Even years before I was pregnant, I was reading reading reading, about kids, about childbirth, about babies…so hopefully my reading can take some of the not-as-good (in my opinion) reads out of the mix for you. I’ve always read about these topics out of interest, but also for my teaching of kids of all ages, so I tossed in a couple books that extend to anyone working with, or being around, children. Here are some of my favourites when it comes to pregnancy, sleep habits, and talking to kids!

Expecting Better by Emily Oster

Emily Oster takes all the “rules” of pregnancy, such as what foods to avoid and what testing to do at the doctors, and then explains why these are rules, so that you can make the best decisions for yourself. It helps to weigh all the pros and cons of the decisions you make! This book is also good for all “rebels” that need more answers to the do’s and don’ts of pregnancy.

The Mama Natural Week-By-Week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth by Genevieve Howland

This book is right up my alley with it’s natural ways. Howland gives you insight into what natural alternatives can do for you and your baby, and how they can help you enjoy both your 40-some weeks growing your baby and then birthing that little one! It is very natural, so be warned if you feel like it could be too much for you.

HypnoBirthing by Marie F. Mongan

This guide has helped many women I know have a natural child birth. It is very “hippy,” for lack of a better word, but the meditative aspect is wonderful, and the different speeches and practices are great to pick and choose from.

On Becoming Baby Wise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep by Gary Ezzo

This baby guide book is very direct and gives you schedules to follow, which is handy for all Type A planners. Contrary to what some people say about it, it does talk lots about listening to your baby first and not simply adhering to the schedule no matter what, so it does have balance! [Afterword: I did not really use advice from any of the sleep books I read, as I chose to focus on attachment-parenting, and let my baby lead the way in regards to their sleep needs, from dropping naps, to creating an earlier bedtime. If you’d like to read more on this type of baby sleep, feel free to read my interview here].

The Happy Sleeper: The Science-Backed Guide to Helping Your Baby Get a Good Night’s Sleep – Newborn to School Age by Julie Wright

The information in this is very similar to Baby Wise (above), but is written out in longer form. It’s not as straight forward as Baby Wise per se, but extends into older years, and has some very helpful tips! This is a good one to hold onto for all the future years of your chid’s development.

How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen by Joanna Faber & Julie King

This book will help make parenting more fun, as your learn to listen to your kids and talk in a way they understand – limiting the arguing and getting through to your toddlers! This book, along with How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, I found to be very helpful in my teaching, so this does not need to be limited to parents alone. There’s more parenting specific books that I want to share, so stay tuned for that future post!

Happy Reading, Mamas!!