The Best Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Resources for First-Time Mums in Australia | A Central Coast Doula’s Guide
When you're pregnant for the first time, it can feel like everyone has advice. Books, podcasts, social media accounts, apps, courses and well-meaning family members all have opinions about what you should do.
The challenge isn't finding information (no issues there), it's finding information you can trust!!
If you're wondering where to start, here are some of the best pregnancy, birth and postpartum resources available for Australian parents, and ones that I recommend to my clients as a Central Coast Doula
Best Pregnancy and Birth Books
She Births® by Nadine Richardson
A fantastic introduction to physiological birth, mindset, preparation and understanding your options during labour. This book is particularly useful for parents who want practical tools and confidence-building strategies before birth as they are all laid out clearly with images and diagrams.
Birth with Confidence by Rhea Dempsey
One of Australia's most respected childbirth educators, Rhea Dempsey explores the emotional and psychological journey of labour. This book helps parents understand why labour can feel challenging and how support, preparation and mindset can influence the birth experience. She also details the “crisis of confidence” alongside practical ways to work through this in birth.
The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy & Birth by Sophie Walker & Jodi Wilson
This book really is “complete” — read it cover to cover or use it like an encyclopaedia to look up anything you may need whenever things arise. I often will glance at certain sections before prenatals or if clients have specific concerns and always find it so helpful.
Best Pregnancy and Birth Podcasts
Australian Birth Stories by Sophie Walker
One of Australia's most popular parenting podcasts, featuring hundreds of real birth stories from women across the country. You'll hear a wide variety of experiences, from home births to planned caesareans and everything in between.
Homebirth Stories Australia Podcast by Aimme & Laura
A valuable resource for families interested in learning more about home birth in Australia. The podcast shares real experiences, evidence-based information and conversations with parents and birth professionals.
The Great Birth Rebellion by Dr Melanie Jackson
Hosted by the well respected Dr Melanie Jackson, this podcast dives into the evidence behind common pregnancy and birth topics. If you enjoy learning the "why" behind recommendations and maternity care practices, this is an excellent resource.
Best Pregnancy App for Birth Preparation
Many pregnancy apps focus on tracking your baby's development week by week. While that's useful, many parents discover they still don't feel prepared for labour itself.
That's where Ripple is different.
Ripple was created to help parents prepare for birth (not to track pregnancy!). Inside Ripple you'll find expert-led education, birth preparation resources, practical tools, masterclasses and a supportive community designed to help you feel informed and confident as your due date approaches.
Whether you're trying to understand labour, create your birth preferences, prepare your partner for birth, or navigate the postpartum period, Ripple brings trusted Australian birth preparation together in one place.