Required Reading List

In order for you to become certified as a PALS doula you must read at least 6 books from the PALS Doula reading list. A Statement of Completion form is included in your packet.

Please read all of the following:

1. The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
2. The Doula Book by Klaus, Klaus and Kennell. (Formerly “Mothering the Mother.”)
3. DONA’s Birth Doula Position Paper (available online from www.dona.org)

Please read one of the following from each group.

Group A

1. Birthing from Within by Pam England
2. Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
3. An Easier Childbirth by Gayle Peterson

Group B

1. Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper
2. The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
3. The Birth Book by Sears and Sears
4. A Good Birth, A Safe Birth by Korte and Scaer

Group C

1. The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins
2. LLL’s Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
3. The Amazing Newborn by Marshall & Phyllis Klaus
4. The Baby Book by Sears and Sears

Also recommended but not required:

1. The Labor Support Handbook by Penny Simkin
2. Pregnancy, Childbirth and The Newborn by Penny Simkin