life saving books for new moms

Educator, book connoisseur, life-long-learner, and new Mom! 
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At my baby shower we played ‘Daddy Knows Best’, where the Mom-To-Be guesses Dad’s answers. One of the questions was, “How prepared do you think mom is from 1-10?” I guessed he’d say 2, and he graciously stated 8. Did I feel prepared? Not in the slightest. I’d only just started reading parenting books and I was already 32 weeks along. I didn’t have a nursery set up, I wasn't up-to-date on the trendiest baby brands (bugaboo what?), and we had finally scheduled a prenatal class. The best part was…I was ok with this. People gave me the concerned look, but I’d approached this pregnancy with a calm attitude, and hoped to continue that into the first year of parenting. When people had recommended parenting books, the titles often made me wince, hence why I’d been combing over materials to find the best life-saving books for new moms. Since our little one arrived, and motherhood has been full of mole hills and mountains, I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of my favourite parenting books that have helped me and given me hope for the unexpected future.   

Bringing Up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting by Pamela Druckerman 

As an educator, I’ve always promised myself that I would never become one of those ‘Helicopter Moms’. There’s a huge difference between being a supportive and encouraging parent, and smothering your child. As a primary teacher, I often cringe when I watch the way some parents hover over their children, controlling every action, displaying overly protective tendencies, and enabling certain behaviors. When I read the synopsis of this book, I knew it was the perfect first parenting book to read. If you’re looking for advice on how to be “an easy, calm authority” with your kids, and raising children that “are – by design – toddling around and discovering the world at their own pace,” then this one is for you.  ​

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How To Be a Happier Parent: Raising a Family, Having a Life, and Loving (Almost) Every Minute by KJ Dell’Antonia 

This book is awesome! This book isn’t about doing more, but rather approaching parenting differently, so that you’re able to raise a family full of joy. It’s all about small shifts! Moving away from stressful and chaotic mornings, improving chores, how to handle scree time, and the dreaded homework hour: all topics that each new mom needs (especially me!) ​

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

This book was highly recommended to me by multiple friends. Written by an economist, Emily Oster shares about conventional pregnancy rules and wisdom, and which ones are unwarranted or bogus. Full of hard facts and practical advice, this book explores the big discussion topics amongst new moms, such as caffeine (I had black tea throughout my pregnancy - I could not give up London Fog's), drinking wine, and eating for two. It’s also organized by each of the trimesters, as well as a section on labor and delivery, so you won’t feel overwhelmed diving into this one at any point in your pregnancy.  ​
The Yes Brain: How To Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in your Child.  
 
If you’re like me, you’re looking to raise children that approach life with “openness and curiosity.” This book shares insightful information to help raise children who take chances, explore, and aren’t afraid of making mistakes.  
 
Breathe Mama Breathe: 5-MinuteMindfulness for Busy Moms by Shonda Moralis 
 
Who doesn’t need 5 minutes of mindfulness daily? This book is easy to read, and packed full of simple, straightforward practices that you can squeeze into your day. With short chapters that help you connect more with yourself, your family, and the world. A great book to introduce you to emotional self-regulation, and boy will you need this after the sleepless lights!

​If you have any great parenting books to share, please comment below!   
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