I can’t recommend this book enough to new moms. I was gifted this book when I was having my precious Gabriel. Little did I know it would change my life AND my photography. All of the techniques that Dr. Harvey Karp uses in this book, I use in my sessions. If you are looking for something to gift to a pregnant mom, this is priceless. Forget the onesies and cute clothes that they will grow out of in a week and get her something that will help her deal with the precious new life they are bringing into this world. More of Dr. Harvey’s work can be found here: www.happiestbaby.com
- SOOTHING BABY
2. INFERTILITY STRUGGLES and INSPIRATIONS
I’ve heard of a lot of stories of infertility, loss and heartache. One of my clients Mia Williams wrote her own struggles and triumphs of infertility in the book, Shift Happens. This is a great read while you are pregnant as there are so many inspirational stories from women. God knows we need lots of hope when we are pregnant and uncomfortable. So curl up on the couch and have a good laugh and cry to this one.
3. BREASTFEEDING
There is not a one size fits all advice for breastfeeding. I know we had our own struggles with it and I constantly judged myself for not producing enough milk even though I was considered an “older” mom. This book is more of a resource guide to help with any challenges that may arise. You probably don’t want to read it from cover to cover unless you just love this topic. LOL
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Completely Revised and Updated 8th Edition
The following three books were recommended by a poll I conducted on Facebook. I still need to read these books myself. But did not want to count them out. Please let me know if you found them useful.
4. FIRST YEAR
Baby 411: Clear Answers & Smart Advice for Your Baby’s First Year
5. BABY SLEEP
Precious Little Sleep: The Complete Baby Sleep Guide for Modern Parents
6.HEALTHY SLEEP HABITS, HAPPY CHILD
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child
7. PARENTING THOUGH THE TEEN YEARS
By far the best parenting book I’ve read for attachment parenting through the teen years. This book helped me to quit focusing so much on my kid’s social and friend needs and more on his attachment with us his parents. The authors suggest that most of our issues come from being peer attached rather than parentally attached. I whole heartedly agree with this based on my own childhood experience.
8. FOR POSTPARTUM
Karen Kleiman, mental health expert, is the ultimate guru in postpartum blues. Find her work if you are struggling. If you are unsure if you are experiencing postpartum, then there is a quiz on her website here:
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9. PARENTING STRUGGLES
I love Susan Stiffleman. She has taught me that we can raise healthy, resilient children without completely going psycho in the process.
Parenting Without Power Struggles
10. THE TEENAGE BRAIN
Let’s face it… our teenagers are in trouble more than ever these days. It’s important that we understand the power and impulsive energy of the teenage brain. I love everything that Dr. Dan Siegel writes in regards to children. But, I really appreciated his scientific outlook of the teenage brain. It even helped me to understand my own wild teenage years.
Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain
Keep checking back on this list and I add more books!!!
And please share if you have any books that helped you survive your pregnancy!
APPS
Just wanted to add this app that was recommended by one of my friends and client.
Wonder Weeks App – this is a brilliant idea!! It tracks the weeks and milestones of baby and prepares you for what’s next! We could ALL use the help to prepare us for what baby needs!
PRODUCTS WE LOVE
Swaddelini Genius product created by a frustrated mother and designer. This product is safe for baby and applies pressure to simulate the womb response of comfort for babies. Easy to use and change baby’s diaper too while they are wearing it.
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