....Is Read.

Or, should it be "What Denise Does Is Reads"?  How about this:  I read.  A lot.  Honestly, more than I want to read sometimes.  But I have children who like to be held while they sleep, and I'm just going to hold them.  As a matter of fact, I'm holding the baby right now.  If that statement conjures images of a swaddled infant resting peacefully on my lap, let me set you straight.  The baby is now almost 30 pounds and either almost as strong as me or almost as, ahem, determined as me.  For now though, he is resting peacefully.

Over the past four years, I've stumbled my way through probably one hundred books about pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting, and I can't remember a single title I found worthless.  Perhaps I did what one of our local La Leche League leaders suggests at every meeting:  Perhaps I took what I thought would work for me and left the rest behind.  Now that I think about it, you should do that here.

Although there have been many helpful titles, there have been a select few that I consistently recommend to others.  They're the ones that were, literally, life-changing.  In case you're wondering, here they are.

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

Honestly, if Ina May Gaskin wrote a book about applying sunscreen to chickens, I would read it because she just knows her stuff.  If you have limited time for reading choose this one, but if you can, also check out Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding and Spiritual Midwifery.

The Womanly Art Of Breastfeeding

In case you didn't know, La Leche League is the authority on breastfeeding, and it's the first place you should go for breastfeeding information.  Unless your doctor is an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), s/he should direct you to LLL and/or an IBCLC when you have questions concerning breastfeeding.  That's a pretty bold statement, but it's true. This book covers everything from pregnancy to weaning and is meticulously cited for reference.  Within our local chapters of LLL, this book is available for purchase for $16 flat (a small savings over the cover price).

My Child Won't Eat

Speaking of eating, this is a book I think everyone who knows a child should read.  I think the best time to read this one is about two months before a parent is ready to introduce solid food.  If you're following the American Academy of Pediatrics's guidelines, that would be around the age of four months.  This is the one that has given me a sense of peace at the table.

Eat Healthy, Feel Great

This one was recommended to us by the surgeon who delivered our JayBird.  The Girl loves it and wants us to read every page, even the ones about hydrogenated oils and artificial colors and flavors.  Honestly, The Papa and I need to read it as much as she does.  You won't find any information about the USDA food pyramid in this book, but you will find a very simple way of explaining food values to children that they (and you!) will understand and remember.  Just be prepared that your preschooler might stop a shopper in the grocery store and, after inspecting her cart, begin to explain "red light" and "green light" foods.

The Vaccine Book

I think vaccines are a hot topic right now and one of the toughest decisions parents have to make.  I found this book to be very objective, offering information about each vaccine as well as the diseases they were developed to prevent.  I found it so objective, in fact, that I was angry and confused when I finished it.  I realized I was just looking for something to support my position, and this didn't do it.  What it did do was force me to really consider my position.

Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing

I know this looks like another breastfeeding book, and I suppose it is, but I think even women who do not breastfeed might find value in this book.  This is the one that "gave me permission" to want to be with my babies in a culture that told me I needed to get away from them.  It explained how the mother/baby bond works physiologically.  The breastfeeding part of this book explains how breastfeeding works to "naturally space" children.  Bet you never would have guessed that, huh?  When you're reading this one, remember that it was published in 1974.  It's cute.

How to Raise a Healthy Child...In Spite of Your Doctor

Dr. Mendelsohn was a mainstream pediatrician who began to feel he was doing more harm than good by following the conventional standard of care.  He wrote this book which covers the most common childhood ailments and gives specific advice on how to treat them.  Published in 1988, this is another oldie but goodie.  I don't want to be a spoiler, but I will tell you that before I had children, I would have seriously scoffed at anyone who suggested that a small dose of liquor would be an acceptable solution to childhood ailments.  I am not saying that I've given my children liquor (unless you count the vanilla extract The Girl has come to love in her chocolate milk).  I am just saying that, now that I have children, the idea isn't so horrendous.

I have a feeling I'm going to need to add to this list.  Let me know if you have some favorites about sibling rivalry.  I like to be prepared.

So far, so good though!