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Dear Mama,
These are my top 3 pregnancy and motherhood books I found most helpful during my pregnancy and the first 2 months postpartum.
#1: Expecting Better
This is a great book to read if you’re trying to conceive or pregnant. Emily Oster does all the research for you so you can make educated decisions on what to do and not to do during pregnancy.
The back of the book reads, “pregnancy — unquestionably one of the most profound, meaningful experiences of adulthood — can reduce otherwise intelligent woment to, well, babies. Pregnant women are told to avoid cold cuts, sushi, alcohol, and coffee without ever being told why. Moms-to-be desperately want a resource that empowers them to make their own right choices.”
This book kept me sane during my pregnancy and made me feel empowered to make the decisions that were right for me and my growing baby.
#2: Moms on Call | 0-6 Months
Everyone always tells you, “when the baby comes, you’ll just know what to do. It’s a mothers instinct!”
While that may be true, I still felt like a clueless idiot. How much should baby be eating? Is her poop supposed to look like that? Why is she making that noise?
While you can Google all these things, I found comfort in having read this book and being able to go back and use it as a resource.
Written by two pediatric nurse moms, with over 20 years of experience and eight children between them, their advice is beyond helpful.
They have other books that I can’t wait to read as my little girl grows.
#3: Bringing Up Bébé
(Update, I finished the book and I loved it) I’ll be honest, I’m still reading this one, but I love it so far! Pamela Druckerman is an American journalist who had a baby in Paris and wrote about it.
Bringing Up Bébé” is a parenting revelation! Pamela Druckerman’s take on the French approach to raising kids is an absolute game-changer. As a mom, I was captivated by her stories and insights into how French parents strike a balance between setting boundaries and nurturing independence. I also learned that my parenting style already included a lot of French methods.
The concept of ‘cadre’ or framework stuck with me. It’s all about establishing clear limits for kids while letting them explore within those boundaries. I loved learning how French parents handle mealtimes, tantrums, and the importance they place on patience.
This book isn’t just about kids; it’s a reminder to parents to take care of themselves too. Druckerman emphasizes finding balance between parenting and personal identity, which hit home for me.
“Bringing Up Bébé” isn’t preachy—it’s relatable, practical, and eye-opening. It challenged my parenting style in the best possible way, offering fresh perspectives that have positively influenced how I raise my children. If you’re a parent seeking new insights and a more joyful approach to parenting, this book is a must-read!
If you loved watching Emily in Paris on Netflix, you’ll love this parenting book.
