5 Can’t Miss Books You Need to Read During Pregnancy

You’ve just found out you’re pregnant (Congrats by the way! 😉) I’m sure you’ve already Googled or hopped on Pinterest to check for what books you need to cram into the next 9 months and found a never ending list of recommended reading that seems to be different at each page refresh. The list is long and continues to grow as new books are published and research evolves. But fret not! Despite the millions of books on the market, we’ve narrowed down the list to 5 can’t miss books you should read about Pregnancy and Birth prior to meeting your baby.

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth 

A must-read for all Moms, even those not planning a drug-free birth. The book is written to be very encouraging to all Moms, helping them realize the capabilities of their body in childbirth and pregnancy, with the added encouragement of a variety of real-life testimonies and birth stories showing a spectrum of birth experiences through the eyes of the birther this book is great for preparing you for all the amazing things your body is and is about to do.

Strong as a Mother: How to Stay Healthy, Happy and (Most Importantly) Sane from Pregnancy to Parenthood by Kate Rope

Written to prepare you with humor and grace for what lies ahead. This book gives you the tools you need to take care of yourself, permission to struggle at times, and professional advice on how to move through it when you do. Kate Rope writes all about the emotional component of pregnancy and postpartum putting your mental health during pregnancy and postpartum at the forefront. With mental health being overlooked so often, I find this book to be a great recommendation about self-care and self-awareness about what to expect in this chapter of your lives, what’s normal and what isn’t.

Birth Without Fear: The Judgment-Free Guide to Taking Charge of Your Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum  – January Harshe

January Harshe works to bring to life the notion of the variations of normal and is super informative about what “normal” can be. Looking at all the components of birth and realizing what is ‘ideal’ and what is still ‘normal’ can help address many of the triggers for anxiety and fear surrounding childbirth. This book was written with the intention of its straightforward guidance on all your options during birth and postpartum allowing you to feel informed and empowered while removing the “unknown” of childbirth to eliminate fear.

The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips, and Advice for Dads to Be by Adam Brott

Dads need to know what’s going on too! Several of my clients have read this book and said it was very helpful as it addresses the emotional, physical and financial aspects of pregnancy and the first few weeks of parenthood for a Dad from a Dad.

The Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy: Or Everything Your Doctor Won’t Tell You by Vicki Iovine

A fun read about the stuff you wish your girlfriends had mentioned before you found out on your own! This book is written in journal style and filled with humor from the moment the second line shows up to the end of the Fourth Trimester.

Grab one of these great reads and head to one of the beautiful places in Beaufort to walk baby out, don’t worry if you’re not trying to help coax labor along these sweet spots have something for every stage of pregnancy including places to curl up with a good book! Don’t forget your bug spray and water!