What books would you recommend for first time pregnancy?

[Mrs_MT]

First time pregnancy for me. Currently 9 weeks and 4 days.

Just wondering what books you guys recommend reading?

[Seb9]

I have to say everything I read just made me more anxious than being helpful. Lots of pressure to have the perfect journey which I found just didn't exist. The only thing I found helpful was the wonder weeks app, which was more about what they would be doing developmentally rather than trying to fit my baby into what the books told me they should be doing or I should be doing. One example for me was putting baby down sleepy but awake, which just would set my baby off crying that nearly broke me.

My thinking on it now is that you can read all the books you like but if baby hasn't read them that they won't always follow what the book says they'll do.

I did however enjoy the curious incident of the dog in the night time, nothing to do with babies but a great read to relax with before baby comes.

Good luck with it all xx

[Mrs_MT in reply to Seb9]

That is a great book (curious incident of the dog in the nighttime)! Have to tried the humans by Matt Haig? Great book too if you haven’t.

I’m entering into unknown territory and I just wondered if there were any practical books that help prepare you. You know, kind of like after you read it you think gee I wish I had read this earlier?

Thanks for your honest reply, I will check out the wonder weeks app.

[Ladypii in reply to Mrs_MT]

I’ve recently bought the “whole 9 months” a book on (on pregnancy diet) and think it’s a good read with some great recipes in it. But I’m going to join an Antenatal class once I’ve got a bit further along, for more practical advice in a few weeks and might do some other zoom classes that the NHS are running in my area xx

[MissSaoPaulo]

'The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read'. It's about parenting mindset rather than about practicalities of caring for a baby and I really like and try to follow the philosophy of it. Congratulations, hope the rest of your pregnancy is happy and healthy xxx

[Afrohair]

None

[cmbxm]

How to grow a baby and push it out by Clemmie Hooper

[Bobbie7]

Hi, I'm a first time Mum to be as well. I bought The day-by-day pregnancy book, I've found it really useful and well, just a nice read before bedtime. Enjoy your pregnancy x

[Claireeeeeeeeeeeee]

If you plan on breastfeeding I really recommend this book Baby-led Breastfeeding: How to make breastfeeding work - with your baby's help. It really helped me know why things were happening. It meant instead of worrying I wasnt producing enough milk when they cluster fed I knew it was normal and how expressing I would get less than baby could etc. It just meant I remained calm about things that are normal but before breastfeeding for the first time no one talks about.

[Walker1992]

Hi sorry this not about the books but your the same amount of weeks and days as me i was just wondering have you had any symptoms and lost them agen yet. Xx

[Mrs_MT in reply to Walker1992]

Just pm you

[ToniaB123]

I honestly thought ‘pregnancy for men’ was so much better than my book. I got it for my partner and he loved it. Helped him get more involved and I didn’t need to read anything. Didn’t seem to be any scary stuff in there from what I recall, unless he edited it out! It’s great as it’ll help your other half understand what’s going on in your body, why you’re cranky etc xxx

[Mrs_MT in reply to ToniaB123]

I was just thinking what books would be available for the hubby! Thanks for this x

[Tgum]

The unmumsy mum. All other official books I found to be a bit outdated and too much info at once. Like someone else has said, they focus on the perfect journey and being the perfect parent too much.

Becoming a mum is a learning curve in itself and no book can truly prepare you. Just enjoy the pregnancy and download a good app on your phone.

[Mrs_MT in reply to Tgum]

Thank you! Just had a look at this book on goodreads, it looks really funny!

[Toffeelady123]

Congratulations! I bought

Dr Maggie Blott - The Day-by-Day Pregnancy Book off Amazon very early on in my pregnancy and it’s helped so much, especially whilst waiting for your next appointment with the midwife/hospital. It goes through all sorts of things and put my mind at ease with a lot of stuff, it also helped me feel more prepared. In the very early stages of pregnancy it’s so wonderful to have daily updates of what baby is doing/developing.

Would definitely recommend it xx

[kittykat1760]

I would recommend The Modern Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond by Marie Louise. She's good to follow on Instagram too and has just had her first baby herself. Very well written book and includes evidence based useful information rather than specific advice.

[Mrs_MT in reply to kittykat1760]

Thank you!

[Bailey135]

Don’t bother reading books I would just google questions you have and use a reliable website to answer them, being a mum will most likely just come natural and books just make you second guess x

[Rejbhow]

I enjoyed reading 'Your No Guilt Pregnancy Guide'. It focuses just on pregnancy and the first couple of weeks of parenthood, but it's very positive and encouraging. Happy reading!