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Four great modern pregnancy books for parents-to-be

Trying to conceive or newly pregnant? Try adding these progressive pregnancy books into your library

By Cat Nelson Posted: Thursday July 2 2020

Illustration: Louise Reimer 
There's no arguing it’s a brave, new world when you’re trying to conceive or are newly pregnant. As parents-to-be, you’ll probably be looking to soak up as much information as you can. You may already have What to Expect When You’re Expecting all cued up, but don't miss adding these empowering, progressive (and non-judgy) recent releases to your library.

Expecting Better
Image: courtesy The Penguin Press

Expecting Better

Eating sushi and cheese isn’t so bad, but did you know that gardening is actually risky? First published in 2014 and newly revised for 2019 Emily Oster’s data-driven handbook to decision-making during pregnancy has already become a modern-day classic. From caffeine and alcohol to prenatal testing, fertility and miscarriage, Oster asks the all important question ‘why’ to the accepted rules of pregnancy. A professor of economics at Brown University, she uses the tools of her field to critically assess the studies and data that often conflicting recommendations and accepted ‘facts’ are based on. A challenge to conventional pregnancy wisdom and a non-judgemental resource for mums-to-be who want to make informed decisions for themselves personally.

Ebook from around 100RMB on Amazon.

Like a Mother
Image: courtesy Harper Collins

Like a Mother

A ‘feminist journey through the science and culture of pregnancy’ published in 2018, journalist Angela Garbes’ rigorously researched book covers the physiology, biology psychology of pregnancy and motherhood as well as the cultural attitudes surrounding them. Like a Mother doesn’t shy around topics like pregnancy loss, so often glossed over but a part of many women’s pregnancy journey. With journalistic inquisitiveness, Garbes unravels everything from the magic of the placenta and wonder of mother’s milk to changes that happen post-partum in a candid, humour-infused account, compellingly informed by her personal experience. 

Ebook from around 90RMB on Amazon. 

Why Did No One Tell Me This?
Image: courtesy Running Press

Why Did No One Tell Me This?

Doulas Natalia Hailes and Ash Spivak draw on their years of experience from their birth doula practice Our Brilliant Bodies in this Internet-era ‘honest guide’ for expectant parents, released in this April and illustrated beautifully be Louise Reimer. Hailes and Spivak offer a toolbox of mindful practices throughout pregnancy and actionable steps to address the cascade of ‘what ifs’ during birth. Progressive and inclusive in its outlook, Why Did No One Tell Me This? is written in an allsexual orientation, all-gender way (with a lot of hashtags) for intersectional parents-to-be.

Ebook from around 90RMB on Amazon.

Bumpin'
Image: courtesy Simon & Schiuster

Bumpin'

Forget about three trimesters,how about five? Leslie Shrock divides Bumpin’ from trimester zero (trying to conceive) to trimester four (postpartum) in this self-billed ‘modern guide to pregnancy', published in late 2019. Written in real-time during her own pregnancy, the comprehensive resource incorporates the latest clinical research alongside current practical advice from doulas and ob-gyns to lactation advisers and pelvic floor therapists, all with a sharp wittiness and unfettered warmth. Shrock includes typically overlooked aspects like financial planning and insurance as well as sections in each trimester just for your partner. 


Ebook from around 90RMB on Amazon.

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