Recommended Books for Pregnancy, Early Parenthood, Breastfeeding, and Returning to Work

In the quest to gain information for your baby’s arrival, books can be a helpful component of your preparation. As a big reader myself, I’m happy to share some recommendations of books that may be helpful at various stages.

Pregnancy Books

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy by Dr. Myra Wick

Pregnancy Day by Day by Maggie Blott

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

Infant Care and Sleep Books

The Happy Sleeper by Heather Turgeon and Julie Wright

The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp

General Parenting Books

Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Parenting, From Birth to Preschool by Emily Oster

The Informed Parent: A Science-Based Resource for Your Child’s First Four Years by Tara Haelle and Emily Willingham

The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel

Books about Returning to Work After Family Leave

Work. Pump. Repeat. The New Mom’s Survival Guide to Breastfeeding and Going Back to Work by Jessica Shortall

Back to Work After Baby by Lori Mihalich-Levin

The Fifth Trimester: The Working Mom’s Guide to Style, Sanity, & Success After Baby by Lauren Smith Brody

Here’s the Plan: Your Practical, Tactical Guide to Advancing Your Career During Pregnancy and Parenting by Allyson Downey

I enjoy talking about books (baby-related and otherwise) with my clients. If you have any book recommendations, reach out to let me know!

About the Doula

Kathleen Robbins is a St. Louis-based postpartum doula and Certified Lactation Counselor. She offers in-person doula support to local families and virtual support to families in any location via Zoom and text.