In case I’ve never mentioned it before, I am a reader. A very big reader. And this tendency has been magnifed to the nth degree now that my physical activities are, shall we say, limited. Granted, I am not just reading pregnancy-themed books (in fact, most of my reading choices are designed to distract me from my pregnancy at this point) but if you’re big into the baby headspace right now, here are a few selections which are entertaining, possibly informative and will (most likely) not scare the crap out of you.
The Birth House by Ami McKay. A historical novel featuring the conflicts between midwifery and the field of obstetrics in early 20th century Nova Scotia. Enjoyable reading and vaguely reassuring in the “women have been birthing babies for thousands of years and so can you” sense.
Let’s Panic About Babies by Alice Bradley and Eden M. Kennedy. When I started laughing myself to the point of tears in the middle of Chapters, I knew this was the book for me. I wish someone had given me this book when I first got pregnant, before I started scaring myself with all of those serious “expecting” books. Recommended for any expectant mom (or dad) who needs a little humour injection.
The Penguin Classic Baby Name Book by Carol McD. Wallace. Ah, so many names, so little time to choose…especially when there are so many great examples to be found in the realm of classic literature! Spend some time comparing relative merits of ”gifting” your child with a unique moniker, such as Hilarion or Fiordiligi versus one of those boring, common names, like John or Mary. I’m sure the therapy bills won’t be that much…and regular schoolyard pummelings build character, right?
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. As far as I’m concerned, any time is a good time to read (or re-read) a children’s classic. However, I found that pulling out a few of the old favourites during pregnacy put me in a relaxed and kid-friendly frame of mind. I also re-read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the entire Harry Potter series during the last month.
Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful by Gurmukh. A combination of pregnancy anecdotes, Kundalini Yoga and meditation techniques, this is one that appeals to my inner hippie. I realize that not everyone is into this kind of thing, but personally, I found it soothing to read and (although it is definitely pro-natural birth) very supportive of whatever options are wanted or needed for a safe, positive birth experience. Even though I’ve read it from cover to cover, I’ll still pick it up and read a chapter here and there when my lizard brain won’t settle down.
So now that you know what I like to read, what about you? Any reading recommendations for the expectant?
Tags: pregnancy, reading, recommended
