There are so many pregnancy, kids and baby books on the market today as well as contrasting information as to how to feed, swaddle, parent and raise your newborn. I came up with a list of my favourite pregnancy books that I personally found to be the most helpful filled with information that resonated with me the most. Some of my favourites include… 

THE SH!T NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT PREGNANCY: A GUIDE TO SURVIVING PREGNANCY, CHILDBIRTH, AND BEYOND 

I loved how honest and blunt this book was. It really tells it like it is and made me laugh as well it made me relieved that someone else had similar fears as me. 

THE MOTHER OF ALL PREGNANCY BOOKS 3RD EDITION

Ranked as the #1 all Canadian guide to a happy, healthy pregnancy my sister actually picked this one up for me in a thrift store! After reading it I understood why it was #1 because it includes everything from facts about nutrition and prenatal testing all the way to high risk pregnancy tips and alternative therapies. 

THE SH!T NO ONE TELLS YOU: A GUIDE TO SURVIVING YOUR BABY’S FIRST YEAR  

This one I found to be more on the entertainment side of things. It is a very easy read that will give you some reassurance that not everyone has it all together after the baby is born. 

THE HAPPIEST BABY ON THE BLOCK; FULLY REVISED AND UPDATED SECOND EDITION 

This one is great exclusively for the “5S’s”  which is a technique that helps soothe a crying baby. This is obviously a very necessary ability you need that can prevent a lot of discomfort for not only the baby but yourself and your partner especially when it comes to sleep! I found it to be super helpful and it really walks you through the fourth trimester and how to soothe baby back to sleep in minutes. 

THE NATURAL PREGNANCY BOOK, THIRD EDITION: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO A SAFE, ORGANIC, PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH WITH HERBS, NUTRITION, AND OTHER HOLISTIC CHOICES

If you don’t already know I am very into alternative health and wellness so I was very excited when I found this gem in my midwife’s office. If you are seeking an eco-friendly, safe, organic and natural pregnancy this one is for you. It focuses on nutritional information based on herbs and includes other options then what you will find in the other books.

YEAH BABY!: THE MODERN MAMA’S GUIDE TO MASTERING PREGNANCY, HAVING A HEALTHY BABY, AND BOUNCING BACK BETTER THAN EVER

As a fan of Jillian Michaels I picked this one up to give a read through and was pleasantly surprised with the information it included on fitness, health and nutrition throughout pregnancy. It could have had included more on the baby’s growth and development but it had some great recipes.

MOTHER MASSAGE: A HANDBOOK FOR RELIEVING THE DISCOMFORTS OF PREGNANCY 

A supportive guide for the expectant mother as well as a helpful tool for partners that want to help relieve tension by massage. Great for beginners to feel confident about giving a prenatal massage. 

THE EXPECTANT FATHER: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR DADS-TO-BE

This is a great one for first time dads that have lots of questions or concerns about how their life will be affected financially, emotionally and physically after becoming a parent and it puts it in perspective what we are going through in each stage of pregnancy and how to offer effective support.  

THE NEW FATHER: A DAD’S GUIDE TO THE FIRST YEAR

From the same author as “The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide For Dads-To-Be”, this book offers a month to month guide about their babies development as well as what is happening with the mother at the same time. I really recommend this one and even turned down my favourite pages for Gary!

AN AZ WOMAN’S GUIDE TO VIBRANT HEALTH

This is not necessarily a pregnancy book but is a great guide for health in general. 

Remember that it is ok to not agree with everything you read or that other moms choose to do. What works for you, works for you. Don’t feel judged if you decide not to use cloth diapers or your baby has to have formula because of complications with breastfeeding. It is your baby and being a parent is not always going to be perfect. It is a learning experience and eventually you will find your way. As long as you provide your baby with love, safety and support the rest will work itself out. 

What are some of your favourite pregnancy books?? Make sure to share them with us in the comments section below!

N xx

Photography by Brooklyn D Photography