As a doula, I'm always happy to recommend "Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn" by Penny Simkin, et al.  I have always appreciated Penny's calm, informative and supportive writing style, along with her fair treatment of interventions, labor support and the birth process.   So many books come with a hidden (and oftentimes not-so-hidden!) agenda, whether in favor of natural birth or interventionist birth.  Simkin, while clearly acknowledging the risks of interventions, lays out the risk/benefit argument in such a way that parents feel respected and not spoken down to.  

While I love Henci Goer's book, it desperately needs updating, and the tone can be off-putting to some parents who might be more on the fence regarding the brith process.  Granted, we all know Henci is RIGHT, but some parents need a little more hand holding.  

Oh, one last resource, since the father is French - perhaps they should read something written by Dr. Michel Odent, the French obstetrician?  He's wonderful!

Good luck to the parents-to-be!!

Cheers,
Alison Ziskind 
Doula
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