Hey Everyone, I am looking for some good reading materials as far as books go that is. We are actively ttc and I'm wanting to start a list of recommended reading for hopefully the near future. Just wondering what books were helpful to everyone else. Thanks.
Hi,
"The Baby Book," by Dr. and RN Sears is AWESOME - especially after the baby comes. So much information - easy to read, but stock full of scientific info that helps you make good care decisions, like if it's just a cold or maybe something more.
I second "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" and I LOVE the book "The Happiest Baby on the Block".
Good luck!
I loved The Mayo Clinic's Guide to Pregnancy. It broke things down week by week and had a great section in the back listing commom "problems". I felt the What to Expect books were off-base sometimes and I got worried. Same for the Your Baby Week by Week. My son was a little slow with some skills (caught up by 13 months) and I worried from reading that book :( Let me know how it goes. I have just started TTC with baby #2 and I am already getting stressed out :(
I agree with "The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy". It gave great info and was easy to read because of the personal stories. Many of which were humorous. If you're considering bf, my doctor recommended, "So That's What They're For". It is the same kind of structure. Very good information, but also humorous stories from other moms. Best of luck!
After having my first baby I wish I would know little bit more about sleeping. I read a lot about pregnancy and the first year of baby, but nobody suggested book about sleeping. My little guy always fell asleep while nursing and now he is one and we are still dealing with the consequences. It depends on every child, but I wished I knew more. Good luck and enjoy.
My favorite pregnancy book is The Girlfriend's Guide To Pregnancy. The fashion advice is a little bit outdated, but everything else is right on the mark and very helpful. It talks about things most books won't, and answers all those little questions you're too embarrassed to ask.
The other moms have suggested some great reading specifically for pregnancy and delivery, and they are all worth reading. I just came across a book that I have almost finished that deals with stress and toxic thoughts. "Who Switched Off My Brain? controlling toxic thoughts and emotions." By Dr. Caroline Leaf, I bought it online. While learning everything you can about being pregnant and how to take care of a new baby are extremely important, I think that learning how to deal with stress is equally important. And a new baby, no matter how terrific it is, it a huge stressor. This book also deals with how the brain develops and how we learn, so good for all stages, even pregnancy. (I wish I would have read this 13 years ago when I was pregnant with my first son).
My best to you and happy reading, looks like you have quite a list of good books.
Hi I would suggest you to read the pregnancy book from http://pregnancyhours.com that helped me to get pregnant fast and have a healthy pregnancy.
M.,
If you tend to lean more towards midwifery and "natural" approaches to healthcare, I would recommend "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" and "From the Hips". ("From the Hips" has a really long subtitle, but I can't remember what it was.)
"Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" is amazing book about labor. The first half of the book has birth stories. They are fun to read, and very positive. The second half breaks down the stages of labor.
"From the Hips" is a relatively new pregnancy book. I remember that it didn't really say certain things were "wrong" or "right"; it presented everything as options. For example, it is very common for pregnant women to be told not to eat deli meat due to the risk of lysteria. "From the Hips" actually tells you what your odds are of getting lysteria from deli meat, so you can decide for yourself.
Lennart Nilsson's "A Child is Born" is also fun. He is the Swedish photographer who did all the in-utero photos. Each week during my pregnancy, we would look at the corresponding photo.
I'm sure several people will suggest "What to Expect When You're Expecting", but this was actually the one book my midwife suggested *not* to read. She said it's a "fear-mongering" book that is all about fear and what *not* to do. I did flip through the book and really did not find it helpful; the other books I mention have more information and don't seem so instructional. You should check it out for yourself, but that's my two cents.
YMMV--check out the books at the library before purchasing.
One of my favorite pregnancy books was "Your pregnancy; week by week"
I would also recommend Mothering Magazine. They have a great natural bend on mothering and pregnancy.
What to Expect When You're Expecting - an old stand-by.
the best book by far is the mayo clinic guide to a healthy pregnancy. I just wanted the facts and what was going on each week and trimester and this book really breaks it down for you. I highly sugget it!
Two must haves:
1 - Your Pregnancy: Week by Week
2- Baby's First Year: Week by Week
For one, it is great to follow along and know what milestones you are at, what's to come, etc. They are also excellent resources for questions or concerns you have along the way.
Good luck :)
Have you read "TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR FERTILITY"? It's a really good book and an easy read.
I highly recommend the Dr. Sears "The Baby Book" It does go over labor and delivery and tells you pretty much everything you need to know about your baby from birth to two years.
