With the intimidating sea of books and information available on the topics of pregnancy, birth, and babies, it can be confusing and daunting to choose which books to read. Even just within the topic of baby sleep, you could read a handful different books! We have put together a nice well-rounded list of the best books on each topic to help you feel educated and prepared for the new journey you’re taking.Here are the best best books to read during pregnancy
On Planning:
One Year to an Organized Life with Baby by Regina Leeds
A baby brings so much change to life so it’s hard to know where to start in your preparations. One Year to an Organized Life with Baby takes you through, week by week, with checklists and tips to get your home and life ready for your little one.
On Childbirth:
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Focusing on a natural approach to childbirth, Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth emphasizes the mind-body connection and how to increase your chances of having a birth experience free of medical interventions. This book will have you feeling prepared and empowered to take charge of your childbirth experience.
On Pregnancy:
The Natural Pregnancy Book by Aviva Jill Romm, MD
The Natural Pregnancy Book is a gentle, natural approach to caring for your body and your baby from conception to birth that focuses on healthy foods and herbs. Romm discusses the use of herbal remedies to help relieve common pregnancy experiences and will guide you to nourish yourself and your baby in a nurturing way.
The Mother of All Pregnancy Books by Ann Douglas
A more lighthearted guide to pregnancy, The Mother of All Pregnancy Books takes you through your pregnancy week-by-week. It’s packed with information on physical feelings and emotions, baby gear, birth and your postpartum body.
On Breastfeeding:
The Breastfeeding Book by William Sears, MD
If you plan on breastfeeding, The Breastfeeding Book covers everything you may need to know or might encounter on the journey of feeding your baby. It is full of encouragement, tips, and solutions to common problems to prepare for you before you begin and as a resource to refer back to once you have started.
On Health:
The Vaccine Book by Robert W. Sears, MD
Free of scare-tactics or biased opinions, The Vaccine Book is fact based and easy to read. Sears explains each vaccine on the AAP schedule, why it’s given, the ingredients, concerns, what to consider, and a small paragraph with his opinion on if/when to give the vaccine. This book is a great resource of information no matter where you land on the spectrum of vaccinating.
On Soothing/Sleep:
Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp, MD
Based on the idea of the Fourth Trimester and the Calming Reflex, Happiest Baby on the Block helps you to understand your baby’s crying, learn to easily soothe them and help them sleep longer.
No Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley
An alternative method to letting your baby cry it out is the No Cry Sleep Solution, which offers gentle tips and techniques to slowly ease your baby into a long and healthy night of sleeping.
On Development:
Baby Hearts by Susan Goodwyn Ph.D
Baby Hearts is a guide into the understanding of your baby’s emotional life. It will help you learn how to teach your child about their emotions in healthy and loving ways.
Superbaby by Dr. Jenn Berman
Superbaby takes you through a list of powerful and useful techniques to use in raising your child to reach their full potential, mentally and emotionally.
For Fun:
In The Womb by Peter Tallack
In The Womb is a beautiful visual journey of an baby growing from embryo to full-term infant. Following along week-by-week during your pregnancy gives you an accurate picture of how your baby is developing as it grows.
Let’s Panic About Babies by Alice Bradley & Eden M. Kennedy
Let’s Panic About Babies takes you through the joys and rigors of having a baby in the best way possible, with humor. Taking things less seriously than ever, this book will help you to laugh at yourself and make you feel less alone in your crazy journey into parenthood.
