened within me to protect them by having only the best for them. I knew nothing about pregnancy, birth, or mothering. I remember going on Amazon and ordering the top few books on birthing and mothering, with a wide variety of perspectives, from Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth and What To Expect When You’re Expecting (do NOT recommend). Thankfully, I was drawn to Ina May’s book first, followed by Mama Natural’s Guide to Pregnancy and Birth, and my holistic, naturally minded journey begin. I begin to clean up every area of my life in preparation for raising a child. I desired to give them a strong, healthy foundation starting from pregnancy. I’ve discovered many exceptional resources since then and they’ve helped me mother confidently. I hope you find these resources helpful too.
We are going to cover:
- Pregnancy & Birth
- Postpartum
- Baby Care
Keep in mind, I don’t always resonate with every aspect of every resource. I encourage you to use your own discernment—take what serves you and leave the rest.
Pregnancy & Birth
Books
Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Dr. Sarah Buckley offers a detailed look at the hormonal physiology of birth, advocating for minimal intervention to support a woman’s innate birthing wisdom. It also explores attachment-based parenting practices like breastfeeding and co-sleeping, encouraging women to trust their intuition and make informed, holistic choices for birth and mothering.
The Basic Needs of a Woman In Labor by Ruth Ehrhardt is a concise (32 pages) yet impactful guide that emphasizes the fundamental requirements for a woman to labor effectively and safely. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Michel Odent’s work, the book highlights the importance of a calm, private, and supportive environment that fosters the natural release of oxytocin, the hormone crucial for labor progression. Ehrhardt addresses how environmental factors and caregiver behaviors can significantly influence the birthing process, advocating for minimal intervention to allow the physiological processes of childbirth to unfold naturally.
Reframing Pregnancy & Birth Quick Theology Ebook by Phylicia Masonheimer is a 54-page digital booklet that examines biblical perspectives on pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. It aims to help Christian women reshape their views on these topics in alignment with God’s love. Available for $3.00, this resource is part of the “Quick Theology” series offered by Every Woman a Theologian.
Holy Labor: How Childbirth Shapes a Woman’s Soul by Aubry G. Smith explores the spiritual and theological dimensions of childbirth, illustrating how this uniquely feminine experience reflects God’s creative power and deepens a woman’s understanding of the gospel. Drawing from her personal experiences as a mother, childbirth educator, and doula, Smith examines biblical narratives and metaphors related to birth, encouraging expectant mothers to approach childbirth with wisdom, grace, and joy. The book addresses common misconceptions about pregnancy and labor, offering a scriptural perspective that emphasizes the transformative potential of childbirth in shaping a woman’s soul.
Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols is a comprehensive guide that challenges conventional prenatal nutrition advice by advocating for a nutrient-dense, whole-foods diet to support optimal maternal and fetal health. Grounded in extensive scientific research with over 900 citations, the book addresses key nutrients essential during pregnancy, critiques outdated dietary guidelines, and offers practical meal planning strategies. Nichols also explores lifestyle factors such as exercise, stress management, and toxin avoidance, providing a holistic approach to prenatal well-being.
Check out Lily’s books for nutritional guidance on gestational diabetes here and twin pregnancy here.
Freebirth by Sarah Schmid is a comprehensive guide that empowers women to take control of their childbirth experience by choosing to give birth without medical assistance. The book provides essential childbirth education, practical advice, and addresses common concerns to help women make informed decisions about freebirthing. It also includes personal stories from over 30 mothers who have experienced planned and unplanned freebirths, offering diverse perspectives and insights.
Portal by Yolande Norris-Clarke by Yolande Norris-Clark challenges conventional perceptions of childbirth. Drawing from her personal journey, Norris-Clark delves into the spiritual, psychological, and physiological aspects of birthing. She advocates for embracing childbirth as a joyful and transcendent event, emphasizing the potential for pain-free and ecstatic experiences through surrender and trust in the body’s innate wisdom. The book also addresses societal and intergenerational factors contributing to fear and trauma in childbirth, offering insights into overcoming these challenges to achieve empowering birth experiences.
Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth by renowned midwife Ina May Gaskin is a comprehensive resource that empowers women to trust in their bodies and embrace the natural process of childbirth. The book covers topics such as the mind-body connection, pain management without drugs, the role of touch and massage, and the importance of a supportive birthing environment, and includes inspiring birth stories. Ina May does a good job, in my opinion, of explaining the physiological process of birth and what it entails- physically and psychologically. A word of caution- some of Ina May’s stories include unnecessary physical contact by her, such as perineal massage, which isn’t essential for birth.
Home Birth On Your Own Terms by Heather Baker is a comprehensive guide for those considering unassisted home birth. Drawing on her extensive experience as a midwife since 1996, Baker provides detailed information on clinical prenatal care, labor management, emergency procedures, and postpartum support. The book also includes unassisted birth stories and emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making and self-education in the birthing process.
Faith-Filled Childbirth: A Christian Approach to Hypnobirthing by Tara Menzies blends evidence-based hypnobirthing techniques with Christian faith to support expectant mothers through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. The book addresses how fear can increase pain during childbirth and offers practical tools—such as relaxation exercises, scripture-based affirmations, and prayer—to help women cultivate peace and confidence in God’s design for birth. Suitable for various birth plans, including home, hospital, or cesarean deliveries, it empowers women to make informed decisions and embrace a spiritually grounded birthing experience.
Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun S. Weed offers natural remedies for pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and newborn care. The book emphasizes the use of accessible herbs to address common pregnancy-related issues such as hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, morning sickness, anemia, muscle cramps, bladder infections, and preeclampsia. It also provides guidance on herbs that can aid in labor and delivery, as well as postpartum recovery for both mother and infant.
Birth Reborn by Dr. Michel Odent presents a powerful case for physiological, instinct-led childbirth, grounded in his experience at the Pithiviers Maternity Clinic in France. The book emphasizes creating an undisturbed, supportive environment that honors the innate wisdom of women’s bodies in labor. It includes striking photographs of real, undisturbed births, offering visual insight into the beauty and power of physiological birth. Odent challenges the medicalization of birth and invites readers to reimagine it as a primal, transformative experience.
Holistic Hypnobirthing by Anthonissa Moger integrates hypnobirthing techniques with holistic practices to support a calm and empowered birth experience. Moger offers trimester-by-trimester guidance, incorporating deep relaxation, meditation, visualization, breathwork, aromatherapy, yoga, and partner exercises to foster physical and emotional well-being throughout pregnancy and labor. The book aims to demystify hypnobirthing, making it accessible to all expectant mothers, regardless of their birth plan, and emphasizes creating a safe, connected space for both mother and baby.
Labor Inductions: In Your Own Time by Dr. Sara Wickham critically examines the rising rates of labor inductions in Western medicine, questioning their necessity and exploring their implications for maternal and infant health. Dr. Wickham delves into factors influencing induction decisions, such as estimated due dates, maternal age, and perceived fetal size, highlighting discrepancies between medical guidelines and available evidence. She emphasizes the benefits of allowing spontaneous labor to commence naturally, presenting research that challenges the routine use of induction. The book also addresses the importance of informed decision-making, encouraging women to understand the evidence and implications surrounding labor induction to make choices that align with their personal circumstances and health.
Rh Negative Women: Anti-D Explained by Dr. Sara Wickham provides an in-depth analysis of Anti-D immunoglobulin, commonly known as RhoGAM, administered to Rh-negative pregnant women to prevent Rh sensitization in future pregnancies. Dr. Wickham explores the historical development, efficacy, and potential risks associated with Anti-D administration. She critically examines existing research, highlighting areas where evidence is limited or inconclusive, and discusses the broader implications of routine Anti-D use during pregnancy.
GBS: Group B Strep Explained by Dr. Sara Wickham provides a comprehensive examination of Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a common bacterium that, while typically harmless, can occasionally cause serious infections in newborns. The book delves into the complexities surrounding GBS screening and prophylactic measures during pregnancy, particularly the administration of intravenous antibiotics during labor. Dr. Wickham discusses various perspectives on GBS, evaluates the effectiveness of different screening and treatment options, and addresses common questions from expectant parents.
Heart & Hands by Elizabeth Davis and Holistic Midwifery textbooks by Anne Frye are foundational midwifery textbooks that offer in-depth, woman-centered knowledge of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Heart & Hands is a short, comprehensive textbook that blends practical midwifery skills with emotional and spiritual support, making it accessible and empowering for both aspiring birth workers and expectant mothers. Anne Frye’s Holistic Midwifery offers a comprehensive, physiology-based understanding of the female body and the childbearing process, rooted in holistic, non-interventive care. For women choosing to birth outside the medical system, these books provide the tools, confidence, and clarity to make informed decisions and reconnect with their innate capacity to give birth.
Additional books:
- The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth by Genevieve Howland
- The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
- The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
- The Business of Baby by Jennifer Margulis
- Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon

Podcasts
Holy Wild Birth Podcast is a Christian podcast hosted by traditional midwife Lauren Hall and birth keeper Brooke Collier, dedicated to reclaiming childbirth as a sacred, Spirit-led experience aligned with God’s design. The show features unassisted and home birth stories, theological reflections, and holistic discussions on pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, all rooted in faith and autonomy. It’s ideal for Christian mothers and birth workers seeking to embrace physiological birth outside the conventional medical system.
Freebirth with Jesus is a faith-based podcast hosted by Alison and Nadia, sharing powerful stories of unassisted birth anchored in trust in God. Each episode highlights how women walk in obedience, surrender, and spiritual authority through the raw and sacred experience of freebirth. Centered on Jesus and the Holy Spirit, the podcast offers testimonies that challenge cultural norms and invite women to birth boldly with divine guidance. It’s a space for those seeking truth, courage, and holy reverence in the birth journey.
Free Birth Society Podcast, hosted by Emilee Saldaya, explores radical, sovereign birth outside the medical system, focusing on freebirth, undisturbed birth, and bodily autonomy. Through interviews, personal stories, and commentary, Emilee shares insights into unassisted birth, deprogramming from industrialized maternity care, and reclaiming feminine power and intuition in the birth space. The podcast is both a resource and a movement for women seeking to birth on their own terms.
Birthing Instincts Podcast, hosted by Dr. Stuart Fischbein and midwife Blyss Young, offers a weekly exploration into instinctual, evidence-based, and woman-centered birth practices. With over 55 years of combined experience, they discuss topics ranging from breech and twin births to informed consent and the impact of medical interventions, blending clinical insight with humor and compassion. The show features expert interviews, birth stories, and critical discussions on maternity care, aiming to empower families and birth workers to trust physiological birth and challenge conventional norms.
Taking Back Birth and Indie Birth Podcast Archives is a podcast hosted by Maryn Green, a mother of ten and co-founder of the Indie Birth Association. The show delves into radical birth topics, including unassisted birth, physiological labor, midwifery, and the spiritual dimensions of motherhood. Green shares personal insights and challenges mainstream medical narratives, advocating for autonomy and informed decision-making in childbirth.
Birth Like A Mammal Podcast, hosted by Lindsay Askins, offers conversations on pregnancy, birth, and motherhood from a mammalian perspective. Drawing on her background in animal science and over a decade of experience as a doula, Lindsay emphasizes aligning birth practices with mammalian biology to support natural, undisturbed birthing experiences. The podcast features interviews with birth professionals, mothers, and experts, discussing topics such as birth trauma, the role of doulas, and the importance of environment in childbirth.
Happy Homebirth Podcast, hosted by Katelyn Fusco, is a weekly show dedicated to celebrating and supporting homebirth mothers. It features authentic birth stories, expert interviews, and educational content that empower women to approach childbirth with confidence and joy. While the podcast maintains an upbeat and encouraging tone, it also addresses the raw and challenging aspects of birth, offering a balanced perspective. With over 260 episodes, Happy Homebirth serves as a valuable resource for expectant mothers, birth professionals, and anyone interested in natural childbirth.
Down To Birth Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Cynthia Overgard, a HypnoBirthing educator, and Trisha Ludwig, a Certified Nurse-Midwife and lactation consultant. Together, they provide evidence-based discussions on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, emphasizing that “a healthy mom and baby isn’t all that matters”. The podcast features birth stories, expert interviews, and monthly Q&A episodes, aiming to empower women to make informed decisions throughout their childbirth journey.
Born Wild Podcast, hosted by midwives Sophia Henderson and Lea Ritter, offers candid conversations on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, emphasizing autonomy, intuition, and the sacredness of the birthing process. Episodes delve into topics like breech and unassisted births, placenta care, pelvic floor health, and spiritual midwifery, featuring personal stories and expert insights. The podcast fosters a reflective space for birth workers and mothers to explore what it means to “remember what it means to be born wild.”
At Home With Kelly + Tiffany is a podcast hosted by homebirth midwives Kelly and Tiffany, focusing on holistic women’s health, pregnancy, and birth. The show offers candid discussions on topics like informed consent, natural remedies, and physiological birth, aiming to empower women to make confident health choices.
The Village Sessions Podcast, hosted by Michale Chatham, Kori Meloy, and Molly Peralta, focuses on women’s health, particularly around pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. The podcast highlights the importance of holistic care, women’s health empowerment, and the collective support systems necessary to foster a healthy, balanced experience during these life stages. It offers insights into how women can thrive with community-based support and practices that nurture physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Websites
drbrewerpregnancydiet.com focuses on providing optimal nutrition during pregnancy by emphasizing high protein intake, balanced calories, and proper hydration. The diet encourages whole foods like lean meats, dairy, eggs, and vegetables, while promoting adequate salt and fluid intake. Dr. Brewer’s approach aims to reduce pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and preterm births by supporting both maternal and fetal health.Valuable free resource for learning how and what to eat to prevent pre-eclampsia, hypertension, hemorrhage, etc. Learn how to support a regular pregnancy, a multiples pregnancy, and a pregnancy while breastfeeding. The Dr. Brewer pregnancy diet is well paired with Lily Nichol’s book Real Food For Pregnancy and Sally Fallon’s book Nourishing Traditions.
Christian Hypnobirthing App is a faith-based mobile app designed to support expectant mothers through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with spiritual encouragement and relaxation techniques. Created by Tara Menzies, the app combines traditional hypnobirthing methods with Christian elements, offering over an hour of audio content, including breathing and visualization exercises, positive affirmations, prayers, and scriptures tailored for childbirth.
Sarawickham.com is a researcher, educator, and bestselling author specializing in evidence-based pregnancy and birth information. With over three decades of experience as a midwife and academic, she offers a wealth of resources—including articles, books, and online courses—aimed at empowering families and birth professionals to make informed decisions. Her work covers a wide array of topics, from induction of labor and vitamin K to plus-size pregnancy and post-term birth. Dr. Wickham’s approach emphasizes critical thinking and informed consent, providing a balanced perspective on various birth-related issues.
Sarahbuckley.com, by Dr. Sarah Buckley’s, offers a wealth of evidence-based resources on natural childbirth, maternal health, and early parenting. As a medical doctor with qualifications in obstetrics and family planning, she provides insightful articles, her acclaimed book Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering, and the comprehensive report Hormonal Physiology of Childbearing.Her work emphasizes the importance of understanding the hormonal processes of labor and birth, advocating for minimal intervention to support optimal outcomes for both mother and baby.
Rachelreed.website is a comprehensive resource by Dr. Rachel Reed for evidence-based information on childbirth, midwifery practice, and women’s rights. As an author, educator, and researcher, Dr. Reed offers a range of materials, including her books Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage and Why Induction Matters, as well as online courses, blog posts, journal articles, and podcast episodes. Her work emphasizes the physiological aspects of labor, the importance of informed consent, and the need for respectful, individualized care in maternity services.
Sisterbirth.com is a Christian-centered platform founded by Brooke Collier, offering resources for women seeking holistic, autonomous home births. The site includes online courses, workshops, and a supportive community designed to guide women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with faith and confidence. Key offerings include courses on birth preparation, labor pain management, and trust in the birth process. It also provides free resources like birth supply lists and postpartum planning sheets.
Wellwomanhood.com is a holistic wellness platform founded by homebirth doula and childbirth educator Arianna Tomak, focusing on natural living, physiological birth, and intentional motherhood. The website offers resources such as homebirth support, community gatherings, and educational guides on topics like clean living, postpartum care, and nontoxic health practices. Arianna shares personal experiences and insights to empower women in embracing nourished living and making informed health choices.
- Pregnancy Essentials Guide
- Homebirth and Postpartum Supplies List
- Pregnancy and Birth Affirmations available for purchase here
For Rh- Women: Rhogam Rebellion Facebook Group is a Facebook group that serves as a platform for individuals questioning or opposing the administration of the RhoGAM shot during pregnancy. Members share personal experiences, research, and alternative viewpoints regarding the use of RhoGAM, a medication typically given to Rh-negative pregnant individuals to prevent Rh incompatibility. Discussions within the group often center around concerns about vaccine ingredients, potential side effects, and the desire for more natural birth practices.

Courses & Programs
Embrace Birth Journey is a comprehensive, Christian-centered online course offered by Sister Birth, designed to guide women through pregnancy, home birth, and postpartum with faith and confidence. Created by Brooke Collier, a seasoned homebirth mother and birth worker, the program combines educational content, spiritual support, and practical resources to prepare women for a transformative birth experience. The course includes modules on holistic prenatal care, labor navigation, postpartum planning, and faith-based practices, along with access to a supportive community of like-minded women.
Beautiful One Midwifery Childbirth Education Course is a comprehensive, midwife-led program designed to empower women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Created by homebirth midwives Kelly and Tiffany, the course emphasizes informed choice, physiological birth, and holistic preparation. It is structured around four pillars—Aware, Consent, Prepare, and Prevent—offering trimester-specific modules, practical tools, and strategies for advocating within the medical system.
Use code WELLWOMANHOOD for 10% off the course.
Faith-Filled Childbirth Course by Christian Hypnobirthing combines evidence-based hypnobirthing techniques with biblical truth, prayer, and faith-based affirmations to support a peaceful, empowered birth. Created by Tara Menzies, the course includes over four hours of education on the physiology of birth, mindset tools, decision-making, and postpartum care. It features expert interviews on breastfeeding and maternal mental health, along with bonus access to the Christian Hypnobirthing app and printable affirmations. This course is designed for Christian women seeking to approach birth with confidence, trust, and spiritual grounding. In my opinion, it is a great course for those striving for an unmedicated birth in the hospital.
Use code ARIANNA for 20% off the course on eligible offers.
Built to Birth Course, created by Lamaze-certified childbirth educator and doula Bridget Teyler, offers a comprehensive, evidence-based program designed to empower expectant parents through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. It covers topics such as labor preparation, relaxation techniques, and informed decision-making, aiming to help parents feel confident and in control during their birth experience.
Body Ready Method: Body Ready Method® offers comprehensive programs designed to support women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. Their offerings include prenatal exercise routines to alleviate discomfort and prepare the body for childbirth, birth preparation techniques to facilitate safer and more efficient deliveries, and postpartum recovery plans to promote healing and restore strength.
Use code dcJw1205 for $10 off. The coupon code below ONLY works for BRM® programs. It will not work for workshops, events, or trainings.

Postpartum
Books
After The Baby’s Birth: A Complete Guide For Postpartum Women by Robin Lim is a nurturing, practical, and spiritual guide that addresses the emotional, physical, and cultural dimensions of postpartum recovery. Drawing on traditional wisdom and modern knowledge, Lim offers support for rest, nutrition, relationships, and self-care in the crucial weeks after birth. She emphasizes the importance of community and honoring the mother’s transformation, encouraging a gentle, holistic approach to healing. This book is especially valuable for mothers, partners, birth workers, and anyone supporting a new mother.
Natural Health After Birth: The Complete Guide To Postpartum Wellness by Aviva Jill Romm offers a holistic approach to postpartum care, focusing on the mother’s healing and well-being during the first year after birth. With a strong foundation in herbal medicine and midwifery, Romm shares nourishing recipes, natural remedies, and self-care practices to address hormonal shifts, emotional changes, and physical recovery. The book encourages mothers to prioritize their health and embrace this transitional time with intention. It’s a supportive guide for those seeking gentle, nature-based postpartum care.
The First Forty Days by Heng Ou offers a nourishing guide to postpartum healing inspired by the traditional Chinese practice of zuo yuezi, or “sitting the month.” It emphasizes rest, warmth, and nutrient-dense food during the first six weeks after birth, with over 60 healing recipes. The book also explores emotional wellness, relationship shifts, and the importance of support in early motherhood. It’s a gentle, grounding resource for honoring the transition into new motherhood with intention and care.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, and Teresa Pitman is a comprehensive guide rooted in La Leche League International’s philosophy, offering practical advice and emotional support for breastfeeding mothers. It covers topics from latching techniques and milk supply to nursing multiples and returning to work, emphasizing baby-led feeding and the natural bond between mother and child. The book also addresses common challenges, providing troubleshooting tips and encouraging mothers to trust their instincts. With personal anecdotes and updated information, it serves as both a reference and a source of encouragement throughout the breastfeeding journey.
Ina May’s Guide To Breastfeeding by Ina May Gaskin offers a compassionate and comprehensive approach to breastfeeding, blending practical advice with empowering insights. Drawing on decades of experience, Gaskin addresses topics such as nursing challenges, pumping, co-sleeping, and weaning, while also exploring the emotional and cultural aspects of breastfeeding. The book includes real-life stories and medical facts to help mothers understand how and why breastfeeding works, aiming to make the experience joyful and fulfilling for both mother and baby.
Breastfeeding Made Simple by Nancy Mohrbacher and Kathleen Kendall-Tackett is a comprehensive guide that demystifies breastfeeding by introducing seven foundational principles. These “natural laws”—such as skin-to-skin contact, baby-led feeding, and understanding cluster nursing—help mothers navigate challenges like low milk supply, latch issues, and weaning difficulties. The book combines evidence-based strategies with relatable anecdotes, making it both informative and accessible.
Breastfeeding Your Baby by Sheila Kitzinger is a practical, pictorial guide designed to support new mothers in their breastfeeding journey. The book covers various aspects of breastfeeding, including milk production, understanding your baby’s cues, and addressing special needs, aiming to provide knowledge, encouragement, and self-confidence to mothers. It features diagrams and 200 photographs to visually guide readers through the process.
Podcasts
See podcast recommendations from the Pregnancy and Birth section above. Most contain episodes on postpartum care.
Websites
Llli.org, La Leche League International, is a global nonprofit organization founded in 1956 to support and promote breastfeeding through peer-to-peer education and encouragement. With accredited Leaders in over 80 countries, LLLI offers free resources, local and virtual support groups, and evidence-based information to help parents navigate breastfeeding and human milk feeding. Their mission is to empower families by fostering confidence and community in the breastfeeding journey.
INNATE Postpartum Care Directory: The INNATE Postpartum Care Practitioners Directory is an online resource provided by Innate Traditions, offering a network of certified professionals who specialize in holistic, mother-centered postpartum care. These practitioners are trained to support families through the postpartum period with services that honor physiological healing, emotional well-being, and ancestral traditions.

Baby Care
Books
The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby & Child Care by Sally Fallon Morell and Thomas S. Cowan offers a comprehensive guide to nurturing children through traditional nutrition and holistic health practices. Grounded in the principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation, the book emphasizes the importance of nutrient-dense diets starting from preconception through early childhood, advocating for foods like grass-fed animal products and organ meats. Beyond nutrition, the authors address topics such as natural approaches to common childhood illnesses, informed perspectives on vaccinations, and the significance of unstructured play for a child’s spiritual and emotional development . The book integrates modern scientific insights with ancestral wisdom, providing parents with a well-referenced resource for raising healthy, resilient children .
Safe Infant Sleep by James McKenna by Dr. James J. McKenna is a comprehensive guide that explores the science and cultural practices of infant sleep, with a particular focus on cosleeping. Drawing from his extensive research at the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory, McKenna introduces the concept of “breastsleeping,” which highlights the natural synergy between breastfeeding and bedsharing when practiced safely. The book provides evidence-based guidelines to help parents make informed decisions about sleep arrangements, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing that safe cosleeping can be a beneficial choice for many families.
How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor by Dr. Robert S. Mendelsohn is a classic guide that empowers parents to take a proactive role in their children’s health care. Drawing from his experience as a pediatrician, Mendelsohn critiques the medical system’s tendency toward over-treatment and encourages parents to trust their instincts and handle common childhood illnesses at home when appropriate. The book offers practical advice on topics such as colds, flus, ear infections, and allergies, providing step-by-step instructions for home treatment and clear guidelines on when professional medical attention is necessary. While some of its content reflects the era in which it was written, the book remains a valuable resource for parents seeking to make informed decisions about their children’s health care.
Websites
3littleplums.com is a platform founded by environmental toxin expert Aida Garcia-Toledo, dedicated to simplifying non-toxic living for modern families. Formerly known as Non-Toxic Munchkin, the site offers a wealth of resources, including blog posts categorized by age groups, specific toxins, health effects, and areas of the home, making it easier for users to find relevant information. The platform emphasizes a philosophy of taking small, manageable steps to create a healthier, low-toxicity lifestyle.
Ontrackbaby.com is an online platform founded by pediatric occupational therapists Carrie and Jenny, designed to empower new parents with evidence-based guidance for their baby’s development. Their signature program, the NOEL Method, offers a step-by-step approach for the first 12 weeks of a newborn’s life, emphasizing natural developmental practices and minimizing reliance on conventional baby gear . The platform also features curated recommendations for non-toxic, developmentally supportive baby products, aligning with their philosophy of fostering a nurturing environment for infants.
Solidstarts.com is a comprehensive resource designed to guide parents through the process of introducing solid foods to their babies, with a particular emphasis on baby-led weaning (BLW). The platform offers an extensive First Foods® database, detailing how to safely prepare and serve over 400 foods based on a child’s age and developmental stage, including information on nutrition, choking hazards, and allergen considerations . Additionally, Solid Starts provides a wealth of articles and guides on topics such as readiness for solids, methods of introducing foods, and strategies to minimize the risk of choking.
Milestonesandmotherhood.com is an educational platform created by Dr. KC Rickerd, a pediatric physical therapist and mother of three, dedicated to supporting parents in understanding and guiding their child’s motor development from birth to age three. The site offers evidence-based resources, including blog posts, masterclasses, and product recommendations, focusing on key milestones such as tummy time, rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking. Dr. Rickerd emphasizes a proactive approach, aiming to empower parents with the knowledge and tools needed to support their child’s developmental journey confidently.
Taylorkulik.com: Taylor Kulik is an occupational therapist turned holistic sleep consultant who supports families seeking gentle, attachment-based alternatives to mainstream sleep training. Her approach honors biologically normal infant sleep and empowers parents to trust their instincts while fostering secure connections with their children. Through online courses, 1:1 consultations, and free resources, Taylor guides parents in navigating infant and toddler sleep challenges without compromising their values.Her work also encompasses non-toxic living, homeschooling, and responsive parenting practices.
Circumcision: Yourwholebaby.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing evidence-based education on foreskin care and the risks associated with infant circumcision. Their mission is to empower parents, healthcare providers, and advocates to make informed decisions, promoting bodily autonomy and the rights of children to remain intact. The organization offers a wealth of resources, including guidance on intact penis care, support for those affected by circumcision, and materials for advocacy efforts. By fostering informed choices, Your Whole Baby aims to end non-consensual infant genital cutting.
Circumcision: Wholechristian.org is a faith-based platform dedicated to providing research-based information on intact care, development, and circumcision from a Biblical standpoint. The site offers resources such as scripture references, personal testimonies, and educational materials to support Christian families in making informed decisions about circumcision. It emphasizes the belief that each child is perfectly created by God, encouraging parents to consider the spiritual and physical implications of circumcision.

Courses & Programs
INNATE Physiologic Baby Care Course is a six-week online program designed to reconnect caregivers with the innate wisdom of infant development. Led by traditional midwife Rachelle Garcia Seliga, the course emphasizes aligning with the natural physiological design of babies, fostering lifelong health and vitality. Participants explore topics such as the mother-baby dyad, co-regulation, family culture, and the emotional needs of infants, aiming to build confidence in caregiving rooted in ancestral knowledge.
Oral Ties: Midline Revolution course (and this podcast episode): offers a holistic, ancestral approach to understanding and addressing lip and tongue ties in infants. Their course bridges ancient wisdom with modern insights, focusing on breastfeeding, craniofacial development, and nervous system regulation. Led by professionals in chiropractic care, craniosacral therapy, and lactation consulting, the program emphasizes community, embodiment, and sustainable healing practices. It’s designed for parents and practitioners seeking alternatives to conventional surgical interventions, promoting informed, whole-body care.
VACCINES
The Ultimate Vaccine Resource Guide
Community
Feeling lonely on your natural living journey?When you join Holy Holistic Sisterhood, you’re not just entering a community of naturally minded Christian moms—you’re gaining access to a growing library of holistic resources to guide you from pregnancy through parenting. Whether you’re learning about physiological birth, gentle postpartum healing, breastfeeding, or conscious mothering, you’ll never have to feel unsupported, overwhelmed, or alone. This is your space to feel held, informed, and empowered every step of the way. Join a community of likeminded women here.
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