You’re at the start of your pregnancy journey, and you’re feeling a little poleaxed by all the information that is out there.
So many different sources and formats.
It’s all a bit mind-blowing!
Perhaps you’re ‘old school’ and feel you’d prefer a ‘real’ physical book?
Maybe you find navigating the online world of podcasts, blogs, Facebook groups and pages a little overwhelming?
Or you want something that you can keep in your handbag and refer to while out and about, waiting for appointments etc.
During my friend’s first pregnancy, her mother produced the pregnancy book SHE had read when she was pregnant with her, in 1995!
Nearly 27 years later, it was fascinating to see which advice had altered over the years and which had stayed the same – some advice had even come full circle.
So, a pregnancy book ‘of the times’ might be something to consider for your baby’s memory box.
BOOKS FOR YOUR PREGNANCY: A GUIDE TO PREGNANCY AND BEYOND
The book in question was, A Guide to Pregnancy and Beyond by Dr Miriam Stoppard, and had been published in the early 1970’s, it’s since been revised several times with the latest version published in 2009, Dr. Miriam Stoppard’s New Pregnancy and Birth Book: The Classic Guide for Parents-To-Be, Revised and Updated.
At the time of her Mum’s pregnancy there wasn’t that much choice, but these days there is a whole wormhole of pregnancy advice books to fall down.
To help you out, we’ve prepared a list of accessible, interesting and informative pregnancy books so that you can get fully up to speed, without too much effort!
BOOKS FOR PREGNANCY: OUR TOP 6
Note: These books are all available as paperbacks OR online.
First time parent by Lucy Atkins
First Time Parent is a first person account of pregnancy with a realistic perspective.
With over 2000 positive reviews, readers do state that it can be a little basic, however a good starting point.
And for first time parents who are feeling like they are drowning in a sea of information this is your ‘life buoy’ for the basics.
A great place to start on your journey for an ‘enlightened’ pregnancy.
Nobody tells you… by Becca Maberly
Nobody Tells you… Formatted in short snippets and contributions, over 100’s of pregnancy stories, bullet pointed for ease of use, this book is a quick and enjoyable read.
It offers up lots of practical advice and covers even difficult subjects with ease.
True pregnancy stories make it relatable and help ease any fears you may have.
Haynes baby manual by Doctor Ian Banks
Wait, the Haynes manual is for cars, right?
Right. And wrong!
Cashing in on the Haynes name the Haynes Baby Manual (3rd edition)has actual advice on ‘all models of babies’ as the tagline jokes.
You might even get your partner to enjoy reading this too, tell him it’s a manual for a Ford Baby 2022 or a BMW series newborn.
Because this is written by an actual Doctor we did find this book for new parents particularly informative.
Little miss Mum-to-be – Roger Hargreaves
You may remember reading the Little Miss and Mr Men books as a child.
Perhaps you are also intending on reading them to your new arrival. With Little Miss Mum-to-be you can get in on the action too.
A lighthearted look at pregnancy, but probably not one to take serious advice from.
The Big Fat Activity book for pregnant people by Jordan Williams and Erin Reid
The big fat activity book for pregnant people
Part colouring book, part diary and part brutally honest pregnancy stories and advice – the perfect accompaniment for those times later in your pregnancy when you’re too tired to move off the sofa but need something to stave off the boredom!
This is a refreshing combination of fun and practical advice.
Your baby’s first year – for Dummies – James Gaylord
We’ve all heard of the ‘For Dummies’ series of help books Your baby’s first year For Dummies is just one more take on the popular series.
A no nonsense guide for every aspect of your baby’s development.
This is written by a US author, so some aspects don’t translate that well to the UK, however it is still an informative and worthwhile read.
BOOKS FOR PREGNANCY AND BEYOND
When shopping for books we would also recommend the obligatory Baby names book, pregnancy journal and My First Year book for your baby’s memory box – there’s nothing like killing more birds with one stone!
Sandra Cullen Photography – based in Greenwich – specialises in newborn, baby, and maternity photography.
Want to know more about my Newborn Session? Head over to www.sandracullenphotography.com/newborn-photography-south-east-london
Or how about a Maternity photoshoot to capture your beautiful bump? www.sandracullenphotography.com/maternity-photoshoots-greenwich
