Hey there, Mamas! We are back with another edition of The Cool Mom Co. book club. And today, we’re cozying up with a book about a very important topic.
That’s right. Pregnancy.
Talking about pregnancy can bring up all sorts of emotions for us Mamas. Joy, anxiety, grief, nervousness…they are all valid. We believe that the best way to support yourself through your pregnancy journey is to educate yourself. It’s true what they say: knowledge is power, and we want you to have the most empowered pregnancy possible.
There are hundreds of books about pregnancy available to you. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites, from the funny to the informative, to help you through this exciting time of your life.
Why Did No One Tell Me This? The Doula’s (Honest) Guide for Expectant Parents
Despite the fact that all of us were born into this world, there is a lot of mystery regarding pregnancy and birth. This book attempts to pull back the veil on the world of birth and help you make informed decisions.
Authors Natalia Hales and Ash Spivek are the founders of Brilliant Bodies, a doula-led educational program for pregnant people. Their approach is fun, inclusive, and deeply informative.
Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth
Ina May Gaskins is a pioneer in the field of midwifery. Her work has changed the way our culture treats pregnant people and how we approach birth. It’s no wonder, then, that her books on childbirth and breastfeeding continue to be bestsellers years after they’ve been published.
Gaskins definitely believes in the power of an unmedicated birth. However, if that’s not your jam, there are still plenty of tips and tricks that can help you have a peaceful and safe birth, whatever your plan is.
Like A Mother: A Feminist Journey Through The Science and Culture of Pregnancy
Author Angela Garbes was filled with questions when she became pregnant. But when she tried speaking with her physician or scouring the internet, she found the answers vague and unsatisfactory.
In her book, she attempts to demystify pregnancy through a mix of investigative journalism and personal anecdotes. Above all, her writing examines how, throughout history, women have not been given agency over and information about their bodies. Her reflections will help you feel empowered to make the choices that are right for you and have a better understanding of the changes your body is going through during pregnancy.
Nine Golden Months: The Essential Art of Nurturing the Mother-to-Be
When we talk about pregnancy, a lot of the focus is on the health of the baby. While we understand why that’s the case, we personally believe it is equally important to focus on yourself, Mama! After all, you are growing a whole human being inside of you! That’s tough work! You deserve to be nourished and cared for. This is the focus of Heng Ou’s book. A sequel to her popular The First Forty Days, Ou draws on the ancient wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda to create practices that will leave you feeling prepared and calm.
The Doula’s Guide to Empowering Your Birth
More and more people these days are hiring doulas to offer support during pregnancy and birth. Writer Lindsey Bliss worked as a doula for hundreds of births and had seven children of her own. During that time, she learned a lot about what makes for a smooth and empowered labor and delivery.
This book compiles her years of firsthand experience. It explains the benefits of different types of birthing classes, how to assemble a medical team you trust, and tools for anxiety-free labor.
Lactivate! A User’s Guide to Breastfeeding
Are you more worried about what happens after pregnancy? Breastfeeding is a hot topic amongst women worldwide. The sad fact is that quality instruction and information is not available for every family. This leaves growing numbers of women feeling stressed and dejected when it comes to breastfeeding struggles.
Author Jill Strauss, along with certified lactation consultant Chrisie Rosenthal is here to help you with a comprehensive guide to all things breastfeeding. In this book, they will take you through all the nitty-gritty details of lactation, from anatomy to what to expect.
There’s No Manual: Honest and Gory Wisdom About Having a Baby
Look, having a baby? Exciting. Getting endless advice from well-wishers everywhere? Not so much.
In this brutally honest and profoundly hilarious book, Beth Newell and Jacqueline Ann May encourage new mothers everywhere to drop the endless lists of “shoulds” and “should nots” and trust their own intuition. After all, there is no one right choice for everyone.
Additionally, they offer practical advice for pregnancy-related problems that have nothing to do with the baby. A perfect read for first-time moms!
What is your favorite book about pregnancy? Share with us in the comments below!