The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth, Second Edition.

Penny Simkin, PT. The Harvard Common Press, 2001.
Here's an excellent resource that covers all aspects of labor and delivery. This book talks directly to husbands and partners and contains graphs and charts for easy reference. Vital information about each stage of labor is highlighted for easy access on the big day.

The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth, Second Edition.

Marshall H. Klaus, MD, John H. Kennell, MD and Phyllis H. Klaus, CSW, MFCC. Da Capo Press, 2002.
This book discusses the benefits of having trained support present during labor. Written by world–renowned authorities on birthing and bonding, it summarizes studies indicating that doula–supported births result in a shorter labor, a 50 percent drop in cesarean sections, a marked decrease in a mother's need for pain medication and fewer feeding problems for babies after birth.

The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips and Advice for Dads–to–Be, Second Edition.

Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash. Abbeville Press, 2001.
An information–packed guide to all the changes an expectant father may experience during the course of his partner's pregnancy. Compiling the wisdom of top experts in the field, from obstetricians and birth–class instructors to psychologists and sociologists, the authors offer sound advice and practical tips, as well as New Yorker–style cartoons that will keep anxious fathers–to–be chuckling.

The New Father: A Dad’s Guide to the First Year.

Armin A. Brott. Abbeville Press, 1997.
Here's an indispensable handbook on all aspects of fatherhood during your baby's first 12 months. The New Father charts the physical, intellectual, verbal and emotional changes a child experiences in the first year and examines the emotional and psychological developments dad may be experiencing, as well.

Life–Span Development, Ninth Edition.

John W. Santrock; McGraw–Hill, 2003.
Want the latest research on every stage of human development? Then look no further. Every chapter of this impressive resource comes complete with an outline, learning objectives, reviews and a summary. You'll appreciate the color photos and helpful information boxes, too.

Just for Dad

March of Dimes®
http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/362.asp
This site contains lots of helpful information for dads. So if you're wondering how you can help out during pregnancy, what to expect once your baby is home and what your role is in breastfeeding, this book is for you.

National Association for the Education of Young Children
http://naeyc.org/parent_resources/default.asp
A Web site that allows you to search for an NAECPA–accredited childcare organization near you. It also contains links to books and other helpful resources for parents.

National Association for Family Child Care
http://www.nafcc.org/accred/accred.html
Another great resource for finding an accredited caregiver for your child. Includes a web search link.

Mom’s Life

http://www.momslife.com/
A good place for new moms to go to read about parenthood and baby care. Here, you can chat with other moms and share tips and photos.

Maternity Wise

Maternity Center Association
http://www.maternitywise.org
Founded in 1918, the Maternity Center Association is dedicated to helping you make informed decisions about your pre and postnatal care. This site contains published studies on pain management in labor, the first national survey of women's childbearing experiences and other scientific research.

What do I pack for the hospital?

Fisher–Price®
http://www.fisher–price.com/us/babygear/article.asp?c=bg_gr&artid=3889
A comprehensive checklist for the big day.

ChildCareAware™

National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral
http://childcareaware.org/
Child Care Aware is committed to helping you locate quality childcare resources in your community.