When you’re expecting, your mind can be flooded with emotions, thoughts and hormones… We get it if it feels too much. These authors do, too.
That’s why there’s a great area of literature dedicated to books that everyone should read once you’re pregnant. Be warned, though – there’s a lot of useless writing that are sub-par. That’s why we felt compelled to compile a list of 17 books that will surely be enough to get through in those exciting months.
These authors are respected for writing quality advice and teachings, whether that be in form of a story or non-fiction. Take your pick!
Table of Contents
#1 Dr Spock’s Baby & Childcare by Dr Benjamin Spock
 | Recommended by Joe Flanagan from Daddilife. Find out more about the book Dr Spock’s Baby & Childcare by Dr Benjamin Spock by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
“Pick up Dr Spocks ‘Baby and childcare’. It’s really affordable and whilst it’s monstrous in size there is literally advice and, sometimes more importantly, explanation on everything you can think of.
It goes much deeper than the first few months too, which means you’ll have a friend for life.
One of our favourite things about the book is that it provides you the knowledge to deal with any problem how you want – it doesn’t make you parent in a certain way, which a lot of books do.”
#2 What to Expect The First Year by Heidi Murkoff
 | Recommended by Amy from The Postpartum Party. Find out more about the book What to Expect The First Year by Heidi Murkoff by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
This is the ultimate guide. This has a little bit of everything in it for new moms to help prepare them for labor, breastfeeding, baby sleep schedules and cues, and everything else that has to do with having a newborn.
#3 The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp
 | Recommended by Amy from The Postpartum Party. Find out more about the book The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
I loved how this book teaches you the different ways to soothe a newborn. The 5 S’s were clutch for us!
#4 Secrets of The Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg
 | Recommended by Amy from The Postpartum Party. Find out more about the book Secrets of The Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
This book was so critical in helping me get my daughter on a routine and knowing how to watch for her sleep cues. This book was really great to help me get her to become the good little sleeper that she is today!
#5 The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins
 | Recommended by Andrea Tran from Breastfeeding Confidential. Find out more about the book The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
I like this book because it divides the chapters by different stages of breastfeeding. The first chapter addresses preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy. The expectant mom can read this chapter and then can go back to the book and read the chapters that address the breastfeeding stage she is experiencing when it is relevant.
#6 Birth Partner 5th Edition by Penny Simkin
 | Recommended by Marlon Gutierrez from Being Papa. Find out more about the book Birth Partner 5th Edition by Penny Simkin by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
This book made so ready for my wife’s labor. She had a precipitous birth and I knew what was happening every step of the way. If she would’ve delivered in the car, I would’ve been ready. When my daughter was born, I asked the doctor to step aside and allow me to catch her as she entered this world. This book, plus some Bradley courses, gave me the confidence to do that and enjoy that experience.
#7 Go Ahead, Stop and Pee by Mihevc Edwards, Kate
 | Recommended by Mallory Campoli from Smith Publicity. Find out more about the book Go Ahead, Stop and Pee by Mihevc Edwards, Kate by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
Go Ahead, Stop & Pee is the ultimate guide to running for pregnant and postpartum women. Filled with their first-hand accounts and backed with the latest science, Dr. Kate Mihevc-Edwards and Dr. Blair Green-both physical therapists, mothers and passionate runners-debunk age-old myths to offer a comprehensive look at the guidelines and benefits of running during every stage of pregnancy. This book throws out all those old wives’ tales and proves that women can keep running-during and after pregnancy. All they need is the right information.
#8 The Ultimate New Mom’s Cookbook by Aurora Satler
 | Recommended by The Ultimate New Mom’s Cookbook. Find out more about the book The Ultimate New Mom’s Cookbook by Aurora Satler by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
Brimming with wholesome, satisfying recipes for every stage from the first day of your pregnancy to those tricky toddler years, this book eases your transition into parenthood and sets the foundation for your child to be a healthy and adventurous eater. Chef Aurora Satler and nutritionist Allison Childress anticipate your every new-parent need, with recipes for stocking your freezer for those first days home from the hospital, nutritious foods mom should eat while nursing, and methods for introducing your child to new flavors and food textures.
#9 The Five Step Action Plan to a Happy & Healthy Marriage by Shlomo Slatkin
 | Recommended by Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin from The Marriage Restoration Project. Find out more about the book The Five Step Action Plan to a Happy & Healthy Marriage by Shlomo Slatkin by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
The 5 Step Action Plan to a Happy & Healthy Marriage by Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, M.S., LCPC is a highly actionable book that is simple in it’s depiction of marriage and conflict in marriage with concise steps that a couple needs to take to create a happy & healthy marriage. With the birth of a new child, your relationship can change drastically, especially if it’s your first. Prepare by learning the skills you need to build a healthy marriage together.
#10 Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy by Wick M.D. Ph.D., Dr. Myra J.
 | Recommended by Elliot Robinson from Gunsmith Fitness. Find out more about the book Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy by Wick M.D. Ph.D., Dr. Myra J. by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
“Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy is one book for expectant moms that I trust. I ordered this book as a gift for my younger sister, who’s currently 2 months on the way.
The book basically explains the whys and wherefores of pregnancy in modern times and is backed by medical professionals who are equipped with the knowledge found in the book. It also provides much-needed information and what-to-dos during pregnancy. From lifestyle habits to actually caring for the newborn, this is one great book that’s rich in practicality and science in its simplest form.”
#11 What to Eat When You’re Pregnant by Avena PhD, Nicole M.
 | Recommended by Adina Mahalli from EnlightenedReality. Find out more about the book What to Eat When You’re Pregnant by Avena PhD, Nicole M. by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
What To Eat When You’re Pregnant is a guide for what you can eat, as opposed to what pregnant mothers are all too often told to avoid, during pregnancy. The book breaks down the do’s and don’t’s of nourishing your baby through every stage of your pregnancy to ensure that your child is getting the nutrients it needs for optimal development. There is also a section that outlines any special medical considerations that expecting mothers may experience and how this would affect their diet choices.
#12 BONKERS by Olivia Siegl
 | Recommended by Olivia Siegl from The Every Mum Movement. Find out more about the book BONKERS by Olivia Siegl by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
Olivia’s mission is to get the conversation started and to build awareness globally around the mental health issues so many mums face after having their children. Her book is the right mix of comedy and tragedy, which many women during early motherhood can relate too. She has gifted many influencers with her book and has been met with positive feedback from those expecting and in the throes of their motherhood journey.
#13 Expecting Better By Emily Oster
 | Recommended by Melanie Musson from ExpertInsuranceReviews. Find out more about the book Expecting Better By Emily Oster by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
Pregnant women are bombarded with dos and don’ts from everyone they know. The problem is that not every piece of advice is backed by science. In fact, many of the commonly believed no-nos are complete myths. This book provides a different perspective thank conventional wisdom. When you know there are two sides to something, you’re empowered to make a decision that’s right for you.
#14 Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn by Penny Simkin
 | Recommended by Chelsey DuBois from Doula du Nord. Find out more about the book Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn by Penny Simkin by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
This book is an inclusive, research-based book about everything related to pregnancy, birth, and newborns. This book touches on nutrition, birth plans, the postpartum time, and more. It empowers parents to plan for their own ideal experience based on their individual needs and desires.
#15 The First Forty Days by Heng Ou
 | Recommended by Chelsey DuBois from Doula du Nord. Find out more about the book The First Forty Days by Heng Ou by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
The First Forty Days is an essential book for any birthing person. It focuses on the postpartum time, which is unfortunately overlooked for many in our society. The first 40 days after a baby is born are very important for healing and recovery, but many people feel the need to “bounce back” immediately and neglect to care for themselves. This book aims to bring attention back to the postpartum time and help new parents focus on nourishment and connection.
#16 The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson
 | Recommended by Chelsey DuBois from Doula du Nord. Find out more about the book The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
The Fourth Trimester is another postpartum guide. It discusses preparing for birth, transitioning into parenthood, supporting healing and recovery, relationships, emotions, and more aspects of the postpartum time. In a culture where many parents are neglected instead of supported, this book gives guidance for planning and owning your birth and postpartum experience.
#17 The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger
 | Recommended by Chelsey DuBois from Doula du Nord. Find out more about the book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger by reading the description below or clicking on the button. |
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is a book created by La Leche League International to support those who are nursing and pregnant. It has a ton of information about breastfeeding, including preparation while pregnant, feeding positions, pumping and storing breastmilk, and more! There are sections devoted to special situations such as premature babies or multiples, as well as sections on issues that a nursing person might face in the postpartum time. The book features real-life stories from parents as well! This is a great guide for those who plan to breastfeed or otherwise feed their baby breastmilk.
