Nearly as soon as a woman is pregnant, she begins looking for books to help her fill-in-the-blanks between doctor appointments and ultrasounds. This is no easy task considering all the books that are out there. Here is a short list and review for some of the books I found most helpful, as well as some to avoid.
This is one of the best books I read while I was pregnant. It's easy enough to read straight through it, but it's also a great reference book. Unlike many pregnancy books, it goes into the first few months of your newborn's life rather than ending at birth and the hospital stay. My copy is full of highlights and marks.
Amazing book. . It’s aimed specifically to birth partners (as though you couldn’t tell), but I found as an expecting mother it was very valuable for me as well. Good book to read through together and discuss. Also good to toss into the birth bag for reference as needed. It’s even designed for this with “tabs” on the pages so you can flip through and find what you need.
The Doula Book 
by Marshall Klaus, John Kennell, and Phyllis H. Klaus. - A great book to acquaint you with the idea of a trained labor companion. Doulas don’t replace partners; they support the whole family in birthing.
by Marshall Klaus, John Kennell, and Phyllis H. Klaus. - A great book to acquaint you with the idea of a trained labor companion. Doulas don’t replace partners; they support the whole family in birthing.Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth 
by Ina May Gaskin - Sure she’s a bit of a hippie, but she knows birth. This book is full of birth stories to empower and encourage. It also discusses pregnancy, labor, and birthing in a way that makes you feel like a real, powerful, strong woman
by Ina May Gaskin - Sure she’s a bit of a hippie, but she knows birth. This book is full of birth stories to empower and encourage. It also discusses pregnancy, labor, and birthing in a way that makes you feel like a real, powerful, strong womanThe Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth. 
By Henci Goer - A great book for women and partners on the edge with hospital interventions. Henci has thoroughly researched common procedures, outlining risks and benefits. She also gives alternatives and discusses how to talk to your care provider about these things.
By Henci Goer - A great book for women and partners on the edge with hospital interventions. Henci has thoroughly researched common procedures, outlining risks and benefits. She also gives alternatives and discusses how to talk to your care provider about these things.The Nursing Mother’s Companion 
by Kathleen Huggins and The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers by Jack Newman and Teresa Pitman - Great references for the breastfeeding mother. If I had to pick one, I’d go with the first. It’s a simpler read (though both are very readable) and has easy to skim organization of topics.
by Kathleen Huggins and The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers by Jack Newman and Teresa Pitman - Great references for the breastfeeding mother. If I had to pick one, I’d go with the first. It’s a simpler read (though both are very readable) and has easy to skim organization of topics.The Hidden Feelings of Motherhood. 
By Katheleen A. Kendall-Tackett. - A must read during the postpartum period. This book helped me acknowledge my own post-partum depression and worries. Can be checked out from the library.
By Katheleen A. Kendall-Tackett. - A must read during the postpartum period. This book helped me acknowledge my own post-partum depression and worries. Can be checked out from the library.The Baby Book. 
By Sears. The Vaccine Book by Sears. - Though I haven’t read all of the Sears library, I’ve read these two. The Baby Book is huge and comprehensive, not something you can read through easily, but great to have around. The Vaccine Book is very balanced if you’re just curious about the whole debate. It’s an easy read as well.
By Sears. The Vaccine Book by Sears. - Though I haven’t read all of the Sears library, I’ve read these two. The Baby Book is huge and comprehensive, not something you can read through easily, but great to have around. The Vaccine Book is very balanced if you’re just curious about the whole debate. It’s an easy read as well.The No-Cry Sleep Solution
. By Elizabeth Pantley and William Sears. - As we are beginning to learn that the cry-it-out approach doesn’t work for all and may cause damage to those it seems to work for, here’s a great alterative. Teach your child how to fall asleep rather than to get so tired they have no other choice.
. By Elizabeth Pantley and William Sears. - As we are beginning to learn that the cry-it-out approach doesn’t work for all and may cause damage to those it seems to work for, here’s a great alterative. Teach your child how to fall asleep rather than to get so tired they have no other choice.Books I suggest you avoid:
The What to Expect Series. While I’ve not read them, general consensus has it that these books tend to promote fear. You don’t need any added stress. If a complication occurs in your pregnancy, you can seek information as needed. Don’t scare yourself with all the what-ifs. There are better books out there.
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