Pregnancy/Birth/Parenting Books That I Found Critically Helpful

I'm sure many of you can empathize with first-time parents. There are so many questions, so many insecurities,  and you've probably never wanted to do something else better than you want to do this. I certainly feel that way. 

Here are some books that helped us and are helping us on our journey of parenting. I hope the information is a blessing to you.

Husband Coached Childbirth by Dr. Robert A. Bradley

This book was a great help to me in preparing to give birth. Although it's geared toward the husband, I received numerous pearls of wisdom from Dr. Bradley. He covered amazingly helpful topics, such as, exercises to prepare for birth, diet to prepare for birth, hydration during birth and after birth, breathing during labor, labor positions, relaxation exercises, and much more. I felt very prepared (as prepared as one can for first-time birth) for what my body was going to anatomically and emotionally go through. He is a bit long-winded and repetitive at times, but the knowledge gleaned is worth the wordiness. I highly recommend to mommies and daddies!






The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin


My husband actually read this book. It was loaned to us from the Barber's Household Library (my coined name for our in-laws large collection of amazing books). He felt, after reading this book, very prepared for the different stages of labor that I would go through, what I and the baby would be doing during these stages of labor, and how to emotionally support me through the stages. In fact, at our birth education class (a requirement for first-time home-birthing mothers), he knew exactly what all of the stages were, about how long they would last, and what mommy and baby were working on during the phases. He also felt he had a good grasp on different birthing positions/labor positions and how to support me getting in and out of those positions and hold me while in the position. I personally felt so supported by him during birth. I know I couldn't have done so well without him. I highly recommend this book!






Make an Informed Vaccine Decision for the Health of Your Child: A Parent's Guide to Childhood Shots by Dr. Mayer Eisenstein 


This book was loaned to us by some good friends. We went into it not knowing much about vaccines at all. I hadn't done any research of my own before this. I had many conversations with other parents who were for vaccines, against vaccines, for vaccines but against the current schedule. I was very confused about vaccines in general. I had many questions, such as, "How many do they give the child at a time?" "How often will the child be administered vaccines?" "What's actually in the vaccines?" "Are there reports of the vaccines causing death or illness?" "How helpful are the vaccines?" "Will breastfeeding be a good alternative to vaccines?" All of these questions and more were answered. A few of my FAVORITE things about this book are it's format, it's delivery, and its matter-of-fact tone. Dr. Eisenstein (who is also a lawyer, by the way) presents each vaccine in a very textbook fashion giving each vaccine it's own chapter. Within each chapter, each vaccine is broken down into sections, with topics covering the history of the vaccine, the history of the disease being vaccinated, the ingredients, the efficacy, US Dept of Health results after administering the vaccines, parents personal responses after their child received vaccine, and much more. He also gives his sources for his research directly after each chapter, making it easier and more accessible to do your own research. I highly recommend this book!






No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night by Elizabeth Pantley 


This book was another loan from the Barber Household Library. It was a great rock and resource for us in those rough first months. I'm sure it will continue to be a great resource to us as our children grow. It talks of the difference between fussy parents and fussy children, reminded us that every child is different, and connects attachment parenting to healthy sleeping. It is chock full of advice, tips, and daily strategies to help you soothe and love your children into peaceful rest. It addresses parents who use cribs, who co-sleep, and who use a combination of the two. It breaks down the amount of sleep a child should be getting at each level of development. It offers worksheets in order to track your child's nursing/sleeping patterns so you can discover how to better help your child fall asleep and stay asleep. Moreover the language and tone are very encouraging and loving. I could tell this woman was coming from personal love, sleepless nights, and real-life experience as a mother of multiple children herself. I have referred back to this book at least ten times (after reading the first time) in the four and half months of being a parent. It's an excellent addition to any parent's library!






The Attachment Connection: Parenting a Secure & Confident Child Using the Science of Attachment Theory by Ruth P. Newton, PH.D.


This book is on loan from my husband's parents. This book is fascinating even if you're not a parent. The first half of the book connects the emotional NEEDS of an infant/child to how well it will develop critical skills, coping skills, and social skills. It references numerous case studies and research of others domestically and internationally. It makes highly detailed neurological science completely accessible taking you through the development of the brain in the early stages of life. The second half of the book condenses child development into successive age groups, such as birth-two months of age, two-four months of age, and so on, explaining healthy behavior and unhealthy behavior, what new growth to expect, and how to best engage your child in these age groups. I love the approach this author takes on parenting. She brings so much insight into the otherwise unknown world of baby's brain and how emotional stability and attachment securing are the most important gifts you could ever give your child. This book is a favorite of mine!