I am typically not a big reader. When I went to my birthing classes all the women talked about how important Ina May's Guide to Childbirth was essential for their 1st birth (I was the only one there with my 1st birth!). I started it thinking I would get bored. My only regret is that I haven't started it sooner! What an amazing, inspiring and easy read. I feel so prepared and at peace now for my birth. I also have learned so much! The birth stories at the beginning alone were enough to teach me way more than I ever knew! No matter what kind of birth you are planning: natural, home birth, induction, epidural or cesarean, do yourself a favor and read this! I felt like I wanted to talk to every pregnant mama I know and give them some knowledge from this book. I bought it on my Amazon kindle and have been reading it on my phone in the bath and before bed!