10 Best Books for New Moms
Becoming a new mom is both rewarding and challenging. It can be comforting to have guidance, insights, and a few laughs along the way. There are many books offering advice on how to care for a newborn, cope with the changes in motherhood, and even take a moment for self-care. Here are ten of the best books for new moms that cover everything from practical tips to emotional support.
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1. What to Expect the First Year by Heidi Murkoff
Overview: A go-to guide for new parents, What to Expect the First Year walks you through each month of your baby's first year. It covers everything from feeding and sleeping schedules to common milestones and health concerns.
Why It’s Great for New Moms: This comprehensive guide provides practical tips and advice to help you navigate the often overwhelming first year. It’s clear, easy to read, and incredibly reassuring.
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2. The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp, M.D.
Overview: Dr. Harvey Karp introduces a soothing method for calming a crying baby through a series of techniques based on the "fourth trimester" concept.
Why It’s Great for New Moms: Karp’s methods are practical and easy to follow, helping new moms feel more confident in calming and bonding with their baby. His advice on the “5 S’s” (Swaddle, Side/Stomach position, Shush, Swing, and Suck) is especially helpful for soothing newborns.
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3. Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman
Overview: In this humorous yet insightful book, American journalist Pamela Druckerman explores the differences in parenting styles between French and American cultures.
Why It’s Great for New Moms: Druckerman’s observations offer a fresh perspective on parenting, emphasizing patience, independence, and self-care. The book is both entertaining and thought-provoking, helping new moms see motherhood through a different lens.
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4. Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool by Emily Oster
Overview: Economist Emily Oster provides a data-backed approach to early parenting decisions, from breastfeeding and sleep training to vaccinations and daycare.
Why It’s Great for New Moms: Oster’s analytical style takes some of the guesswork out of parenting, offering research-based insights that can help new moms make informed choices. It’s a reassuring read for moms who prefer facts over opinions.
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5. The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama by Jill Koziol and Liz Tenety
Overview: Written by the creators of the popular parenting site Motherly, this book covers everything from birth plans and breastfeeding to postpartum self-care and adjusting to motherhood.
Why It’s Great for New Moms: The authors bring a holistic approach to parenting, encouraging moms to care for themselves while caring for their new baby. The book feels like advice from a supportive friend, which is comforting for new moms navigating the ups and downs.
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6. The Sh!t No One Tells You: A Guide to Surviving Your Baby's First Year by Dawn Dais
Overview: Dawn Dais offers a humorous and honest look at the first year of motherhood, covering everything from the trials of sleep deprivation to the chaos of diaper changes.
Why It’s Great for New Moms: Sometimes you just need a laugh! This book brings humor to the more challenging aspects of parenting, helping moms feel less alone in their experiences and providing much-needed comic relief.
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7. Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood, and Trusting Yourself and Your Body by Erica Chidi Cohen
Overview: Doula and health educator Erica Chidi Cohen provides a modern guide to pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood with an emphasis on self-care and wellness.
Why It’s Great for New Moms: This book takes a gentle and mindful approach, offering guidance on both the physical and emotional aspects of new motherhood. It encourages moms to trust their instincts and take care of themselves as they adjust to life with a baby.
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8. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, and Teresa Pitman
Overview: Created by La Leche League, this book is a comprehensive guide to breastfeeding, covering everything from latch techniques to overcoming common challenges.
Why It’s Great for New Moms: Breastfeeding can be tough, and this guide offers extensive advice and reassurance. It’s a valuable resource for moms who want to breastfeed but may face hurdles along the way.
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9. Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers by Karen Kleiman and Molly McIntyre
Overview: This illustrated book helps new moms cope with the “scary thoughts” and anxieties that can accompany motherhood, addressing topics like postpartum depression, anxiety, and self-doubt.
Why It’s Great for New Moms: New motherhood can bring unexpected fears, and this book normalizes those experiences, reminding moms that they’re not alone. Its accessible format and supportive tone make it a helpful mental health tool.
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10. Moms on Call: Basic Baby Care by Jennifer Walker and Laura Hunter
Overview: Written by two pediatric nurses and moms, Moms on Call provides a structured, step-by-step guide to caring for a baby, including sleep routines, feeding tips, and safety advice.
Why It’s Great for New Moms: The book offers straightforward and practical advice that’s easy to implement, helping new moms develop a routine and feel more in control during the early months.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for practical advice, humorous insights, or emotional support, these books provide something for every new mom. They remind us that while motherhood can be challenging, there’s also a wealth of knowledge and support out there to help you navigate this new journey.