Becoming a first-time parent is a whirlwind of excitement, nerves and adventure. With so much advice from friends and family being passed around, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
You can’t go wrong with a good book recommendation to demystify all the information out there, so we’ve rounded up our top picks to guide you through each trimester and on your pathway to parenthood.
Image credit: Marie Louise
The Modern Midwife’s Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond by Marie Louise
Marie Louise – also known as The Modern Midwife – has put together a no-nonsense guide to give women confidence in themselves and their bodies, whether they’re trying for a baby, have just got a positive test result or nearing the end of their final trimester.
Image credit: Clemmie Hooper
How to Grow a Baby and Push It Out: Your No-nonsense Guide to Pregnancy and Birth by Clemmie Hooper
As a mum to four girls and a midwife herself, Clemmie Hooper knows what’s what when it comes to growing, pushing out and raising a baby. In her no-nonsense guide she shares expert knowledge and stories, from how to prevent tearing during labour to the things you actually need in your hospital bag.
Image credit: Milli Hill
Give Birth Like a Feminist: Your Body. Your Baby. Your Choices. By Milli Hill
Milli Hill’s book brings mothers into the spotlight when it comes to their pregnancy, giving them encouragement to stand up for what they believe in and make their own choices in the delivery room. Including stories from women across the world, it’s sure to bring out your inner feminist and give you the confidence to find your voice and change your perspective of birth.
Image credit: Malin Andersson
Positivity Is Our Superpower: Everything I've Learned about Trauma, Grief, Confidence and Self-Love by Malin Andersson
After her own battles with mental health, grief and the trauma of losing her first baby a few years ago, Malin Andersson – body positivity activist ¬– has shared how she’s found her inner strength to overcome the demons of her past. In her book, she speaks openly about the dark times she has experienced and how she’s been able to move on in her life and find healing – and how you can too.
Image credit: Natalia Hailes & Ashley Spivak
Why Did No One Tell Me This?: The Doulas' (Honest) Guide for Expectant Parents by Natalia Hailes and Ashley Spivak
Ever wished you’d been told a few things before going into labour? Doulas and reproductive health experts Natalia Hailes and Ashley Spivak have put together this raw guide on what you should really expect when you’re expecting, answering questions and queries on hormones, waters breaking and giving birth to name just a few – it’s a pregnancy bible!
Image credit: Erica Chidi
Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood by Erica Chidi
Your non-judgmental birthing companion in book form, Nurture has everything you need to guide you through pregnancy, labour and early motherhood. The book includes self-care and mindfulness exercises, trimester-specific holistic remedies, nourishing foods and expert tips for every kind of labour.
Image credit: Emma Cannon
Fertile: Nourish and balance your body ready for baby making by Emma Cannon
If you’re looking for a holistic approach to boosting your fertility, look no further than Emma Cannon’s book, Fertile. With over 50 recipes, cleansing plans and targeted advice, it gives readers practical ways to naturally improve their health and wellbeing to get their bodies ready for conception and pregnancy.
Image credit: Anna Mathur
Mind Over Mother: Every mum's guide to worry and anxiety in the first years by Anna Mathur
With so many women experiencing mental health and anxiety during motherhood, author Anna Mathur has created a safe place in her book Mind Over Mother for mums to understand and address how they’re feeling. It will help you learn, laugh and love yourself and invest in your own mental wellbeing.
Image credit: Frankie Bridge
GROW: Motherhood, Mental Health & Me by Frankie Bridge
Sunday Times best-selling author Frankie Bridge opens up about her experience with maternal mental health. GROW gives a real insight into the struggles and anxiety faced by Frankie, and many others, of becoming a parent. It’s an honest and raw account of how hard it can be to grow a baby and raise a child, when you’re still growing as a person yourself.