Here are a selection of my favourite postpartum and parenting books. I have these in my library and include them as recommended reading for my postpartum doula clients. Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are Affiliate Links which means that, at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother
A beautiful book filled with gorgeous images, inspiration and recipes with a focus on the traditional Chinese system of postpartum care for new mothers. The authors have done a great job of updating this ancient wisdom with modern touches including ways to plan a Blessing Way and recipes for smoothies and sweets.
The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality
By Kimberley Ann Johnson
This is my absolutely favourite book on the subject of the ‘Fourth Trimester’. Kimberley has created an absolute treasure trove of inspiration, wisdom, resources and practical advice on every aspect of this profound and transformative time. Starting in pregnancy and covering the postpartum weeks and months ‘The Forth Trimester’ covers every aspect of your physical, emotional and spiritual healing and wellbeing including yoga, nutrition, meditation, relationships, village building and more. An essential read for any pregnant or new mother.
The Discontented Little Baby Book
Dr Pamela Douglas
The first months after a baby’s arrival can be exhausting, and attempts at quick fixes are often part of the problem. But a number of obstacles are accidentally put in the way of a healthy night’s sleep, and much can be done to help your baby cry less.
The Discontented Little Baby Book gives you practical and evidence-based strategies for helping you and your baby get more in sync. Dr Pamela Douglas offers a path that protects your baby’s brain development so that he or she can reach his or her full potential. She also offers simple strategies to help you enjoy your baby and live with vitality when faced with the challenges of this extraordinary time. I love the way that this book focusses on evidence based care and gentle parenting methods.
Momma Zen: Walking the Crooked Path of Motherhood
Karen Maezen Miller
If there could be just one book on parenting that I could urge you to read, let it be this! Karen Maezen Miller’s writing on her own journey and musings on motherhood is both gentle and profound, giving us spiritual and practical teachings along the ‘crooked path’ that we all journey on as we find our way to our own mothering journey. I just love this book so much, read it regularly and give it to all my mamas!
Nourishing Newborn Mothers – Ayurvedic Recipes to Heal Your Mind, Body and Soul After Childbirth
Julia Jones
A beautiful book written by my teacher Julia Jones from Newborn Mothers. This is far more than just a recipe book but instead contains a wealth of wisdom and gentle guidance on how to make the ‘Sacred Postpartum Window’ a time of peace and joy according to the ancient principles of Ayurveda. Learn about the different properties of the commonly used spices as well as delicious and nourishing meals and drinks to sustain you during this important time.
