First of all, congratulations! What an exciting season of life! I can’t wait to be there again, myself. I remember so much about those 39 weeks, especially the first time I felt him move! Oh what a blessing! Hopefully you’re so excited you can barely see straight and you want to soak in as much information as you can. Here are a few book suggestions for starting your trek. Please know that none of these books are a substitute for the guidance of the Bible and all must be held up against scripture. I have read all of them, with the exception of Husband Coached…, and support the principles set forth in them, but none are perfect.
Suggested Reading (in order, before baby’s birth):
1. Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: Revised Edition by Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg (for wife) & Husband Coached Childbirth: The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth by Robert Bradley (for husband)
* Both books introduce readers to the Bradley Method and explain how it differs from Lamaze; they discuss how to choose your childbirth educator and your doctor and explain the importance of nutrition & exercise as well as how to prepare yourself for this life transforming experience. Even if you don’t plan on a natural childbirth, this is a great read that will inform you about how your body progresses through pregnancy, labor and delivery. Highly recommended!
2. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League
* The “breastfeeding bible.” A must have resource where you can pick and choose which chapters to read as you need them.
3. The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Newborn Baby Sleep Longer by Harvey Karp
* Written by a pediatrician who recommends a series of five steps designed to imitate the uterus — swaddling, side/stomach position, shhh sounds, swinging and sucking. We didn’t start reading this book until our son was two weeks old. As soon as we finished it, we implemented Karp’s suggestions and our son’s demeanor changed and we relaxed! A must read.
Suggested Reading (in order, after baby’s birth):
1. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth
* Weissbluth, pediatrician and leading sleep researcher, analyzes ways to get your baby to fall asleep naturally according to his internal clock, reveals the common mistakes parents make to get their children to sleep, explores the different sleep cycle needs for different temperaments, emphasizes the significance of a nap schedule, and so much more. This book is as important as one on good nutrition. Another must read.
2. Blender Baby Food: Over 125 Recipes for Healthy Homemade Meals by Nicole Young & Nadine Day
* This book is more than recipes. The opening pages discuss when to start solids, how to store and reheat food, daily dietary intakes, and much more. The recipes are pretty simple, and nothing ingenious, but the nutritional information and tips are helpful. You might check this one out at the library before buying it.
3. What The Bible Says About Parenting Biblical Principle For Raising Godly Children by John MacArthur
* John MacArthur is an incredible teacher and Conservative Christian leader. In this book, he helps parents make sense of their duties before God by bringing up their children in the ways of the Lord. Excellent book!
