I'm reading all of the books on motherhood so you don't have to! I am a first-time mom with a master's in English Literature searching for the very best books about pregnancy, childbirth, and raising children.
Sections
3
Tips and How-to
Memoir
Fiction
Tips and How-to
Emily Oster, an economist and parent, examines conventional pregnancy guidelines and provides updated recommendations based on the best-available data.
Expecting Better: Rethinking Pregnancy Wisdom
Practical tips and advice for pregnancy and childbirth. I learned so much from this book!
Nurture: Modern Guide to Pregnancy & Birth
Memoir
Louise Erdrich's beautiful memoir about postpartum and motherhood. Full of lovely nature imagery and profound reflections on motherhood.
The Blue Jay's Dance: A Memoir of Early Motherhood
A beautiful memoir about the author's experience with IVF, pregnancy, and early motherhood. A must-read for anyone who has been through IVF.
In Vitro: On Longing and Transformation - Coffee House Press
My favorite on this list. The author recounts her own experience with pregnancy and childbirth while reflecting on literary and artistic depictions of motherhood.
Linea Nigra: An Essay on Pregnancy and Earthquakes
A tender reflection on pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood. My most highlighted book.
Making Babies: Stumbling into Motherhood
A lighthearted account of Newman’s second pregnancy centered on her relationship with her toddler.
Waiting for Birdy: A Year of Tedium & Angst
Fiction
Auto-fiction about a young mother who becomes obsessed with a story from the past. Beautiful prose and compelling descriptions of postpartum and early motherhood.
A Ghost in the Throat
The beginning of Elizabeth Strout’s Lucy Barton series. Explores the relationship between an adult woman and her mother.
My Name Is Lucy Barton: A Novel
The heartbreaking story of the death of Shakespeare’s young son. A beautifully tragic story about parenting and grief.
