It’s the most amazing feeling in the world to discover your pregnant.
Such exciting news, however, at times you may feel overwhelmed and slighting daunted.
If you are anything like me when I found out I was pregnant, I had so many questions I wanted answering. Everything from the birth to being a new parent. Now days, there is so much information out there for expectant parents. Not only are there fantastic antenatal classes on offer, loads of information on the internet, there are some fantastic informative but entertaining books for mums-to-be. So, looking at the top reviews, here are my suggestions for the best books to buy.
TOP 10 PREGNANCY BOOKS FOR EXPECTANT PARENTS
1. How to Grow a Baby (and Push it Out)’ by Clemmie Hooper, published by Vermilion: £4.99 Kindle or £14.99 Paperback, Amazon
“Everything you wanted to know but were too embarrassed to ask – a guide to pregnancy and birth straight from the midwife’s mouth“.
Clemmie Hooper the author, not only is a mum to 4 girls, but, a trained midwife and a very successful blogger of the blog, Gas and Air. I would definitely recommend following her on instagram, where she has 72.2k followers.
Her book is broken up into chapters which correspond with trimesters and antenatal appointments, and covers essential topics such as what to wear and eat during pregnancy, plus how to navigate labour calmly and confidently. It’s well-designed, with full-colour photos and illustrations throughout and has a good dose of fun and wit. Great for any expectant parents.
2. The Freelance Mum’ by Annie Ridout, published by HarperCollins: Amazon, £2.74
In the last decade, 70% more mums have chosen to go freelance. Annie Ridout was one of them. And in her enlightening new book, she shares the tips and tricks that helped her build a better working life around her family.
If your wondering how you are ever going to balance your career and children, this is the book for you. From choosing a career and launching a website, to getting your name out there and perfecting your brand, to the nitty gritty of childcare options and daily routines, The Freelance Mum is a comprehensive guide to setting out on your own path.
3. Your Baby, Your Birth: Hypnobirthing Skills for Every Birth’ by Hollie de Cruz, published by Vermilion: £12.99, Amazon
Endorsed by the likes of Fearne Cotton and Giovanna Fletcher, Your Baby, Your Birth is a no-nonsense guide to hypnobirthing from renowned hypnobirthing coach Hollie de Cruz. This book helps your prepare for a positive birth experience and approach motherhood with confidence in yourself and your instincts.
Your Baby, Your Birth will teach you:
- That birth is safe – listen to your body, embrace the changes, prepare your mind and relax during pregnancy.
- Exercises and breathing techniques for labour and birth for you and your birth partner, along with guided meditations to keep you calm and engaged.
- How to trust your instincts, understand your body and baby and make informed decisions throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
With 70k followers on instagram, she is definitely someone worth following if expecting. I love reading her positive affirmations.
4. ‘The Little Book of Self-Care for New Mums’, by Beccy Hands and Alexis Stickland, published by Vermilion: £12.99, Amazon
So much emphasis when pregnant is the preparation for the birth and so often new mums forget to look after themselves. This book, is a handy survival guide to managing the emotional and physical rollercoaster of becoming a new mum. Doula Beccy Hands and midwife Alexis Stickland together have 25 years’ experience of caring for women through the postnatal period and have jotted down their advice, support and words of encouragement in this full-colour illustrated title.
5. ‘Nobody Told Me: Poetry and Parenthood’ by Hollie McNish, published by Little, Brown: £6.63, Amazon
A lyrical take on pregnancy and parenthood. Nobody Told Me is a collection of poems and stories; This beautifully written book includes a series of poems and stories, lifted from Hollie’s personal diaries on becoming a parent, and documents her journey from pregnancy to taking her child to pre-school for the first time.
6. ‘Parenting the Sh*t Out of Life: For People Who Happen to be Parents (or Might Be Soon)’ by Mother Pukka and Papa Pukka, published by Hodder & Stoughton: £15.19, Amazon
A funny and entertaining book. This Sunday Times best seller, is a laugh-out-loud, heartwarming and realistic depiction of what it really means to be a parent. With its male and female dual perspectives, it’s a great read for expectant parents, and is teeming with practical advice, from what to pack in your hospital bag to flexible working.
A great fun read for any expectant parent. Would make a good gift if you know anyone expecting a baby!
7. The Best Friends’ Guide to Pregnancy: £14.99, Amazon
Feeling swamped by medical and practical facts and stats? Try Vicki Iodine’s book – it hilariously gives the lowdown on the minutiae of daily life throughout the pregnancy months. From the realities of morning sickness to the top 10 reasons why you’ll definitely do it all again, Vicki takes a lighter look at pregnancy and birth.
8. Pregnancy for Men: £9.00, Amazon
With most pregnancy books for women, its lovely to have a a book for expectant fathers, covering what men need to know – from how the baby is developing month by month to how to support their partner throughout pregnancy.
9. The Positive Birth Book: 14.99, Amazon
The Positive Birth Book shows you how to have the best possible birth, regardless of whether you plan to have your baby in hospital, in the birth centre, at home or by elective caesarean. Find out how the environment you give birth in, your mindset and your expectations can influence the kind of birth you have, and be inspired by the voices of real women, who tell you the truth about what giving birth really feels like.
10. The Day By Day Pregnancy Guide: £20, Amazon
The Day-by-day Pregnancy Book provides a comprehensive look at every week of pregnancy. From early foetal development to how your hormones prepare you for birth, & Q&As with experts. An insightful guide for expectant parents.
There you have my top ten suggestions. Something for everyone. With all this time we currently have, go and order some of those books today, and relax with a nice read whilst you have the time.
Alternatively, there are some fantastic podcasts to listen to if you prefer this to reading. Check out here for the best podcasts for mums.
Whilst pregnant, don’t forget to document this special time with a maternity photo shoot. Details of which can be found here.