Are you just starting on your journey of bringing a child into this world? Or do you already have a child/children and are looking for knowledge and guidance as you embark on all their wonderful milestones? I wanted to share my go-to resources that have been incredibly helpful in providing a gateway to viable information, most of which I have been able to adapt into my life and home.
xx, Lauren
Nurture
Erica Chidi Cohen ($16)
Nurture is the only all-in-one pregnancy and birthing book for modern mothers-to-be and their partners who want a more integrative approach. Author Erica Chidi Cohen has assisted countless births and helped hundreds of families ease into their new roles through her work as a doula. This beautiful and comprehensive pregnancy companion covers everything from the beginning months of pregnancy to the baby's first weeks -- including supportive and encouraging self-care and mindfulness exercises and more than 40 charming and helpful illustrations. It's everything a modern mama would want to know: fetal development, nutrition support for every month of pregnancy, how to make the right birthing choices, the basics of breastfeeding, and more.
Guide to Childbirth
Ina May Gaskin ($19)
Drawing upon her 30-plus years of experience, Ina May Gaskin, the nation’s leading midwife, shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting
Heidi Murkoff ($10)
Hands down, this is the holy grail for pregnant women. Often called the "Pregnancy Bible," it’s become an absolute staple, demystifying your pregnancy as well as your pregnant body. Full of must-have information, this will serve as your general guide to everything you need to know.
Birth Without Fear: The Judgment-Free Guide to Taking Charge of Your Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum
January Harshe ($12)
Author January Harshe delivers an honest, positive, and passionate message of empowerment surrounding everything that involves having a baby -- including all that comes before, during, and after.
Mayo Clinic, Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
Dr. Myra J. Wick M.D. Ph.D. ($15)
Women looking for authoritative, accurate information from a reputable source will appreciate this pregnancy book from the world-class Mayo Clinic. It provides hundreds of pages of helpful information parents can use. Features include week-by-week updates on baby’s growth and month-by-month changes for mom, a 40-week pregnancy calendar, a symptoms guide, and a review of important pregnancy decisions.
Bringing Up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting
Pamela Druckerman ($15)
The wisdom of French parenting transformed one American writer's experience mothering abroad in France. Warm, funny, and charmingly told, Druckerman describes all that she learned in this New York Times bestseller.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Angela Duckworth ($19)
Psychologist Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed -- be it parents, students, educators, athletes, or business people -- that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent, but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit."
WomanCode: Perfect Your Cycle, Amplify Your Fertility, Supercharge Your Sex Drive, and Become a Power Source
Alisa Vitti ($15)
After suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and subsequently healing herself through food and lifestyle changes, holistic health coach Alisa Vitti made it her mission to spread the word to other women who were experiencing similar hormonal imbalances. Whether you're suffering from a variety of hormone-based ailments, WomanCode educates women on how they can heal themselves and improve their quality of life.
Permission To Parent: How to Raise Your Child with Love and Limits
Robin Berman, MD ($11)
Permission to Parent is written to inspire parents to be their best selves so they can be the best parents possible to their children. Full of great adaptable lessons you can bring into your family and home, psychiatrist Robin Berman uses clinical education paired with her own experience to teach parents how to build a loving family with deep connections.
How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character
Paul Tough ($13)
Why do some children succeed while others fail? The story that is usually told about childhood and success is one about intelligence -- success comes to those who score highest on tests, from preschool admissions to SATs. But in How Children Succeed, Paul Tough argues that the qualities that matter more have to do with character -- skills like perseverance, curiosity, optimism, and self-control.
The Montessori Toddler: A Parent's Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being
Simone Davies ($18)
Need we say more? Using principles developed by the creator of Montessori schools, Dr. Maria Montessori, explores how to make life with your baby a rewarding and beneficial time for all involved. Using curiosity, respect, and discovery, she has created step-by-step ways to implement simple and easy-to-follow daily routines.