Now that we are in the home stretch of my second pregnancy, I want to share some of the resources I found most helpful throughout this journey. As the avid reader that I am, I went crazy on pregnancy books; however, I found the next five to be the most helpful and empowering!
1. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
Ina May Gaskin, America's leading and most famous midwife, shares her birthing wisdom in this intuitive guide to childbirth. In this book, she shares a wealth of knowledge generated by 30 years of experience and attendance of over 3000 natural births. If I have to take one thing from this book, it is reassuring my body's innate intelligence to birth another human into this world. I also love the birth stories at the end of the book. They are so beautiful and empowering.
2. The Natural Pregnancy Book by Aviva Romm
Aviva's book is a comprehensive guide to a safe, organic pregnancy and childbirth with herbs, nutrition, and other holistic choices. Aviva beautifully delivers such detailed information in a calm, empowering voice with over 20 years of experience in natural birth. It is filled with answers to familiar concerns like establishing a nutritious diet, exercise routine, and treating morning sickness, fatigue, and stretch marks. I promise you this will be your go-to guide during the next nine months.
3. The Mama Natural by Genevive Howland
Genevive Howland, the woman behind the popular Mama Natural blog and YouTube channel, brings us a week-by-week pregnancy and birth guide from a realistic perspective. This book is a fresh, empowering, and evidence-based guide for this precious time in your life. The best part? Reading this book is the feeling of comfort that this information gives you. It truly feels like you have your herbalist and midwife on call!
4. The Whole 9 Months by Dr. Jennifer Lang
In this book, Dr. Lang, OB/GYN and mother of three, takes you on a week-by-week nutritional journey to empower you to make informed decisions over your body while growing a healthy, happy baby. This book offers vast knowledge and profound wisdom, presented in a friendly, easy-to-read way. I love the nutritious recipes with options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians!
5. The First Forty Days by Heng Ou
Let's talk about the fourth trimester, shall we? Though not commonly discussed, the three months post-delivery are crucial for the mother and the baby as the rest of the pregnancy. This book is a gentle, nurturing guide for new mothers, filled with essential advice and recipes for the early postpartum weeks.
I hope these books are as helpful to you as they were to me during both of my pregnancies. This drop of knowledge transformed a time in my life that felt questionable & sometimes nerve-wracking into moments of genuine excitement, confidence & power. I like to think of them as friends within books. What is some knowledge you wish someone gave to you as a new momma? Drop it below for someone who may be reading this!
With all the love,
Gigi & The De La Heart Team