The Best Baby Books for Expectant Moms
There's no rule book when it comes to pregnancy and raising a baby. But there are plenty of guide books out there that can come in handy when you're looking for a little extra help. These are the best reads for new and expectant moms, whether you want to gather up the classics or are on a mission to buy fresh releases.
Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy
amazon.com
$15.79
Angela Garbes' book expertly breaks down the science of pregnancy in a way that hasn't been done before - with humor, empathy, and a feminist perspective.
When you should read it: As soon as you find out you're expecting.
Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood - and Trusting Yourself and Your Body
amazon.com
$15.60
Pregnancy and childbirth can be incredibly intimidating, but Nurture guides the reader through the entire process while encouraging soon-to-be moms to trust themselves and their bodies, without ever feeling like they're being judged.
When you should read it: Once you've covered the basics and want to learn about pregnancy from a more personal perspective.
Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know
Emily Oster
amazon.com
$12.55
Did your doctor tell you that sushi is off limits while your pregnant bestie's midwife gave the green light to enjoy a California roll? That's where Expecting Better comes in. This book breaks down the science behind some of the most common pregnancy "rules," and offers a fresh perspective on things like eating soft cheese and drinking the occasional glass of wine.
When you should read it: As soon as you start feeling overwhelmed and confused during your pregnancy. (It happens to the best of us!)
The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality
amazon.com
$12.76
After giving birth, many women devote every ounce of energy in their tank to taking care of their newborn - which is more than understandable. But delivery puts a huge strain on your body, and healing is paramount. The Fourth Trimester encourages new moms to take time for themselves post-pregnancy, and tangibly shows you how to do so.
When you should read it: As you enter the home stretch of your pregnancy.
The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother
Abrams
amazon.com
$16.96
Everyone loves a good cookbook, and this one is packed with nutritious meals that are designed specifically with your postpartum body in mind - lactation-boosting teas included.
When you should read it: In your last trimester, when you're meal-prepping before delivery.
Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting (now with Bébé Day by Day: 100 Keys to French Parenting)
Penguin Books
amazon.com
$14.46
There's no right way to raise a child, but it can be helpful to know what parents around the world are doing. Pamela Druckerman's book reads like a charming novel you'd pour through on the beach, and it's full of incredible parenting tips ranging from sleep-training to feeding.
When you should read it: On those days when you can't handle another guide book and need something with more personality.
The Whole 9 Months: A Week-By-Week Pregnancy Nutrition Guide with Recipes for a Healthy Start
Sonoma Press
amazon.com
$12.81
It's easy to get stressed out about what you "should" and "shouldn't" eat during pregnancy, and while you don't want to cook out of a book for nine months straight, having a book full of healthy recipes for pregnant women never hurts!
When you should read it: As soon as you find out you're expecting.
The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth
NORTH STAR WAY
amazon.com
$12.91
This is an incredible week-to-week guide for moms who want to really lean into the idea of a natural pregnancy and childbirth. There are tips on everything, from how to exercise while your body changes to how to eat for you and your growing baby.
When you should read it: As soon as you're thinking about natural methods throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
Achtung Baby: An American Mom on the German Art of Raising Self-Reliant Children
amazon.com
$14.29
Again, learning how kids are raised in other parts of the world is fascinating. And as Sara Zaske explains, German parents give their kids a *lot* of freedom, which seems to yield great results. It's definitely an interesting read as you think about different parenting techniques for raising your child.
When you should read it: As you have free time throughout your pregnancy.
What to Expect When You're Expecting
Workman Publishing
amazon.com
$11.97
Look, it's the best-selling pregnancy book for a reason. What to Expect covers every possible symptom, walks you through pregnancy week-by-week, and is a must-have on every expectant mom's list.
When you should read it: Like, yesterday.
Moms On Call Basic Baby Care: 0-6 Months: (Updated and Revised 2017) (Moms On Call Parenting Books Book 1)
amazon.com
10.95
Consider this an introductory book to What to Expect, as it's slightly less intense than the best-seller. For starters, it focuses on just the first six months of your newborn's life, and includes tips on sleeping, feeding, and when to take your baby to the ER.
When you should read it: In your third trimester, as you're preparing to meet your little one.
Twelve Hours' Sleep by Twelve Weeks Old: A Step-by-Step Plan for Baby Sleep Success
Dutton
amazon.com
$18.90
A baby who sleeps through the night = a mommy who sleeps through the night. And that's a glorious, glorious milestone to achieve.
When you should read it: As soon as you realize you *thought* you knew what tired felt like.
The Happiest Baby on the Block
Random House
amazon.com
$0.99
If the first sleep advice book you bought failed to work, this one may give you better luck - it's sold more than one million copies for a reason.
When you should read it: If you're feeling super sleep-deprived.
The Belly Book: A Nine-Month Journal for You and Your Growing Belly (Potter Style)
Random House
amazon.com
$13.49
For a baby book that's less about reading and more about writing, go with this option - it provides a fun way to document and organize your experiences throughout pregnancy, which really does go by in the blink of an eye.
When you should read it: Throughout your pregnancy, whenever you have a few spare moments.
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
RANDOM HOUSE
amazon.com
$13.29
If you're going the midwife route, or choosing not to have an epidural, this book is a must-read. One of the leading midwives in the nation, Gaskin details the female-centered Midwifery Model of Care for a comprehensive guide on the mind-body connection during childbirth.
When you should read it: As you're putting together your birth plan.
50 Things to Do Before You Deliver: The First Time Moms Pregnancy Guide
amazon.com
$11.12
This book includes practical advice for everything you need to get done before your baby arrives, and it also includes tips from other moms for a super personal, community-driven feel.
When you should read it: Throughout pregnancy.
The Baby Book, Revised Edition: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two (Sears Parenting Library)
Little Brown and Company
amazon.com
$19.80
The Sears' baby book is another What to Expect-style mainstay of parenting, and it's pretty useful thanks to its organization and wide span of time covered, covering issues you'll face during childbirth and all the way up to the toddler years.
When you should read it: Throughout pregnancy.
The Price of Motherhood: Why the Most Important Job in the World Is Still the Least Valued
amazon.com
$10.44
The fact is sexism exists, the patriarchy is real, and the glass ceiling has yet to be fully broken. This book might make you frustrated about how far we have to go, but it's very eye-opening and may just inspire you to take action.
When you should read it: Whenever you have some downtime.
The Big Fat Activity Book for Pregnant People
PLUME
amazon.com
$10.87
This baby book is full of humor, quizzes, games, and activities for when you're bored and want to lighten the mood. After all, parenting and pregnancy can have plenty of shake-your-head funny moments.
When you should read it: Sooner rather than later, for the sake of more LOLs.
It's time to place an Amazon order.