We all know that overwhelming feeling when you find out you're pregnant and want to start reading books but have no idea where to start.
I Have The Power!!
I’m a strong believer that education and knowledge is power. When we teach ourselves about pregnancy and what is happening to our body whilst growing a human we become empowered. With empowerment comes confidence and when we are confident we are fearless. And the best part…when we are fearless, we are unstoppable. Unstoppable women can achieve anything and are capable of climbing the highest mountains…or achieving the pregnancy and birth we desire.
It still blows my mind that many women spend so much time researching and educating themselves on sometimes irrelevant or materialistic topics such as baby nursery themes/colour schemes (I was guilty of this also!). Yet they fail to spend the time truly understanding the changes in their own body and what happens during the birthing process-instead they just fear it.
Books, Books & More Books!
There are a million resources out there for us to find all information we desire. However, sometimes when there is too much information it becomes overwhelming and we put it in the too hard basket. I did this with my first pregnancy for a long time until I stopped procrastinating and started reading. I already had a lot of knowledge because of my degree however, even I, wished I had started earlier.
Where To Start
So to make life easier for you, I have complied a list of my top 5 books on pregnancy and birth. This list is by no means exhaustive but gives you a start point to become educated, empowered and excited about the motherhood journey.
- ‘HypnoBirthing- The Mongan Method’
The breakthrough natural approach to safer, easier, more comfortable birthing, By Marie Mongan
Where do I start with this book? It saved my life with both my births. It helped to eliminate any fear I had surrounding my births. I was able to remain calm during labour and birth and dare I say it…I loved giving birth. It was a moment in my life where I felt in control of my mind and body and I felt I could achieve anything. I owe these feeling to this book and the positive affirmations CD that comes with it. I recommend this book to all my friends. No questions…buy this book!
- ‘Juju Sundin’s Birth Skills- with Sarah Murdoch’
Proven pain-management techniques for your labour and birth
This book is not only informative but also 100% practical. It gives you skills to use during your labour. There are photos throughout to give you an idea of the different positions, movements and actions you can do to reduce the ‘pain’ felt. It’s all about reconditioning the mind during labour to ‘distract’ you. If you focus on movement for example you are less likely to focus on the discomfort. Pay particular attention to ‘Skill #6-Pushing’ and the ‘coffee plunger’ analogy (It wont sound crazy once you have read the book). This is a perfect visual to help you push correctly during birth…and yes there is most definitely a right and wrong way to push ladies. Do it wrong, and you can risk tearing but do it right and your baby will come into this world with a whole lot less trauma.
- ‘Well Adjusted Babies’
By Dr Jennifer Barham-Floreani
This is a huge book and probably one you won’t need to read from front to back but more so flick to the section that is relevant to the stage you are at. It’s a very holistic (some would say slightly alternative) view on pregnancy, birth and parenthood but never the less it is an interesting read. It isn’t unbiased (the author is a chiropractor) and I felt some parts were a little extreme. Although I didn’t necessarily agree with 100% of the content there is invaluable information on health and wellbeing of both mother and baby.
4. ‘The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding’
La Leche League International- The leading source for Breastfeeding support and Information.
$26.25- Amazon.com.au
No matter how confident you think you are about breastfeeding, you can never be over prepared. I teach Mums how to breastfeed, including premature babies (They can be extremely challenging) and even I needed guidance and support when it was time to do it myself. Breastfeeding is 100% the most incredible thing you can do for your baby but it can also be one of the most challenging things you can face as a Mum. This book is a brilliant resource. I highly recommend reading it well before baby is here and even getting your partner to do the same. After all, your success as a breastfeeding Mum will rely heavily on the support from those around you. Endorsed by La Leche League International, a non-governmental, non-profit organisation that organises advocacy, educational, and training related to breastfeeding, you know you can trust the information you are reading.
- ‘Real Food For Pregnancy’
By Lily Nichols
$50.22- Amazon.com.au
I know a part of me loved this book because of all the science and e information but this is truly a brilliant book. Yes, there is science behind what is discussed but there is also so much detail on meal suggestions, recipes, vitamin/supplement explanations, historical and international anecdotes, common complaints, exercise, mental health, breastfeeding and recovery. It is also very real. The author is very understanding about how stressful and confusing pregnancy and postpartum can be.
So there you have it, my top 5 books on Pregnancy, birth and motherhood. It might seem overwhelming but 9 months is plenty of time to read and learn all about your body and your baby. Once you have read these books, I can guarantee you will feel so much more in control of the changes in your life. You will enjoy the journey you are on because you will be empowered and confident in your body.
Happy reading!
And as always, be kind to yourself, you are doing the best job you can!
