Books For New Moms

This list has the best books for new moms. If you are trying to cope with your life as a first time mom, wondering what is the best approach to parenting based on data and research, or struggling with marital changes, this list has every book you could need.

Must read books for new moms

I know as a new mom I had ZERO idea what I was doing. Don’t babies just eat and sleep? Do they really need to be on a schedule? Is crying ok? And why did no one prepare me for the non-stop job of exclusively breastfeeding?

This list of books for new moms and first time moms will help you navigate the fourth trimester (and beyond!) so you don’t feel as in the dark as I did.

This post is all about the best books for new moms.

Expecting Better

When you first get pregnant, so much unsolicited advice and “rules” tend to get thrown at you; however, none of it seems to be backed by any research or data. I tend to question information if there is not any evidence specifically backing it up. The author of this book researches and explains her findings on all of the common pregnancy guidelines (drugs, forbidden foods, gaining weight, and more). If you like having scientific data I definitely recommend this book. The author also provides her personal opinions, yet ultimately leaves it up to the reader to decide what to do for themselves, based on the information available.

Cribsheet

Cribsheet was written by the same author as Expecting Better. In this book, she summarizes the best research on almost every tough decision you’ll judge yourself on. She debunks myths about breastfeeding, sleep training, potty training, language acquisition, and many other topics.

The author pulls from her own experiences and the stories have more of an impact than just numbers. Definitely add this to your list of must read books for new moms.

Bringing Up Bebe

Bringing Up Bebe outlines a number of distinctly French approaches to parenting, most of which are an absolute pleasure to read about. The French parents the author observes in this book are wonderfully nuanced, strategic, and sensitive, all while maintaining their high expectations for behavior. Bringing up Bebe covers a myriad of topics such as refining a child’s palette, the French idea of cadre (building a firm framework of boundaries for a child’s behavior and then giving him the freedom to move about unrestricted within those boundaries), the practice of telling their children to “be wise,” instead of “be good”.

Risen Motherhood

This book is one that every young mom seeking to honor God in their parenting should read. It’s Christ-centered without being preachy and practical without being a how to manual. I’m certain it’s something I’ll go back to again and again. Highly recommend!

“It might be mundane to fold laundry, but it’s extraordinary to do it patiently
with joy and a heart of love. It might be mundane to sit on the couch and read
another book to a whiny four-year-old, but it’s extraordinary to show kindness
and mercy to an undeserving sinner. It might be mundane to fill the fridge with
groceries, but it’s extraordinary to praise God for his provision. Our everyday
moments might be ordinary, but when we accomplish them while displaying
the fruit of the Spirit, they reflect our extraordinary Savior.”
Risen Motherhood

Pressing Pause (Devotional)

Almost a necessary devotional book for young moms with little ones. This devotional has daily reads, questions, and a journal section. I would consider this book worth the time and money. This devotional will fill your heart with things that are pure, right, noble, and of excellence… this is one way to get closer to God coupled with your own Bible reading.

The Fourth Trimester

While the title may have you thinking it will solely prepare you for the postpartum journey, it will actually shape your whole approach to mothering, caring for yourself, and nurturing your relationships. This book will help you develop a deeper understanding of your own needs and clarify your values. The Fourth Trimester can help you shape your postpartum experience in a way that feels nurturing and honoring to the gravity of bringing new life into the world.

Mom’s One Line a Day

Any of the One Line A Day journals make a great present to someone. Easy to manage and is small enough to throw in a purse or backpack. This book makes it EASY to document things about not only your child’s progress but also your own. It’s simple- one sentence a day. Each page is sectioned off into 5 entries so you can read down the page what a random day of the year was like in a 5-year span. I give these as gifts now to any new parent and they always say they still use them years later.

How to Not Hate Your Husband After Kids

Even though the title is funny I’m sure it’s a huge turn-off for many people. Many expectant parents spend weeks researching the best crib or safest car seat, but spend little if any time thinking about the titanic impact the baby will have on their marriage – and the way their marriage will affect their child. I think 90+ % of couples will be able to use at least some of the advice in this book.

Discontented Little Baby

Every parent’s favorite book is probably the one that told them what they already thought, so maybe I just like Discontented Little Baby because it affirmed my pre-existing preferences for daily rhythms. This book starts with good science and uses it to form a philosophy, and it matches what I see in the world around me.

Moms On Call

Moms On Call is all about getting your baby on a schedule, and they give you ‘typical days’ in the book, which will share what your routine should look like each day. The book also gives advice on naptime, bedtime routine, and so much more. So if you’re curious about those things, definitely buy the book. If you are thinking about sleep training your baby or are simply curious about what a typical day should look like at each age, this book will be super helpful!

I hope you found this list of books for new moms helpful. If you have read any books you recommend, please leave them in the comments! I’d love to add them to the blog post for other first time moms to read.