Baby Books I Actually Read
From the moment I had a positive pregnancy test I knew I would have to do a lot of learning to get through brith, having a newborn and of course the fine art of parenting. My antenatal group had a WhatsApp and were sharing all the books they were buying. I felt like I was introduced to a new book every day and I was so confused. Everyone gets different advice on what books to read. Whats good, whats bad, what worked for some people but didn’t work for others. I kept wondering… how do you find the book that works for you.
Sifting through the giant list, I read Amazon reviews and still couldn’t decide. I went to a local mums meet up and a Doula who was speaking recommended some birth books, I listened to my favourite podcast (Made by Mamas) and they recommended a sleep training book. I had friends tell me about breast feeding books. So I narrowed it down to four books. This is what I learnt from them.
The Positive Birth Book - By Milli Hill
The closer my due date came the more I worried about how my birth was going to be. I picked up this book and could not put it down. The first part of the book focuses on birth rights being human rights. Explaining that you have a choice when giving birth. I needed to hear this.
The book then goes on to explain how to make birth “preferences” I would call it a birth plan, but in birth nothing ever goes exactly to plan. I downloaded the free virtual birth plan and came up with my own easy to read document. I ended up putting things down I didn’t even think to factor in before I read this book such as ensuring optimal cord clamping and delayed active management. The book goes on to describe any detail you have ever wondered about. From Birth positions, to microbiome. An absolute godsend for any first time mum who has no idea what birth will be like.
The Food of Love: Your Formula for Successful Breastfeeding - Kate Evans
I knew I wanted to breast feed the moment I found out I was pregnant. I was never too hard on myself though. I figured if I can’t do it then I can’t do it but I will sure as hell try! This book arrived in the post a few days before my Caesarean. The day before surgery I read it cover to cover trying to take in as much as possible. Aside from the hilarious cartoons this book was a deeply insightful and meaningful look at how great breastfeeding is. Of course when I began breastfeeding everything I had read went out the window as in theory it all sounds great but in practice no amount of reading prepares you for what is the most beautiful yet impossibly hardest thing in your life.
I frequently go back and refer to pages in this book when I need to check something. Which is usually how much wine I can drink or trying to understand why my baby has days where she just wants to cluster feed. All in all its a witty and smart take on one of the most amazing thing you will ever achieve in life. But hey, if breastfeeding is not for you then don’t sweat it. I will admit I don’t really enjoy it and I combination feed despite the research in this book. However I am glad I decided to read it as it highlights some really interesting facts and help tips I would never have known otherwise.
The Sensational Baby Sleep Plan - Alison Scott- Wright
What can I say. This book changed my life. I regularly listened to the Made by Mamas Podcast and Alison did a guest appearance one episode. Her segment was so honest and researched I immediately bought her book and studied it cover to cover. I followed her plan with my own flexibilities and it was the best thing I ever did. The first night we followed it my daughter slept for 5 hours straight. It only got better from here. The thing to remember is that every baby is different and while this worked for me it may not work for you. All I can say is I was lucky.
I suffered from insomnia before and during pregnancy so sleep was something I knew I had to start working on as soon as my daughter was old enough. Alison’s tips on reflux, feeding times, and advice in general are amazing. I do believe I have a happy and well rested baby due to her advice. There are so many books on sleep out there but the reason I like this one so much is because it’s flexible. You can tailor it to you and your household. It’s honest and empathetic and I am so happy I chose this as my go to sleep guide.
Mrs Hinch: The Little Book of Lists
Not a baby book you might say? To me this was the book that saved me! I followed Mrs Hinch on Instagram just before my maternity leave began. Soon enough I was rushing to B&M to get all her favourite cleaning supplies. In those weeks where my husband was working and I was stuck at home alone, in lockdown and bored I started making lists in Mrs Hinch’s book. Having a new baby I had so much I had to keep on top of every day. Washing up bottles, sterilising, laundry. A whole new task list I had never experienced kept piling up and I had no idea how to tackle it yet still have free time to feed, play and cuddle my baby.
I was used to a life where I’d get home around 8:00 pm, have dinner out or on the go on my way home from yoga. I did laundry once a week not once every few days. My life had changed and I needed to learn how to change with it. Mrs Hinch’s books saved my sanity, I never forgot a thing. My home was able to stay neat and tidy yet I was still able to enjoy my newborn bubble. I never would of thought such a simple thing would impact me so much. The little book of lists along with Hinch Yourself Happy allowed me to plan my time, break up the day and enjoy my home and baby. I recommend this for any new mum.
In conclusion..
I hope you liked my list of favourite books. As a new mum it is so hard to know what you should and should not spend your time reading. These recommendations are all reviews based on personal experience and are not at all affiliated with the authors. However I do encourage you to support them by following their instagrams, buying their books and helping other mums find out about them as we are all in this together and every little bit helps!
Amelia xx
Founder & Creative Director
