Pregnancy Book Recommendations
July 23, 2019
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know just how obsessed I am with reading! I love learning more about topics I’m passionate about, so when we found out we were expecting a baby, I couldn’t wait to get stuck into a few books!
I wanted to write a post on the books that I found particularly helpful throughout my pregnancy as I know how overwhelmed I was when I first started considering which books to invest in. There are so many beautiful books out there but there were definitely a fair few that really stood out for me and that I gained so much from.
Your Baby, Your Birth
Yes, yes, yes!
I LOVED this book the most!
In fact, I re-read it, dog eared pages, photographed certain paragraphs and have been listening to the daily affirmations every single day! I’m obsessed.
This was the first hypnobirthing book I read and to be honest, I was a bit sceptical. It was such an easy read and everything just resonated with me so much that I found the techniques and skills so easy to implement into my day. It not only made me more confident for the birth of my baby, but I also felt like I learned so much from it in terms of my body and how I am in control of the way I experience birth – even something as the internal language we use can make the biggest difference. Plus, because it was such an easy read, I was able to share short paragraphs with Ben without him zoning out.
- I read this from week 28 and have referred to it since – highly recommend reading it sooner than later as the daily MP3’s that come with the book are brilliant to listen to in preparation for the birth of your baby.
Hypnobirthing – Practical Ways To Make Your Birth Better
This was actually the last book I read and I’m so glad I managed to squeeze it in! It was actually one of my overall favourites. Not only does it cover all aspects of hypnobirthing, but it also covers the science behind birth in more depth (but not too much detail that it goes over your head), really delves into the role of the birth partner and covers the process of labour. What I particularly loved is that it continuously emphasises the control and power the birthing mum has over her choices and that we can make informed decisions to create a birthing experience that is empowering, successful and healthy for us.
If you’re planning on using hypnobirthing techniques then I highly recommend reading this book! Plus, I love their Instagram account @thepositivebirthcompany because it promotes exactly that – a positive birth experience! This is something any pregnant woman needs to expose themselves to.
- A great book to read whether it’s your first baby or your fourth!
The Hypnobirthing Book
This book was short, sweet but also really informative and straight to the point. It covers a variety of hypnobirthing techniques as well as MP3 tracks you can download to help guide you through relaxations. Again, it promotes a calm, confident and natural birth.
- I read this at around 30 weeks and found it so useful to cement daily practices into my routine to help me prepare for birth.
The Positive Birth Book
Love love love this book! It was the first ‘positive’ birthing book I read and it really opened my eyes to a new way of looking at the birthing experience. In fact, I finished reading this book and felt so excited to my labour and more prepared than I ever would have thought possible. It covers all aspects of labour, what to expect and how to make every birthing experience a positive one.
What I loved most about this book are the birthing plan illustrations that you can download and use to create your own birthing plan. I was quite daunted by the thought of having to write down a ‘plan’ for birth (especially as it’s probably the one thing that you can’t really ‘plan’ for) but these just made is so much easier to think about. Plus, it challenges you to consider different scenarios and how you can make each one a positive and empowering experience for you.
- Perfect to read if you’re pregnant and wanting some useful tips on creating your birthing plan.
How To Grow A Baby And Push It Out
Yes!! A book written by an NHS midwife. Not only was this book informative, but it was written in such a clear and concise way with beautiful illustrations and to be honest – I just couldn’t get enough! It was the perfect encyclopaedia of what to expect during your pregnancy as well as incredible tips that cover birthing, breastfeeding, relaxation, pain relief and so much more! This is such a great book and I referred to it throughout my pregnancy.
- I started reading this book when I was 20 weeks pregnant although I wish I’d bought it sooner. It’s such a good read even from as early as 10 weeks.
Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth
If you’ve followed my pregnancy journey so far, you’ll know how much I’m in love with this book!
This book mostly covers and promotes a positive natural birthing experience and it left me feeling so empowered! Again, I just felt so excited by labour and it gave me the confidence I needed to release any fear I had around birth. This book is split into two parts, the first half full of positive birth stories (mostly first-hand accounts) and the second half covering the birthing experience. My favourite by far were the stories. I just couldn’t get enough of them! It’s so important to head into birth with confidence and those first-hand accounts of the women Ina May Gaskin helped during labour did just that.
- I read this book at around 24 weeks but it would also be a great read in the lead up to labour if you’re looking to expose yourself to more positive birth stories.
The Better Baby Book
I read this book last year while we were trying to conceive. It’s essentially a prenatal guide that delves into the latest genetic research and how nutrition and your environment have an impact on your baby while in the womb.
I found this book fascinating. Although it was very scientific and a bit overwhelming at times, there were certain gems that I did take away from it. I’m going to be totally honest and say that I didn’t change my life completely to fit in with their recommendations but there were so many jewels of knowledge throughout the book that I just took on board those elements that resonated with me the most.
- I personally found this great to read BEFORE I was expecting as I think it would have been a bit too overwhelming to take all the information in once I was pregnant. It also gave me certain nutrition and lifestyle factors to focus on while trying to get pregnant and increase our chances of conceiving.
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