Evidence-based Reading List

[buzfuz]

DW is currently 13+2 and we've been busy attempting to prepare for what lies ahead. I've been finding the prospect of decision making really daunting given how much conflicting opinion there is out there, from books to nhs guidelines to family and friends, and we've been doing our best to try to get a more informed view of things by reading/watching more evidence-based publications:

Books

• Why Love Matters - Sue Gerhardt
• Expecting Better - Emily Oster
• Cribsheet - Emily Oster
• Why Your Baby's Sleep Matters - Sarah Ockwell-Smith

Online Sites

• Cochrane Reviews
• Dr. Hughey Obstetrics Site

Documentaries

• In The Womb

I was wondering if anyone has been in a similar boat and/or has any suggestions for further reading/watching? We've quite enjoyed the Pinter & Martin baby sleep book, and thinking of ordering a few more in the series - does anyone have any standout ones they could recommend? TIA.

I don't really rate the Emily Oster one -there's quite a lot of agenda in it.

The one I'd suggest for everyone is
"Informed is Best" by Prof Amy Brown

It sets you up to filter through all the junk information that's floating about, so that you can make your own decisions based on the best evidence you can find. Most books use evidence to support an agenda, this one just shows you how to use the evidence yourself.

I also found 'expecting better' not as good as I hoped. A bit patronising, and also not NHS/UK geared so the bits about the actual birth and healthcare decisions were a bit useless.

I have read Milli Hills 'The Positive Birth Book' and 'Give Birth like a feminist' which I found fascinating and eye opening, and have made me feel much more confident about making my own decisions in the birth room.