Top 10 reads for mums-to-be
Reading in pregnancy is a great way to relax and prepare yourself for the arrival of your little one. It's also the last time you're likely to have much 'me-time' for a while, so we recommend you make the most of it.
Here are some unmissable reads for mums-to-be as recommended by the team here at Tommy's.
1. Happy Mum, Happy Baby, by Giovanna Fletcher
Why we love it:
If, like us, you’ve fallen head over bump for Giovanna while watching her weekly vlogs, then you’ll love her first non-fiction book. It’s a moving account of her journey through motherhood, from struggling with PCOS to the present day, written with her trademark warmth and positivity.
2. How to Grow a Baby and Push it Out, by Clemmie Hooper
Why we love it:
Following on from her brilliant Gas & Air blog, midwife Clemmie shares her knowledge about pregnancy and birth with humour and honesty. This handy week-by-week guide to pregnancy includes stories about her own three pregnancies as well as relatable anecdotes from friends and readers.
3. Hurrah for Gin: A Book for Perfectly Imperfect Parents, by Katie Kirby
Why we love it:
Sarcasm, swearing and stick figures – Hurrah for Gin is a wickedly-funny read that doesn’t shy away from the truth. It takes you through Katie’s experiences from the parenting frontline and features a healthy dose of her tongue-in-cheek illustrations.
4. The Unmumsy Mum, by Sarah Turner
Why we love it:
Sarah's hilarious book about motherhood follows the huge success of her 'Unmumsy Mum' blog. Refreshingly honest it will have you weeping with laughter and prepare you for parenthood's less glamorous truths.
5. Minus Nine to One: The Diary of an Honest Mum, by Jools Oliver
Why we love it:
While Jools is now a mum-of-five, her book about her first pregnancy is a down-to-earth account that many first-time mums will relate to. She writes openly about facing the unfamiliar emotions and physical changes that pregnancy brings about.
6. The Mother Book, by Molly Gunn (Selfish Mother)
Why we love it:
Selfish Mother's amazing support for Tommy's with her Good Tees might make us a little biased, but regardless of the fact she is one of our personal favourites, 'The Mother Book' is a reassuring read for mums-to-be. It will remind you that you're not alone, and that the ups and downs of pregnancy and parenthood are felt by women everywhere.
7. What Every Parent Needs to Know, by Dr Margot Sunderland
Why we love it:
This award-winning book takes a look at the science behind childcare and makes it accessible to everyone. Author and children's psychotherapist Dr Margo Sunderland has taken evidence from 700 scientific studies into children’s development to produce a helpful book of child-rearing hacks.
8. The Positive Birth Book, by Milli Hill
Why we love it:
As the title suggests, this book is positive with a capital P. Milli is all about choice and helping mums to look beyond the way birth is shown on TV and think about what they want... what they really, really want. She has a great way of taking the thing we're all scared of (labour) and turning it into something to be excited about. Inspiring stuff.
9. Dare to Dream: My Struggle to Become a Mum, by Izzy Judd
Why we love it:
In her book, Izzy beautifully sums up the idea that a problem shared is a problem halved. By sharing her bumpy journey to pregnancy she has helped so many women realise that they're not alone. The book, and Izzy, are lovely companions for anyone going through fertility treatment. Want to feel uplifted? Then lift up this book.
10. Your No Guilt Pregnancy Plan: A revolutionary guide to pregnancy, birth and the weeks that follow, by Rebecca Schiller
Why we love it:
Rebecca's book is an empowering and non-judgemental guide to pregnancy, birth and the few weeks beyond. It lays out all of your options clearly and in an easily accessible way. She has a warm, comforting tone of voice which cuts through the endless advice and noise. Believe the hype.