CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

The 4 Books That Got Me Through Becoming A Mom

save article
profile picture of Stephanie Benavidez
Updated May 9, 2017
hands holding book up at beach
Image: iStock

Panic is setting in for me. I’m in the home stretch and now starting to get a little fidgety knowing my sweet baby girl will be here in 10 weeks (here’s to hoping that I’m right on schedule with my due date!). So much to learn. So little time. Having a kid should come with a manual.

Since finding out I was pregnant, I’ve immersed myself in absolutely everything I can get my hands on. I spend countless hours on the Internet from the message boards and articles. Throw in some trips to the library and borrowed books from friends and family, I’ve been reading so much dealing with pregnancy, breastfeeding and parenting — with so much out there to read, it can be hard to figure out what the best books out there really are.

Here are my top five books for new moms (and dads) to be. There are certainly others that top my list, but these books were the best commuter companions:

I read this laugh out loud book in like a day. This no-holds-bar memoir does not hold back on ALL the changes you will experience, and Jenny does so eloquently in her belly busting handbook.

Learn about “the pause” and other ways to be a hands-on parents without being a smothering mother! Other major takeaways touch on the emphasis the French put on establishing a “cadre” or framework of discipline and responsibility for their children; the importance of manners (it’s not just please and thank you but hello and goodbye for the French); instilling a child’s independence (i.e., not hovering over them on the playground) and teaching them how to behave at the dinner table, all the while eating food that vastly trumps our “chicken tenders friendly” U.S. kids’ menus.

Related Video

3. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International

There is a long-awaited new edition! If you are choosing to breastfeed, this will become your best friend and bible. I am still working my way through this one as well, but have found it very informative - from preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy to feeding cues, from nursing positions to expressing and storing breast milk.

4. The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp

Ok, so I cheated and watched the DVD, but its the thought that counts here! I’ve heard both good and bad with this book/DVD. In this book, the author describes a fourth trimester that a new infant experiences and how to deal. He recommends a series of five steps designed to imitate the uterus. These steps include swaddling, side/stomach position, shhh sounds, swinging and sucking.

So there’s my list ladies, I hope you find them as useful as I did.

What movies and books did you rely on?

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

new mother sitting in bed at home with newborn baby and dog
13 Postpartum Essentials You’ll Need for Recovery
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Grandma happily interacting with her baby grandson, holding his arms up while he laughs.
10 Ways New Grandparents Can Start Off on the Right Foot
By Lexi Dwyer
pregnant woman and her dog at home
Can Dogs Sense Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant couple sitting in their kitchen looking at ultrasound photos
Expectant Parents Want to Know: What Will My Baby Look Like?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
bodily pregnancy kits
Bodily Launches Pregnancy Kits Packed With Advice and Essentials
By Wyndi Kappes
dad and baby at home
These Are the Top 10 Best States to Have a Baby in 2023
By Wyndi Kappes
pregnant woman reading a book on the couch at home
Myth Busters: Bad Pregnancy Advice (and What's Really True)
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Pregnancy Books-hero
The Best Pregnancy Books to Answer Your Next 9+ Months of Questions
By Christin Perry
12-Best-Pregnancy-Journals-to-Document-Your-Journey-Hero
12 Best Pregnancy Journals to Document Your Journey
By Christin Perry
Tanya Ebony nesting party
Viral Post Highlights Why a Nesting Party Is the Celebration Parents Need
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
close up of pregnant woman and girlfriend holding pregnant belly
5 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Being Queer and Pregnant
By Jessica Lovaas
close up of couple holding hands
The Most Important Thing to Bring With You to Prenatal Appointments
By Ashlee Neuman
pregnant woman listening to a podcast at home while sitting on the couch
The Best Pregnancy Podcasts to Get You Through Those Nine Months
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
Yana Sleep Pillow
Best of Pregnancy Winner: Reader’s Favorite Pregnancy Pillow
By The Bump Editors
Best of Pregnancy Tea: Earth Mama Third Trimester Tea
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Pregnancy Tea
By The Bump Editors
Optimist Botanicals Bright non-alcoholic spirit
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Non-Alcoholic Spirit
By The Bump Editors
Best of Pregnancy Podcast: The Birth Hour Podcast
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Pregnancy Podcast
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
Branch Basics best baby-safe cleaning products
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Pregnancy-Safe Cleaning Products
By The Bump Editors
Waterdrop pregnancy drink
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Prenatal Drink
By The Bump Editors
Best of Pregnancy Pregnancy Pillow: Boppy Total Body Pregnancy Pillow
Best of Pregnancy Winner for Best Pregnancy Pillow
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List