Nurtured Nest Reading List
Recommended books for your pregnancy and parenting adventures
We've carefully selected these books to support you through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. Each recommendation comes from our own experience and the feedback from hundreds of parents in our community.
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Perinatal Mood
Understanding and addressing the emotional parts of pregnancy and postpartum is vital for your wellbeing. These resources provide support, validation, and practical strategies for navigating the complex feelings that can arise during this transformative time.
Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts
A groundbreaking resource that normalizes the disturbing thoughts many new mothers have, offering comfort and practical advice for managing anxiety and intrusive thoughts during the postpartum period.
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Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts
A compassionate guide that helps new parents understand and manage disturbing thoughts that can occur during the perinatal period, with evidence-based strategies for coping with anxiety.
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This Isn't What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression
One in seven mothers suffers from a disorder on the postpartum depression spectrum. This second edition has been updated to help women and their partners sort through all the noise and myths to focus on getting the help they need.
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The Mother to Mother Postpartum Support Book
A collection of real stories and practical advice from mothers who have experienced postpartum mood disorders, offering peer-to-peer support and guidance for navigating this challenging time.
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Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook
An interactive resource filled with practical exercises and cognitive-behavioral techniques to help manage anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum, with step-by-step guidance for implementing coping strategies.
Find Used CopyBreastfeeding
Whether you're committed to exclusive breastfeeding or exploring your options, these resources provide evidence-based information and practical guidance to support you in your feeding journey, whatever path you choose.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
The definitive guide to breastfeeding from the experts at La Leche League, covering everything from latch techniques to pumping and storage, with compassionate guidance for navigating challenges.
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Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding
From renowned midwife Ina May Gaskin, this comprehensive guide combines practical advice with wisdom from decades of experience supporting mothers. The book addresses common challenges while emphasizing the intuitive nature of breastfeeding.
Find Used CopyChildbirth & Parenthood
Adventuring into parenthood involves both childbirth and the transition to caring for your child. These books offer evidence-based information, practical preparation strategies, and support for both partners as you navigate this life-changing experience together.
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (Updated With New Material)
A landmark work in natural childbirth that shares birth stories alongside practical information about the physiological and psychological aspects of labor, with wisdom from America's leading midwife.
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The First-Time Parent's Childbirth Handbook
A comprehensive, step-by-step guide that walks first-time parents through creating a personalized birth plan, understanding medical terminology, and preparing for various birth scenarios.
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Expecting Better
An economist's data-driven examination of pregnancy and childbirth advice, challenging conventional wisdom and helping expectant parents make informed decisions based on actual evidence rather than fear or tradition.
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The Fourth Trimester
A holistic guide to postpartum healing that addresses the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual aspects of recovery after childbirth, with practical advice for self-care and rebuilding strength.
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Self-Compassion Journal for First-Time Moms
An interactive journal with prompts and exercises designed to help new mothers practice self-compassion, process their experiences, and nurture themselves while caring for their babies.
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The Couples' Pregnancy Guide
Preparing for the birth of your child is a life-changing experience, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. This guide helps couples tackle everything as a team, setting the foundation for a strong partnership as first-time parents.
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What About Us?: A New Parents Guide
The demands of a new baby can test a couple's relationship like nothing else! This guide helps navigate sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, depression, anxiety, and different personalities to safeguard your relationship during this transition.
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The Postpartum Husband
An essential guide for partners of women experiencing postpartum depression, offering concrete strategies for providing support, managing household responsibilities, and helping the family navigate this challenging time.
Find Used CopyA Note About These Recommendations
We've linked to used book sellers to make these resources more accessible. Consider checking your local thrift stores, used bookshops, or even asking friends to borrow these titles before purchasing new copies. Many libraries also carry these popular parenting resources.
Remember that these are simply suggestions — like all content, take what resonates with you and leave the rest. Every parent's adventures are unique, and what works for one family may not work for another.