Denise Punger, MD in her book titled, Permission to Mother, takes readers on a personal and intimate journey through her experiences of labor, birth and breastfeeding. Beginning with her first birth in a hospital and ending with her third birth at home, Denise explores the myriad of birth options, while encouraging women (and their partners) to go “beyond the standard-of-care to nurture our children.”

Permission to Mother challenges current birth practices by sharing “Healthier Images of Pregnancy.” Denise acknowledges that her choices may not be suitable for every mother, at the same time, she defends every mother’s right to make choices that work well for her. Her support for doulas is especially gratifying.

The chapter on breastfeeding titled, “Breastfeeding Didn’t Come Natural” reminds readers that you need to make breastfeeding a priority in the beginning, and that you need to be patient—giving mother and baby an opportunity to learn this important skill.

The second part of the book is a collection of short chapters on a wide range of parenting topics from management of jaundice to home schooling, or “unschooling” as Denise calls it!

If you are looking for a book that will give you insight into what labor, birth, and breastfeeding can be like, Permission to Mother may be just the book for you.