During pregnancy, there are many great books that you can read, while you probably have a little more time, that can really make a difference in your journey. Pregnancy is such an exciting time in a woman’s life. She is about to experience something truly beautiful and magical. It’s not necessarily always easy, and there is a lot of unknown, but it’s also what makes it so beautiful. You will discover new things about yourself, about your body, your capabilities, your strength.. And like every experiences in life, it will make you evolve and grow. And isn’t what life is about?

It can also be overwhelming. There are just so many new things to know! Whether it’s about the pregnancy itself; or about labor, childbirth or postpartum healing, or about what you will need, there is always something new to learn. Many of them will be learnt as you go, of course, but many of them can be learnt a bit ahead of time so you can be prepared. Reading books on pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood can really make a difference and help you feel more confident and ready.

Here are 12 amazing book suggestions to get you started.

1. What to Expect When You’re Expecting, by Heidi Murkoff

A classic. Great book to have and look through during your pregnancy. The book is filled with must-have information, practical advice, realistic insight, easy-to-use tips, and lots of reassurance, you’ll also find the very latest on prenatal screenings, which medications are safe, and the most current birthing options.

2. Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, by Ina May Gaskin

Incredible book on childbirth. An absolute must-read. The author, a nation’s leading midwife, shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience. She shares what really happens during labor, she talks about episiotomy, common methods of inducing labor, tips for having a natural, unmedicated birth, how to avoid postpartum bleeding, the risks of anesthesia and cesareans, and more.

3. Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding, by Ina May Gaskin

If you loved the previous book, you will love this one on breastfeeding too. I encourage every moms to read this book, including those who think they can’t breastfeed their child or don’t want to breastfeed. She really shares a lot of valuable information and explores the health and psychological benefits of breastfeeding. She also gives advices that will help you nurse your baby in the most fulfilling way possible.

4. HypnoBirthing – The Mongan Method, By Marie Mongan

I practiced HypnoBirthing with my first and currently reviewing to do the same with my second child. My first birth was all natural, unmedicated, and it went very well. I took HypnoBirthing classes, read the book, did my breathing and meditation exercises. I highly recommend, especially if you wish to have a natural birth.

HypnoBirthing helps women to become empowered by developing an awareness of the instinctive birthing capability of their bodies. It greatly reduces the pain of labor and childbirth; frequently eliminates the need for drugs; reduces the need for caesarian surgery or other doctor-controlled birth interventions; and it also shortens birthing and recovery time, allowing for better and earlier bonding with the baby, which has been proven to be vital to the mother-child bond.

5. The Essential Homebirth Guide, by Jane E. Drichta

If you are planing to have a home birth, this book is for you. Midwives Jane E. Drichta and Jodilyn Owen answer questions about the kind of care, support, and information you need as you investigate whether this option is right for you. Birth can be an empowering and positive experience, and this book provides gentle guidance, with high regard for your wisdom and ability to successfully navigate your prenatal care, birth, and early mothering.

6. The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth, by Genevieve Howland

This is an inspiring, fun, and informative guide that demystifies natural pregnancy and walks mom through the process one week at a time. It’s the modern approach to pregnancy and childbirth. She details vital nutrition to take, natural remedies for common and troublesome symptoms, as well as the appropriate (and inappropriate) use of interventions.

7. The Birth Partner, by Penny Skimkin

A guide for husbands, partners, relatives, friends, and doulas (labor assistants) who wish to help a woman have a positive childbirth experience. The book provides the most up-to-date information about techniques and medications for easing labor pain; tests and treatments of the fetus and newborn; strategies to help labor progress; medical procedures; and how to best help the mother during the early postpartum period.

8. The First Forty Days, by Heng Ou

This is a beautiful read. Very good information. One of those books you must read. The first 40 days after the birth of a child offer an essential and fleeting period of rest and recovery for the new mother. The book revives the lost art of caring for the mother after birth. As modern mothers are pushed to prematurely “bounce back” after deliver­ing their babies, and are often left alone to face the physical and emotional challenges of this new stage of their lives, the first forty days provide a lifeline—a source of connection, nourishment, and guidance. The book includes simple recipes for healing soups; replenishing meals and snacks; and calming and lactation-boosting teas, all formulated to support the unique needs of the new mother.

9. The Fourth Trimester, by Kimberly Ann Johnson

Ever heard of the fourth trimester? Yes, there is one. It’s the first three months after birth. It’s important to take care of you during these months. This holistic guide offers practical advice to support women through postpartum healing on the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual levels—and provides women with a roadmap to this very important transition that can last from a few months to a few years.

10. Vaccinations: A Thoughtful Parent’s Guide, by Aviva Jill Romm

Deciding whether or when to vaccinate a child is one of the most important–and most difficult–health-care decisions a parent will ever make. The recent increase in the number of vaccinations recommended and the concurrent controversies about whether vaccinations are safe or even effective have left many parents confused and concerned. The author sifts through the spate of current research on vaccine safety and efficacy and offers a sensible, balanced discussion of the pros and cons of each routine childhood vaccination.

11. The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby and Child Care, by Sally Fallon Morell

This is a wonderful book on baby and child care. The book provides holistic advice for pregnancy and newborn interventions, vaccinations, breastfeeding and child development, as well as a compendium of natural treatments for childhood illnesses, from autism to whooping cough.

The author has also a similar book, called Nourishing Traditions, which is a guide to traditional foods. Topics include the health benefits of traditional fats and oils (including butter and coconut oil); dangers of vegetarianism; problems with modern soy foods; health benefits of sauces and gravies; proper preparation of whole grain products; pros and cons of milk consumption; easy-to-prepare enzyme enriched condiments and beverages; and appropriate diets for babies and children. Those two books are a great addition to your library.

12. The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle

I know. This isn’t a book related to pregnancy or childbirth. It’s a book about spirituality. A book that is absolutely incredible. A must read, if you haven’t read it already. I put the book in the list as it can be a very helpful took to help you go through different times in your life, such as motherhood. Life changes once we become a mother, and this book is truly enlightening.

The book takes readers on an inspiring spiritual journey to find their true and deepest self and reach the ultimate in personal growth and spirituality: the discovery of truth and light. Eckhart Tolle awakens readers to their role as a creator of pain and shows them how to have a pain-free identity by living fully in the present.

If it’s not a book to read now, it’s one of those books that you have to read at some point in your life.

 

I hope these books make a difference in your pregnancy, labor and birth, and life.

Wishing you sincerely a beautiful, magical experience.

Krystelle

*If you are aiming for a natural childbirth, you might want to look at my birth plan if you need inspiration for yours.

*No affiliate links. I’m not paid to share these books in any ways. Simply spreading knowledge with the hope it can make a difference in your life.