7 Must Read Books for Expecting Moms

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I’m a book lover. And I research topics to no end when I want to make sure to have accurate information. As a mom, I’ve found certain books to be lifesavers for certain seasons of motherhood.

 

The following list of 7 books are a must read for any expecting moms, whether it’s her first or her umpteenth baby.

 

I’m going to present each book in a sequential order. So consider reading book number 1 before book number 7.

 

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth

 

Ina May Gaskin

Random House, (2008)

 

I consider Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth a must read for any pregnant woman whether she intends to have a medicated or non-medicated birth. It’s written by a midwife with more than 30 years of midwifery experience. The first-person birth stories inspire and encourage. There are also practical tips to minimize the risks associated with certain hospital related techniques or procedures.

 

 

 

The Birth Partner

 

Penny Simkin

Harvard Common Press; 4 edition (2013)

 

Penny Simkin is a childbirth educator, doula, and birth counselor. I’m currently reading this book. I had to previous birth by the Bradley Method; I attended months of childbirth training classes; the second birth included a doula. Regardless of all my previous practical education, I am learning valuable information with this book! This is an excellent read for mom and/or the birth partner. It is very comprehensive and even provides concise information to consider in the event of extensive medical intervention or a sick baby.

 

I bought this book back in 2010 after the birth of my first daughter. It was a true lifesaver! I used it extensively with my second child and will continue to this time around as well.  It really eliminates the need for the stereotypical “sleep training” as it just follows the logical needs of your particular infant in establishing a flexible routine and giving your life some sanity. Additionally, this book delves into the needs of your toddler, how to adjust to multiples, and how to address the different needs of siblings.  

Additionally, this book delves into the needs of your toddler, how to adjust to multiples, and how to address the different needs of siblings.  I suggest reading this prior to the birth of your baby, it will truly help you prepare for the first few days to weeks at home with a newborn. Alternatively, if you don’t want to read through an encyclopedia type book, you can take my online parenting course which addresses many topics covered in several of these books for a comprehensive “cliff notes style” guide.

 

 

Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, Teresa Pitman 

Ballantine Books; 8 Revised, Updated Edition, (2010)

The name of this book, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is appropriate. Breastfeeding seems like it should be instinctive for every baby and mother; it’s not. It is more like an art form that takes practice. The internationally respected La Leche League provides practical guidance in breastfeeding whether you’re a new mom or an experienced mom.

Every child is different; while one may have nursed well, another may not. This book contains a wealth of information on breastfeeding newborns, nursing in special situations or with special needs, how to breastfeed after returning to work, and it addresses milk supply issues as well. In an effort to be unbiased, I will say that this book may make some moms feel inadequate if for some reason they are unable to breastfeed which is unfortunate on the part of the authors; however, it doesn’t take away from the fact that there are valuable tips inside. 

 

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, 4th Edition:

A Step-by-Step Program for a Good Night’s Sleep 

Marc Weissbluth M.D. 

Ballantine Books; 4th ed. edition, (2015)

 

One of the things I like about Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child is not just the fascinating foray into the science behind childhood sleep, but that the step-by-step programs and advice is broken down according to age. So if you have a preteen look at that information. If you have an infant, look at that program. Don’t bog yourself down with portions of the book you may not need. This is an excellent resource for sleep issues of all kinds from infancy to adolescence!

 

 

Ibu Robin Lim, Valerie Lynn

Post-pregnancy Wellness Company; 1st edition, (2012)

 

Our culture seems to impress on women the need to bounce back as soon as the baby is born. In fact, I came home 24-48 hours after the birth of my second daughter, walked in the front door and started putting laundry away! CRAZY. It is truly surprising how few books there are about postpartum healing and recovery out there. It is as if, we are all expected to bounce back even though our bodies, our

This time around, since my hormones seem in greater flux during my pregnancy, I’m concerned about postpartum recovery from an emotional standpoint. This book has information on proper nutrition, exercise and rest to optimize the postpartum recovery stage as well as how  other in the family can help.  

 

The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two

 

William Sears (Dr. Sears), Martha Sears, Robert Sears, and James Sears

Little, Brown and Company; Revised, updated Edition, (2013)

 

An older version of The Baby Book graces my living room bookshelf, and look forward to reading the updated version. This reference book has been my go-to guide when one of my littles is sick or has a minor injury. Did your little one take a tumble and you’re not sure if that knot on their noggin is a hospital worthy concern? Your kid run into a counter and hit their teeth? Did your child slam their fingers in the door? Are you trying to determine if your baby has allergies or a cold? 

These are just a few scenarios that this book references, and it helps you determine the severity of the injury or illness and when you should contact your pediatrician.

 

 

P.S. What’s Your Favorite Prenatal or Postnatal Book?