Birthing books

Well, I am 18 weeks, and now starting to think about the birth. We are in an area where epidurals are not available. So.. I would like to prepare myself and I am wondering if anybody has a recommendation on some good books I can read between now and then. I have signed up for prenatal classes, but would also like some other options. The only prenatal classes around here are offered by the local health unit and my understanding is that they don't get too much into it.

BTW, I have absolutely zero knowledge on birthing and different techniques.
Thanks for any help, its appreciated!

WoW! Just curious - aren't you delivering at a hospital? why aren't epis available? I thought that they would be given anywhere there was an anestesiologist.

Good luck!

Oh and I know I have heard of the Bradley Method and Hypnobirthing but haven't done either myself. If you have the book  "what to expect when you are expecting" there are alternative birthing methods listed in there

Liz

Hi there! 
COngratulations on your pregnancy! 
As Liz mentioned, there are lots of methods to assisit with an unmedicated birth ... I studied both the Bradley Method and Hypnobirthing - I used a lot of the strategies from both in delivering my daughter. Lots of the books are on Ebay if you are interested ... check out Natural Birth the Bradley Way or Birthing From WIthin. Those were my favorites. Also, I would like to suggest that you find some groups in your area that support the type of birth you are having. Research midwives in your area, or Natural Birth Co-ops.
I also spent just a couple minutes researching for you, and I found these links ...
http://www.canadianbabies.ca/pregnancy--childbirth/childbirt h-preparation/how-to-prepare-for-natural-childbirth.html
 and
http://childbirth.naturalhealthcare.ca/

I hope they help! And, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to post or message! 

Oh, its not a choice I have. I am giving birth at a hospital... they just don't offer epidurals. Not to anyone (and we are not a really small town) Since I am a big pain baby, I just want to make sure I look at some of the natural methods. I guess you can have gas and a needle, but everybody I have asked doesnt know what the needle is. I haven't spoke with my OB yet, as I am still so far away.
Thanks for the book ideas.. I intend to get a few!