Being Pregnant
5 Books I’m Reading to Get Ready for Baby
How many parenting books can I read in the next four months?
I don’t know about you, but as an expecting mom I cannot find enough information, advice, and resources to help me prepare for the journey that is ahead. I refer to it as the “sponge” phase of pregnancy – when suddenly all you can do is read registry tips, breastfeeding guides, and anything else that makes you feel even the tiniest bit more prepared for the unknown.
Typically I do all of my reading on my handy little Nook, but when picking out pregnancy and parenting books, I decided to go all old school and grab hard copies instead. My hope is that they will be my companions during late nights in the nursery, and something I can pass along to friends and family who might be expecting down the road.
There is no shortage of pregnancy, childbirth, or parenting books available, but some are most definitely better than others. Everyone has their own personal favorites, but here are (so far!) five of mine…
All books are available at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. (Savings tip: they are usually close to 50% off the cover price if you order online instead of buying in store!)
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11 Comments
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5 Books I’m Reading to Get Ready for Baby – Babble (blog) | ehealthjournal.net commented on Jul 01 11 at 2:13 am[...] weekend, everyone! Safe travels! PS – to see what I’m reading poolside, check out the 5 Books I’m Reading to Get Ready for Baby! « « Previous Post: West Coast [...]
Daily Garnish » Blog Archive » Viva La Fourth. commented on Jul 01 11 at 12:39 pmSarah commented on Jun 30 11 at 11:54 amIf you are planning on breastfeeding I recommend The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding which is published by the La Leche League. It’s a great resource that I’m constantly referring back to.
Melissa Sher commented on Jun 30 11 at 11:55 amFirst of all, congratulations! I happened to actually write about this book today on Babble in an essay but I really, really liked, “Happiest Baby on the Block.” I thought it was very helpful for the first couple of months. I’m also a huge Brazelton fan. Best of luck! I’ll enjoy following your journey online!
Stacey commented on Jun 30 11 at 12:19 pmGreat book choices!! :)
Stacey commented on Jun 30 11 at 12:21 pmOh – just read the other comments. We bought the CD & DVD “Happiest Baby on the Block” and found it extremely helpful. We watched the DVD about a week before our son was born and it gave great tips and showed you how to do the 5 S’s. We also used the CD for soothing tracks for our son up until he was a little over a year old. Great resource too!
Katie KS commented on Jun 30 11 at 1:26 pmI haven’t actually read any of these! LOL … As to the first comment on the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding … it DOES have lots of great tips if you struggle with breastfeeding or have complications but I had to take it all with a grain of salt as I felt some things were offensive or impractical to working moms (ie the suggestion to have someone bring the baby to you every couple of hours at work …) I am proud to have nursed for a year and plan to again but I am far from following the LLL recommendations on HOW to accomplish that :)
Jena commented on Jun 30 11 at 3:13 pmOddly enough, I didn’t read books about babies while I was pregnant. I wasn’t too worried about any of that (maybe because I read so many parenting blogs). I was more concerned about the birth, so I read Your Best Birth & Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. Highly recommend both. Ina May also has a breastfeeding book I might read next time. I read part of Anne Lamott’s journal/memoir, but I found I wasn’t so interested halfway through (which surprised me–I’m usually a fan of her writing).
Lynn commented on Jun 30 11 at 4:17 pmI’ve been interviewing pediatricians and all of them have recommended the AAP’s book on Caring for Your Baby and Young Child from Birth to Age 5, Happiest Baby on the Block and Baby 411.
Just yesterday my husband said, “how many books are you going to read before the baby gets here?” Looks like you just gave me a few more to try. Thanks!
Kara commented on Jun 30 11 at 5:58 pmI’ll add my support to “Happiest Baby on the Block”. By far, my favorite book and most practical of the ones I read. My children (now 5 & 6) have been great sleepers, and I feel a lot of that is due to the advice in this book!
Sarah commented on Jul 01 11 at 4:25 pmMy pregnancy and birth came so early (24weeks- see my blog for that miracle), that I didn’t get to do all the reading I had anticpated. Would have enjoyed reading your recommendations I am sure. I think I will start the Brain Rules thus next week as my husband and I are probably the biggest nerds ever! I am just finishing Nurture Shock and have seriously loved everyminute of it. If you haven’t yet read it, I give it my highest recommendation. As always, love reading both your blogs :)
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