That moment when you hold your newborn in your arms and meet them for the very first time can be the most precious moment in your entire life. Cuddling up to that little life that you created and carried inside you for nine months is an incredibly special event. However, elation can easily turn to panic when you realise that motherhood is a pretty stressful time.
The early days are peppered with seemingly endless sleepless nights. Daytimes are an endless cycle of feeding and nappy changes. As a new mum, it is natural to want advice and understanding from others who have experienced the same as you are going through right now. So, what are some of the best new mum books that can guide you through your newborn’s first days, months and years?
What are the qualities found in the best new mum books?
Books aimed at new mums should be insightful, empathetic and show a deep level of understanding for what a new mother is going through. A touch of humour is often helpful too to lighten a stressful and sleepless time. Parenting and motherhood can be equally rewarding and anxious and the books on this list demonstrate true empathy for that.
1. The Zen Mama by Sarah Ivens
Written with a deep understanding of the emotional struggles that new mums face, The Zen Mama is designed to help new mothers adjust to motherhood, guiding them through the process of creating the family situation that best suits them. Empowering new mums with the knowledge that the focus is on their child’s happiness, The Zen Mama is an inspirational and motivational read.
2. The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry
Focusing on self-compassion and alleviating “new mum guilt”, Philippa Perry draws from her 20 years of experience as a psychologist to delve into how to practically and realistically be a parent to a child. An excellent read that examines the ethos of parenting, this book is a saving grace for new mums everywhere.
3. Mind Over Mother by Anna Mathur
Anxiety is a natural part of motherhood but it is something that can be controlled and channelled into more positive emotions. This is the focus of Mind Over Mother, which helps new mothers to transform their thinking and reach a calmer level of internal happiness. With realistic and achievable tips on how to make the parenting experience less fraught, Mather’s work as a psychologist and her own motherhood experiences have clearly influenced this must-read book.
4. My Wild and Sleepless Nights by Clover Stroud
With five children of her own, Stroud has clearly experienced a myriad of laughter, triumphs and challenges in the motherhood journey. This book is designed for mothers with children of all ages, including newborns, helping to guide them through the twists and turns that their experiences can take. This is a book that will stay with you throughout the years.
5. Mumlife by Louise Pentland
Mumlife is very much focused on the importance of maternal mental health and ways to enhance your own post-partum wellbeing. Giving insights into her own experiences, Pentland allows new mums to realise that they are not alone on their journey of motherhood. Exploring outside influences that can impact maternal emotions, this parenting book offers a frank look at the realities of being a mum.
6. The New Mum’s Notebook by Amy Ransom
An interactive version of a parenting guide, this book allows you to capture your own experiences from the amazing to the exhausting. With helpful tips and guides on how to make it through the challenging times, Ransom provides an empathetic insight into what you can expect in those early days of motherhood and beyond.
7. Letters on Motherhood by Giovanna Fletcher
This collection of profoundly personal letters, amusing anecdotes and heartfelt tales of motherhood will give you an insight into what lies ahead on your own motherhood journey. Providing snapshots of some of the standout moments of her family life, Fletcher examines what it really means to be a mother, how to regain your sense of self when you’re defined as a mother and attaining a positive body image.
8. What To Expect The 1st Year by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel
One of the most practical books on this list, the must-have guide can be a saving grace for new mothers. With functional and helpful tips on how to set routines for feeding and sleep, it may well become your best friend in those first harried and sleep-deprived days following the birth of your child.
9. Hurrah for Gin by Katie Kirby
Filled with amusing anecdotes, Katie Kirby encourages new mothers to revel in the chaos that a new baby brings to a home, rather than eschew it. Her own real-life experiences are brought to life through her excellent wordsmith’s skills and the funny stories that will leave you simultaneously roaring with laughter and crying with tears of joy.
10. The Little Book of Self-care for New Mums by Beccy Hands and Alexis Stickland
Most new mums will be familiar with the exhausting and harrowing routine that immediately follows the birth of their baby. Early mornings, late nights and days filled with an endless cycle of feed times and dirty nappies do not leave significant time to take care of your own needs. The Little Book of Self-care for New Mums is an excellent guide to caring for yourself in order to help you care for your child. Filled with an array of illustrated tips for self-care, this book is a gentle and compassionate reminder that it is okay to take time out from your busy maternal routine to devote some time to your own needs.
We offer new mums and babies beautiful, professional photoshoots. For high-quality newborn photography in Medway and Kent, maternity photography in Medway and Kent and much more, please call us or get in touch via our contact page here https://www.hannahcornfordphotography.com/contact/”