The Ultimate Pregnancy Reading List: Postpartum Books, Breastfeeding Guides & Top Picks for New Parents

Embarking on the adventures of parenthood is both thrilling and overwhelming. With so much information available, knowing where to start can feel like a daunting task. 

That’s why we’ve curated the ultimate pregnancy reading list and postpartum books for new parents. These essential reads are designed to provide guidance, comfort, and insight at every stage of your journey—from the moment you see those two pink lines on a pregnancy test to navigating the early days of new parenthood. 

Whether you're looking for expert advice, heartfelt stories, or practical tips, each selection promises to equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed for this transformative time in your life. Grab a cozy blanket, find a quiet nook, and dive into these captivating titles that will not only inform you but also inspire you as you embrace the sometimes chaotic and mostly beautiful experience of raising a child. 

If you're searching for reliable, real-world resources to guide you through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and early parenting—you’re not alone. Whether it’s your first baby or your third, the internet can feel like an overwhelming maze of conflicting advice, “perfect parent” pressure, and information overload.

That’s why we created something different.

At Nurtured Nest , we believe that confident parenting starts with trusted guidance—delivered in ways that actually support your real life, not add to your stress. That includes the books we recommend. Our Reading List is a curated collection of parent-approved titles that cover:

• Perinatal mood and mental health

• Breastfeeding and infant feeding

• Childbirth prep and postpartum recovery

• Relationship support during the transition to parenthood

These aren’t just random picks from a bestseller list. Every book on our list has been:

• Recommended by educators at Nurtured Nest (who are also real parents)

• Vetted by hundreds of families in our community

• Chosen because they’re accessible , research-backed , and actually helpful

From Karen Kleiman’s honest take on postpartum mental health to Emily Oster’s data-driven perspective on pregnancy, these reads are here to support you emotionally, practically, and intellectually.

Let’s get this out in the open: scary thoughts, anxiety, and overwhelm are more common than most parents are ever told. Our top books for new parents include:

• Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts – Normalizing intrusive thoughts and helping you feel less alone

• Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts – Practical tools for managing anxiety

• The Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook – Hands-on exercises you can use today

Feeding your baby is deeply personal. Whether you're planning to breastfeed, combo feed, or just want to know your options, our breastfeeding books section includes evidence-based guidance from:

• The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding – A La Leche League classic

• Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding – A blend of wisdom and practical insight

The childbirth books we recommend go beyond the “what to expect” basics. They prepare you to make informed choices, navigate hospital or home birth, and support each other as a couple.

On our pregnancy reading list you'll find:

• The First-Time Parent’s Childbirth Handbook – Step-by-step support for your birth plan

• Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth – A natural birth classic with real stories

• Expecting Better – A myth-busting look at the data behind common pregnancy rules

Postpartum is often overlooked—but it matters just as much as pregnancy and birth. That’s why we included essential postpartum books like:

• The Fourth Trimester – Holistic healing guidance

• What About Us? – Relationship survival tips for new parents

• The Postpartum Husband – Practical support for partners

Explore the Full Reading List Here

You don’t need to read every book. Just like our courses, our philosophy is: take what resonates, skip what doesn’t. There’s no one right way to parent—but trusted tools can make your unique path a little more peaceful, a little more empowered, and a lot more supported.

We’ve linked to used book sources when possible because good parenting support shouldn’t break the bank. Check local shops, your library, or borrow from a friend before you