Sophie Walker - The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth

Everything you need as you journey through pregnancy and prepare for a positive birth experience.

I wish someone had told me! Its a phrase uttered by countless women after they give birth for the first time. Heres the book that shares the wisdom of women and their birth stories, so that you can make informed and empowered decisions that are best for you.

The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth draws on the expertise of dozens of doctors, midwives and other health specialists to offer the most comprehensive and up-to-date information about pregnancy, labour, birth and early postpartum in Australia. From making essential care decisions, asking questions of care providers and managing overwhelm to navigating physical changes and preparing for labour, this book is your trusted companion as you make the transition to motherhood. And among all the facts, stats and info is a lot of gentle and kind advice, including first-hand accounts of births, in all kinds of birth settings, from families of diverse backgrounds.

On every page this book reminds you that
your pregnancy matters, your labour matters,
your birth matters.

Sophie Walker is the founder of Australian Birth Stories, which includes the #1 podcast for birth and postpartum advice (10m+ downloads), and an online education hub offering support and guidance from pre-conception through to the first 12 months. She has a masters degree in public health, is a mum of three and is passionate about empowering women on their journey into motherhood.

Jodi Wilson is a writer, prenatal yoga teacher and mother of four who works alongside Sophie on the Australian Birth Stories podcast. This is her second book.

An excellent and empowering guide for women and their partners as they embark on their pregnancy journey. It educates, informs and normalises all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, allowing parents to better understand their experiences. A must-read before conception. Dr Lionel Steinberg, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

There is a good dose of head, a large dose of heart and a giant dose of you have got this, girl in this book. It speaks truth to power in subtle but empowering ways. Its a book full of the wisdom of birth stories. A book by women for women and it celebrates the great transition women make when they become mothers in quite a gentle and delightful way. Accessible, conversational and wise its a celebration. Hannah Dahlen AM, Professor of Midwifery, Associate Dean of Research and HDR, Midwifery Discipline Lead, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University

The best pregnancy book I have EVER read... A beautifully written, personal but educational book that will empower women before, during and after pregnancy. I love the fact that it combines information with expert voices and stories. I wish I had this collective wisdom when I was starting my motherhood journey. Dr Jana Pittman, Obstetrician

WOW! What a comprehensive guide for anyone expecting (or aiming to conceive). A thorough guide from pre-conception to postpartum, written in easily understood language that covers topics you didnt even know you needed to know about! Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, Im sure youll learn something new that will help equip you to make empowered birth choices that feel right for you. Dr Natalie Elphinstone, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth is one of the most heartfelt and comprehensive compendiums on the four trimesters of pregnancy that I have ever seen. It guides the reader through what can often be a daunting and overwhelming experience with a gentle hand and a clear framework for personal decision making... Essential reading for all parents navigating pregnancy, birth and beyond. Caitlin Kay-Smith, Founder and Chairperson of Hyperemesis Australia

Its wonderful to find such a warm and friendly guidebook for Australian families. I love the value Jodi and Sophie place on planning for postpartum, not only birth, emphasising the need for rest, simplicity and support during the profound emotional, physical and mental changes. Julia Jones, Postpartum Doula

This book is full of helpful information for pregnant people, written with clarity and compassion. What a gift! I wish I had a copy when I was pregnant. Heidi Sze, Nutritionist and Dietitian

This book draws on the wisdom of birth stories. It is packed with valuable information for all pregnant women who want to prioritise their wellbeing and prepare for an informed and empowered birth. Rhea Dempsey, Doula and Birth Educator

Comprehensive and tailored to the Australian maternity system, taking you from pre-conception right through to postpartum, this guide is a must-read for any parents-to-be. Claire Eden, Naturopath and Doula

This is THE informative, supportive and empowering book I have been waiting for to recommend to my clients and friends who are on their fertility, pregnancy and birthing journeys. Sophie and Jodi expertly offer pages full of wisdom to navigate the tender journey of pregnancy and birth in all its stages and facets. Knowledge is empowering! An empowered pregnant and birthing person is a mighty thing, flowing down the line to the next generation of mightiness. Erin Lovell Verinder, Herbalist, Nutritionist and Author

Indispensable and comprehensive. I can already see this guide dog-eared, well-loved, passed from one reader to the next as they embark on the profound journey of pregnancy and birth. Full of practical information, expert tips and intuitive wisdom... I will be buying this book for all of my expectant friends. Laura Brading, Founder of WellRead

Finally, a comprehensive, holistic, empowering, educational and thoroughly researched guide to the pregnancy, birth and motherhood journey... This kind of support and education helps more women have positive and empowered birth experiences, which has a profoundly positive impact on women, babies and society at large. Sheree Rubinstein, Founder and CEO of One Roof

Published in 2023 by Murdoch Books, an imprint of Allen & Unwin

Copyright Sophie Walker 2023

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. The Australian Copyright Act 1968 (the Act) allows a maximum of one chapter or 10 per cent of this book, whichever is the greater, to be photocopied by any educational institution for its educational purposes provided that the educational institution (or body that administers it) has given a remuneration notice to the Copyright Agency (Australia) under the Act.

Murdoch Books Australia
83 Alexander Street,
Crows Nest NSW 2065
Phone: +61 (0)2 8425 0100
murdochbooks.com.au

ISBN 9781922616036
eISBN 9781761185991

Cover and text design by Kirby Armstrong

Typeset by Midland Typesetters, Australia

DISCLAIMER: The content presented in this book is meant for inspiration and informational purposes only. The purchaser of this book understands that the authors are not medical professionals, and the information contained within this book is not intended to replace medical advice or to be relied upon to treat, cure or prevent any disease, illness or medical condition. It is understood that you will seek full medical clearance by a licensed physician before making any changes mentioned in this book. The authors and publisher claim no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application or interpretation of the material in this book.