Many sources of information are available as you are forming your family. Here are a few of our favorites:

Books:

The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and Other Labor Companions. 3rd edition. Penny Simkin. Harvard Common Press, 2008. ISBN 9781558323575

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide. Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, and Ann Keppler. Simon & Schuster, 2001. ISBN 0881664006

When Survivors Give Birth: Understanding and Healing the Effects of Early Sexual Abuse on Childbearing Women. Penny Simkin and Phyllis Klaus. Classic Day, 2004. ISBN 1594040222

Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth. The Boston Women's Health Book Collective. Touchstone Book, 2008. ISBN 9780743274869

The Official Lamaze Guide: Giving Birth With Confidence. Judith Lothian. Meadowbrook Press, 2005. ISBN 088166474X

The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth. Marshall H. Klaus, John H. Kennell, and Phyllis H. Klaus. Perseus Pub., 2002. ISBN 0738206091.

Web Sites:

American College of Nurse-Midwives, "My Midwife"
Site for consumers sponsored by the professional organization of nurse-midwives. Information about midwifery, care during pregnancy, general women's health, and parenting. Pregnancy advice about pain during labor, testing in pregnancy, and more.

Childbirth Connection
"Evidence-based information and resources on planning for pregnancy, labor and birth, and the postpartum period." Consumer-friendly.

DONA
Information about doulas for labor, delivery, and postpartum from the international certifying body.

Iowa City Doulas
An online resource for pregnant women in the Iowa City/Coralville/North Liberty area. "Iowa City Doulas is a group of doulas committed to providing women in our community with excellent prenatal and labor support." Good source of information on out-of-hospital childbirth education classes.

Lamaze
"Lamaze is a nonprofit organization that promotes a natural, healthy and safe approach to pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting. Knowing that pregnancy and childbirth can be demanding on a woman's body and mind, Lamaze serves as a resource for information about what to expect and what choices are available during the childbearing years."

March of Dimes
Information, blogs, and resources related for pregnant women and their families, centered on decreasing the incidence of preterm birth.

Nurse-Midwifery Service at University of Iowa
Frequently-asked questions about our service. More updates coming soon!

Penny Simkin
"Penny Simkin, PT, is a physical therapist who has specialized in childbirth education and labor support since 1968. She estimates she has prepared over 10,000 women, couples, and siblings for childbirth."

UI Maternity Center
Information on pregnancy, labor, delivery, and services available at the University.