Doesn’t it sometimes feel like you’re the only one going through a particular experience? Like when your little one has a raging tantrum in a restaurant, for example, and you feel like the worst mother in the world? If this sounds familiar, it’s time to stock your home library with some new mom books.
Whether you want books for new parents that strategically outline all of your different child-rearing options or a memoir that lets you laugh about inopportune baby sh*t, there’s bound to be something that strikes your fancy.
The only tricky part is sifting through the titles to find a book that fits your unique requirements.
That’s where we come in.
We’ve read our fair share of parenting books for new moms between our team and community. We like to fancy ourselves experts on reading to make ourselves feel better. That’s why we’re here to bring you our top picks for any new mom that’s looking for something relatable to read.
After all, who better to learn from than another mom or parent who’s going through “it,” too?
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The Time Has Come to Purchase Some Books for New Moms… But Why?
Whether you enjoy reading or not, new mom books could be precisely what you’re looking for to make it through this crazy world of mom guilt, parenting stress, and much more.
Why? Because they’re relatable AF and educational.
When it comes to buying books about being a mom or figuring how the “right” way to raise your kids (FYI: there is no “right way,” just different options), there is something for every topic on the parental spectrum.
The best thing about books for new parents is the fact that they’re usually filled with great advice and familiar stories you can connect with.
Whether you’re looking for information about how to increase breastmilk supply, tips on cloth diapering, funny stories about moms who have problems worse than yours, or anything else, you’re bound to find a trustworthy resource to help guide you through the process (and laugh while you learn).
Since many new mom books are also written by moms themselves, you can feel confident they contain material from someone who understands just how HARD it is to raise a kid.
Should You Buy Someone Else Books About Being a Mom?
As someone whose go-to gift is usually a book, I’m all about blessing new moms with some of my favorites. Sometimes, though, we must step back and consider whether this is a good idea.
While I think books for parents are a great addition to any new mom care package or gift, it’s about picking a title wisely.
Don’t try to push your own beliefs on any new parent in the form of a book without knowing if they feel the same way. For example, you might want to offer a friend a book on the cry it out method because that’s what works for you, but she might disagree with the technique.
Instead, stick to basic tomes on parenting or books for new moms that are funny so that she can have a good laugh during those first stressful months and years as a new parent.
How Can You Use Books for New Parents to Your Advantage?
One of my favorite things about parenting books is their versatility. Do an Amazon search for “new mom books,” and the number of search hits you’ll receive might astound you.
But what should you be looking for? What kind of help can you expect to get from these products? Well, they can offer a lot more than you imagine.
Some of the most common types of books for new moms include:
- Books about self-care for moms
- Books about building confidence as a parent
- Books about specific parenting topics
- Books about postpartum depression and anxiety
- And many more
Ignoring Tips that Don’t Resonate With You
Did you know that 1-in-3 parents ignore parenting advice they receive from other people?
There is nothing wrong with ignoring a piece of advice that doesn’t sit well with you. The reality of the situation is that every person is different. While you might appreciate most of the things a particular new mom book has to say, other things might not resonate with your unique parenting plan.
Take these things with a grain of salt.
Brush them off and forget about them; there is no harm in not following every suggestion you receive, mama! Figure out what works for your family and let everything else flow in one ear and out the other. Namaste.
Our Picks for the Best New Mom Books Available (Plus, Some for Expectant Mothers, Too!)
The time has finally come – after all of this talk about the benefits of reading new mom books, it’s time to figure out which ones you should be shopping for.
We’re breaking down our favorite options for tons of different categories. Whether you want our pick for the best natural childbirth book or a funny mom memoir, we’ve got you covered!
1. Best Overall Book for Expectant Mothers: Expecting & Organized: Pregnancy & Newborn Baby Planner
New moms have running checklists in their heads at all times, trying to remember millions of things and wondering what they’re forgetting. Often times, we don’t even know what it is that we don’t know.
This book solves that problem in an easy-to-use format: as a tabbed, divided pregnancy planner that puts the information you need at your fingertips!
An especially ideal book for first-time-moms, this planner helps new moms prepare for baby so those early days are as easy as sleep deprivation allows!
2. The Best Known Book for Expectant Mothers: “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”
When it comes to pregnancy essentials, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” by Heidi Murkoff is definitely the best known book out there.
This legendary title has become a touchstone for millions of mothers trying to navigate the ups and downs of their pregnancy experiences. This book takes you through each week of pregnancy and gives detailed information about what’s happening inside your body.
It also provides general facts and details about various topics, such as childbirth, pregnancy problems, breastfeeding, and more.
3. The #1 Book for Moms Interested in the Benefits of Natural Childbirth: “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth”
Unmedicated childbirth was an idea that I wholeheartedly believed in throughout my pregnancies. To help prepare myself for the experience of natural, unmedicated delivery, I relied on “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” by Ina May Garten.
This title provides in-depth information on labor coping techniques, birthing styles, and much more. It’s no wonder it has more than 5,600 reviews on Amazon!
4. Our Favorite Book About Self-Care for Moms: “Breathe, Mama, Breathe: 5-Minute Mindfulness”
Where self-care for moms is concerned, sometimes the best thing a new parent can do for themselves is taking a moment for quiet reflection and breathing.
That’s where “Breathe, Mama, Breathe” comes in.
This gorgeous book by Shonda Moralis is perfect for any busy mom who’s in the thick of parenting madness.
It offers short, five-minute exercises that provide a moment for comfort, solitude, and mindfulness throughout busy days.
5. The Best Book for New Moms About Parenting in Other Cultures: “Bringing Up Bebe”
Everyone hears things about famous aspects of French culture, such as their food, fashion, and history, but did you know French child-rearing has also gained popularity as a parenting style?
In “Bringing Up Bebe” by Pamela Druckerman, the author discusses French parents’ alternative approaches to raising their children.
If you’re interested in learning why their techniques are intriguing, this book is for you.
6. A Trusted Option for Foster or Adoptive Parents: “The Connected Parent”
In an effort to help foster and adoptive parents build better connections between their children, Lisa Qualls has put together “The Connected Parent.”
This book provides tips and tricks for encouraging trust and attachment within families.
7. The Most Dependable New Mom Book for the First Year: “What to Expect the First Year”
Would you like a reference book you can look to whenever you have parenting questions and concerns throughout the first year of your baby’s life? If the answer is yes, then “What to Expect the First Year” is for you.
3From the same author as “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” this book covers a wide range of parenting topics that will likely pop up within the first 12 months of your child’s name.
8. Our Favorite Book for New Moms that’s Funny: “Cat and Nat’s Mom Truths”
Are you looking for books for new moms that address all the awkward, embarrassing, and downright hilarious moments you’ve been facing at home? If the answer is yes, “Cat and Nat’s Mom Truths” is for you.
This popular memoir features tons of great stories from social media sensations Cat and Nat.
For all those questions you’re embarrassed to ask out loud, this book probably has what you need.
9. The Most Honest Book About Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: “Down Came the Rain”
It’s widely known that after the birth of her first child, actress and now author Brooke Shields faced severe postpartum depression.
During the time that Shield’s dealt with mental health issues, a mother’s mental health wasn’t widely discussed. Brooke faces down those difficult times for the first time in her memoir “Down Came the Rain.”
While facing postpartum depression and anxiety isn’t something we want to think about while pregnant, it can be SO helpful to know what you could be up against postpartum and to know that others have been there, too.
10. A Top-Rated New Mom Book for Keeping Cool When Things Get Rough: “How to Stop Losing Your S**t with Your Kids!”
Do you feel like you need to work on keeping your cool during your day to day parenting experiences? If so, we’ve found the book for you!
“How to Stop Losing Your S**t with Your Kids!” by Carla Naumburg has insightful tips for calming down, keeping quiet, and becoming a happier version of yourself.
Choose Books About Being a Mom that Work for You
There’s no end to the number of books for new parents that are currently available. The challenge is simply picking a title that fits your individual parenting needs.
Whether you end up selecting one of the books for new moms on our list or you find something different, make sure to choose material that resonates with your aspirations as a parent. Pick a title that will help you raise your kids the way you want to, and ignore everything else.
Have you read any new mom books that aren’t on this list? What did you think of them? What are your favorites?
