I am at the point in my life where lots of women around me are getting pregnant, having babies, and even having second babies. I’m definitely not there right now, but nonetheless, I have a lot of these friends coming to me asking for books to read about parenthood and pregnancy that aren’t the usual suspect: What To Expect When You’re Expecting. Sure, that’s a great book and has persisted for a generation because of what it has to offer. But as women in 2019 plan for motherhood, there’s a lot more they’re looking for. They’re looking for unique stories and new genres that tackle this topic and teach them something without them having to crack open a textbook. When expecting mothers ask me for book recommendations on parenting and becoming parents, these are the five books I recommend. 

Kid Gloves 

This graphic novel follows memoirist Lucy Knisley’s attempts to conceive, her miscarriage, and her subsequent pregnancy and is a must read. It’s also full of historical pregnancy facts. 

50 Things to Do Before You Deliver

Instead of being inundated with 500 things to do, focus on these fifty that will help you have a healthy pregnancy, safe delivery, and joyous experience welcoming your new child. Plus, it’s broken down my trimester for the organized queen in all of us. 

Waiting in Wonder: Growing in Faith While You’re Expecting

Pregnancy is an amazing miracle, and it’s a great chance to grow closer to God and your faith. This devotional-esque book can help with that and has some interesting advice. 

Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool

Data is cool, and what better way to plan than with actual research behind you? This is more for mothers and fathers after the birth, but why not read it before you need it? I love seeing natural processes from a research point of view too!

Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong–and What You Really Need to Know

Oster is one of my favorite writers on family planning and the data behind child rearing, and this book can help you dispel some of those misconceptions you may read online about the dos and don’ts of pregnancy. 

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Aryssa D
FFL Cabinet Member