Pregnancy reads

If I’m really honest I spent a lot more time reading about pregnancy, nursing and motherhood during my first pregnancy – as a first-time mom you never realize how much extra time you have on your hands!

But even with bumps two and three I have referred to all these wonderful books from time to time for reassurance, information or inspiration. I’m not one to follow any routine or programme strictly, because I think your gut maternal instinct always serves you best, but these are all terrific resources to have on your bedside table. 

1. The Gentle Birth Method: The Month-by-Month Jeyarani Way Programme by Dr. Gowri Motha and Karen Swan MacLeod, Thorsons Publishing
2. The Nursing Mother’s Companion (Sixth Edition) by Kathleen Huggins, Harvard Common Press
3. Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin, Vermilion Publishing
4. The 90-minute Baby Sleep Program: Follow Your Child’s Natural Sleep Rhythms for Better Nights and Naps by Polly Moore, Workman Publishing
5. Birth and Beyond: The Definitive Guide to Your Pregnancy, Your Birth, Your Family – from Minus 9 to Plus 9 Months by Dr Yehudi Gordon, Vermilion Publishing

Post-pregnancy reads

One of the best pieces of advice a friend gave me when I was pregnant with my first child was to not spend all my time solely reading pregnancy books but to read a few books about parenting and childhood development too, because let’s be honest, pregnancy is only a tiny percentage of your time as a parent. Here are a few of my favourite post-pregnancy reads. 

1. Mindset: How You Can Fulfil Your Potential by Carol Dweck, Robinson Publishing
2. Nurtureshock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman, Ebury Press
3. The Attachment Parenting Book: a Commonsense Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Baby by William Sears and Martha Sears, Little, Brown and Company
4. Gentle First Year: the Essential Guide to Mother and Baby Wellbeing in the First Twelve Months by Dr Gowrie Motha and Karen Swan MacLeod, Harper Thorsons Publishing