What is a Lending Library?
Having a lending library in a birth center is a concept that we’ve embraced! Lending libraries enable people to share and give away books they do not need to store in their homes and also to borrow books without having to buy them.
Does Birthways Family Birth Center have a lending library?
A lending library has a collection of books contributed by the community, for the community in one shared space. At Birthways Family Birth Center, you can access our lending library for parents that has books on birth, pregnancy, and childcare. Clients can borrow and lend to the library whenever they want. We only ask that you return the book once you’re done with it.
What are the benefits of a lending library?
Reading is essential to preparing for parenthood, and a lending library makes books more accessible to more parents. Parents can borrow books and return them when they’re done without adding to their growing costs. It’s also a great community-building practice that allows people to help each other through their parenthood journey.
Are there any books I should get to prepare for pregnancy and birth?
Some of the top-rated books for pregnancy and birth include:
- Expecting Better by Emily Oster- this book provides a lot of factual information in a manner that’s easy to understand
- The Modern Midwife’s Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond by Marie Louise- answers a lot of pregnancy-related questions in the simplest ways
- What To Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff- this remains a classic pregnancy bible for years for good reason. It provides a light-hearted perspective on pregnancy.
- Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition by Lily Nicols- provides great guidance for prenatal nutrition backed by science.
- Nurture by Erica Chidi Cohen- provides a great insight into pregnancy and its related issues along with solutions and advice on how to get by.
- Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, Ann Keppler, Janelle Durham, and April Bolding- this book is written by medical professionals in a very simplified and accessible tone, making it a great resource to start with.
What is your favorite lending library book?
“Guide to Childbirth” by Ina May has been a constant favorite. This book helps give moms an understanding of the stages of labor, what to expect, and insights into complications. It empowers expecting mothers by reassuring them that their experiences are normal. If you’re planning to read just one book during pregnancy, this is the one.