by Justine Deputy, RN, MSN
Most pregnant women have heard of the book, website, or app What to Expect When You’re Expecting. It is one of the most popular resources for pregnant women. It has week by week guides to read or watch on what is happening with baby’s development and changes with mom throughout pregnancy along with tips and tricks to navigate pregnancy. But, many of the tips and recommendations included are very general. For a Mama seeking out alternative or natural options and more information, it can seem limited.
The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth by Genevieve Howland was released in 2017 and fills many of these gaps a Mama may be seeking. The book starts at week one (when you are not even pregnant yet) and shares information about what is happening with your body during each week, what is happening with baby, tips related to that stage of pregnancy, experiences from other Mamas, recipes, to do lists, and more. The topics for each chapter can be beneficial before you get to that specific week, so you can always read ahead then go back and read the “what’s up with baby” and “what’s up with mama” sections as you get to each week. Overall, the book is a great addition to resources available to pregnant mamas and their partners. It adds a natural perspective to pregnancy-related topics. The book offers options and presents information in a way that promotes choice rather than just saying one way is the best way. Pregnant? Check it out!
Both of these resources can be useful for a pregnant Mama. In fact, it can often be helpful to read or review multiple resources and points of view. No one book, method, or advice related to pregnancy, labor, birth, or parenting will be exactly what fits you and your family. It is often a compilation of things that come from various resources, advice, or instinct. Follow your gut, consult your provider when necessary, and view recommendations from books and resources as options rather than rules. This will allow you to figure out what will work best for you and your family. Because every Mama, Baby, and family is different!
Looking for more book recommendations from The Birth Center? Find our list here.