Life

9 Books Every Woman On The Verge Of Motherhood Should Read

by Lindsay E. Mack

The weeks leading up to motherhood are filled with hope, happiness, and some amount of trepidation. After all, your life is about to change in a major way. Pending parenthood can feel like a giant exam that you can't really study for. But the books every woman on the verge of motherhood should read can serve as excellent companions for your journey. Absorbing this advice from childcare experts can put many of your fears to rest.

Of course women have babies every day, but the whole experience is a different thing entirely when it’s happening to you. Feeling nervous and even unprepared is extremely normal. (In fact, it would be kind of weird if you weren't at least a tiny bit nervous.) And these books can give you the insight into parenthood you so desire at this time.

Overall, you can’t learn everything about having a baby from a book. Parenthood is one gig that requires a huge amount of on-the-job training. But you can be as prepared as possible with some help from authors who know babies like no one else. Covering everything from breastfeeding to onesies, these humorous and insightful reads are a perfect way to help countdown to your delivery date.

1'So That's What They're For!' by Janet Tamaro

Breastfeeding can be intimidating for first-time moms. But So That's What They're For! by Janet Tamaro is a humorous, light-hearted explanation of breastfeeding's facts. It's both practical and funny.

2'Confessions Of A Scary Mommy' by Jill Smokler

If you're worried about measuring up to the ideal of motherhood, you are definitely not alone. Jill Smokler's Confessions of a Scary Mommy is a funny, real-life look at motherhood and it its joys and struggles. You can be a great mom and still totally real.

3'The Pregnancy Countdown Book' by Susan Magee

Chances are you've read a bajillion pregnancy books by now. But Susan Magee's The Pregnancy Countdown Book is a practical guide with useful information about anything and everything. And it's humorous to boot.

4'The Sh!t No One Tells You' by Dawn Dais

This is another real-talk book about parenting. The Sh!t No One Tells You by Dawn Dais covers everything from onesies with too many buttons to the realities of baby barf. You'll be prepared for almost anything after this read.

5'The Happiest Baby On The Block' by Harvey Karp

This book just might prepare you to handle your baby's cries like a champ. Harvey Karp's The Happiest Baby on the Block can help you soothe your baby like a pro. By treating your newborn like's she's living in the "fourth trimester" and utilizing a calming reflex, you can help ensure your baby's happiness.

6'Brain Rules For Baby' by John Medina

Based on scientific understandings of the brain, Brain Rules For Baby by John Medina explains how your baby's brain develops and how to make the most of this time. This guide can help you raise a smart and happy child.

7'Baby Play' by Wendy Masi

What is the best way to play with your new baby? Baby Play by Dr. Wendy Masi includes over one-hundred activities for you and your baby to enjoy. It's a great resource when you're out of ideas.

8'Baby Bargains' by Denise and Alan Fields

You've probably heard it a thousand times before, but it's true: babies are expensive. Baby Bargains by Densie and Alan Fields is one book that will likely pay for itself several times over.

9'Baby Sign Language Basics' by Monta Z. Briant

If you would like to communicate with your baby as soon as possible, then baby sign language is one avenue to explore. Monta Z. Briant's Baby Sign Language Basics explains how to use sign language to "talk" to your baby.