Can anyone recommend a good book on giving birth...

[fall08baby]

I was wondering if anyone could recommend some good pregnancy books. I'm looking for a book about one on labor & giving birth and also one on breastfeeding. This is my first pregnancy and I'd really appreciate your advice.

I read New Active Birth by Janet Balaskas- and I did have an active birth with no medical intervention, no tearing etc. It's a v seventies book with lots of photos of the time- big hair and beardy men etc but don't let that put you off!

For standard and well explained pregnancy (and birth) book I read Your Pregnancy Week by Week by Lesley Regan. It goes through everything from what tests to expect and when, to the basics for your new-born.
I'd reccomend both- the second one was from Mothercare I think.

Thanks, I appreciate it. I don't know how much control I'm going to have over things, I'll be delivering in Madrid. A friend had her baby here last year and she felt the doctor intervened where it wasn't necessary. I'd like to know as much as possible about what's happening at each stage of labour.
I'll be ordering from Amazon, which means browsing isn't an option.

miriam stoppard - birth - basic but covers in all

y gordon - birth and beyond - covers pg, birth and the first 9 mths - quite a bible

I read a book called What to expect when you are expecting. Excellent book each chapter is based on each of the nine months. I also subscribed to baby center who emailed me info each week through my pregnancy which was really nice.

I second Jane Balaskas "Active Birth". Had 3 active births at home without chemical pain relief (used water and TENS and a lot of breathing)

For breastfeeding look up the La Leche League, they have information, and I'm sure I read a book from them, which was very exhaustive and helpful, but can't remember the name. Might have read it in another language actually, but I'm sure they have english publications too.