Being well educated is one of the best things you can do to help prepare for birth. There are many books out there for pregnancy, some really good and some not so good. Through my experience of being a doula, I have found that there are a few books that I feel are very informative and really help prepare parents for realistic birth expectations. I encourage you to take the time to read some of these; they can provide you with the knowledge that will help make your birth experience wonderful.

Recommended Reading-

General Pregnancy and Childbirth:
The Thinking Womans Guide to a Better Birth--Henci Goer
Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn--Simkin, Whalley and Keppler
The Birth Book: Everything you need to know to have a Satisfying Birth--Sears and Sears
Rediscovering Birth--Sheila Kitzinger
Hey, Who's having this Baby Anyway?--Breck Hawk
From Humor to Hormones: A Mans guide to a Pregnant Wife and New Life--Joe Gumm

Labor and Birth:
Christ Centered Childbirth--Kelly Townsend
Easing Labor Pain--Adrienne Lieberman
Birthing from Within--England and Horowitz
The Birth Partner--Penny Simkin
Ina Mays's Guide to Childbirth--Ina May Gaskin
Gentle Birth Choices--Barbara Harper
Childbirth Without Fear--Grantly Dick-Read
HypnoBirthing--Marie Mongan
Active Birth--Janet Balaskas

Breastfeeding:
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers--Newman and Pitman
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding La Leche League International
So thats what they're for!--Janet Tamaro

Parenting:
The Baby Book--Sears and Sears
The Year after Childbirth--Sheila Kitzinger
Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child--Zand, Rountree & Walton
The Vaccine Book-- Robert Sears
Bonding Marshall Klaus
The Attachment Parenting Book--Sears and Sears
The Fussy Baby Book--Sears and Sears
The Christian Parenting Book Sears and Sears