PREGNANCY
Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
This is a great “pregnancy” book that answers any questions you may have during your nine months. It has great developmental chapters as well as answers to any questions or concerns that may arise, like what you can and can’t eat and when you should call or see your doctor.
The Pregnant Woman’s Companion: Nine Strategies That Work to Keep Your Peace of Mind Through Pregnancy and Into Parenthood by Christine D’Amico
The title says it all. This is a really amazing book and the only one I would say you HAVE to have during pregnancy. It helped me navigate a great many personal issues such as friendships, work and my relationship with my partner. A must have.
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
If you are contemplating natural birth this book is a must have. The first section of this book provides birth stories from many women and helps you get acquainted with birth and what it entails. It presents natural birth as an inspiring, empowering endeavor. The second section explains birth and the steps that should be taken to support a natural birth at home. It also discusses medical interventions, why they can be necessary and how they work.
Parenting/Motherhood
The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two by William Sears M.D. and Nancy Sears, R.N.
Kaiser recommended this book and it has been very useful. It has the answers to most questions you’ll have during the first years of pregnancy. Not only does it include developmental milestones, it also gives thorough advice on how to deal with breastfeeding woes and “nighttime parenting” (i.e. sleep issues). I have referred to this book many times in my daughter’s short life.
The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins
This book was also recommended by Kaiser and has been a helpful guide to breastfeeding. Most questions I’ve had have been answered here. It includes information on the first weeks, months and then years of breastfeeding. Of course it is somewhat preachy about the benefits of breastfeeding but not overly so.
Stumbling Gracefully 