I am pregnant for the first time and i work from morning until evening, including on Saturdays, i don't have time for any parentcraft classes nor the money because we are planning to buy our own house, so we are on a budget.
Have you read any books that helped you and you would really recommend?
Honestly? I haven't read a damn thing & im expecting baby number 3 in March. I think they are more trouble than they are worth as no 2 babies are the same, all respond to different ways of parenting so if you get caught up in 1 book it might lead you to believe your somehow doing something wrong.
However, It might be useful to read up on the 4th trimester, and some mums like the wonder weeks app as it shows developmental leaps so can indicate when they are likely to be going through difficult periods x
When I'm going through something, I love to immerse myself in that world so I've read A LOT of baby books 
When I was expecting, I just downloaded an app which told me about what was happening to my body and to the growing baby week-by-week. I loved reading through with my hubby each Friday night.
In terms of when the baby comes (or just before) I'd recommend 'The Essential First Year' by Penelope Leech. I like how it gives you a rough expectation of what to expect over the first year.
As an all rounder though, my favourite parenting author is Sarah Ockwell-Smith. I didn't come across her stuff until shortly after I got pregnant with my second (she's written a great book called 'The Second Baby Book', which has helped ease my fears about coping with two under 2 and how to make the transition easy for my firstborn), but she's written about so many topics and I like her non-judgemental approach. I have her 'Gentle Potty Training', 'Gentle Eating' and 'Gentle Sleep' books, and I've never felt more confident about how I'm bringing up my son.
Books I would avoid include anything by Gina Ford (total rubbish!!) and the 'What to expect when you're expecting' book, as I found it a little outdated.
For the birth, I would read loads of stuff on Pinterest in the evenings. I also bought a book on Hypnobirthing. Make yourself aware of pain relief options, whether you think you want them or not... it's just good to know what's available.
You'll probably end up finding that so much of parenting is instinct and you will learn what works for your baby. But it's nice to have a foundation to build on.
Best of luck and enjoy your journey!
I read as above what to expect when you expecting, also watch out for a nhs classes those are free. Mine hospital offers Sunday session including tour of the maternity unit etc where they covered all you need to know in regards to labor and giving birth ( those are usually offered where you around 36 weeks) otherwise standard google did the trick for me, I did the NTC classes and fund that those did not give me any more info then I already had so you will be absolutely fine.
Hi Anca
I’m still only just into my second trimester so not read much yet but the pregnancy book I’m loving is ‘How to grow a baby, and push it out’! By Clemmie Hooper. It’s a real easy read about each step of pregnancy with some real stories and a few recipes thrown in but nothing too heavy.
I’ve also just started ‘The book you wish your parents had read (and your children will be glad that you did)’ by Phillips Perry. It’s more about how to bond and recognise your behaviour towards your children (even in pregnancy) in relation to your own childhood experiences. It’s not about parenting styles at all but I feel this is most important to me and I’m then just looking up bits and pieces about parenting on line to try and get a balanced approach (I’m sure that’s easier said than done!)
Good luck
Sarah x
Hi Anca
I'm 24 weeks with my first and have just read the Your Baby, Your Birth: Hypnobirthing Skills For Every Birth by Hollie de Cruz which I found really useful and now feel so much more informed about my choices, what to expect realistically etc. I had blocked out / not thought about the what happens in labour part before reading this and now feel at ease about labour. As someone else mentioned I would recomend looking at the free anti-natal classes your hospital offer as these are available at weekends as well. There are also free sessions held in most areas run by the Positive Birth movement. Try Google or Facebook to see your local one. They are held once a month on different pregnancy/labour topics and so far I've found them useful. Your partner can also attend these.
Good luck! x
The Bump is a brilliant app, really easy to follow and takes you through until your little one is one x
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