Postpartum Books That You’ll Want to Read Immediately

Postpartum books can offer so much support because they make you feel understood in the midst of all the intense new emotions and the transition into motherhood!

Reading about what to expect after pregnancy is incredibly helpful!

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Often, we know everything about baby gear, busy ourselves with buying baby clothes, indulging our nesting instincts, and perfecting the nursery.

But you are becoming a mother too! It’s SO important that you feel good and prepared for the postpartum period.

There are books that can help you prepare for intense emotions, fears, hormone swings, less free time for yourself, and the struggles of breastfeeding.

I personally experienced a lot of anxiety from hormones during and after pregnancy, and the lack of sleep during the postpartum period.

Sometimes you can feel very misunderstood in this situation because it’s not always relatable to everyone, or it is not talked about.

Some people might think you’re overreacting, and your partner might feel helpless because they don’t know how to support you.

I’ve found the best postpartum books that can help you prepare during pregnancy or help you postpartum. A few have really helped me!

By preparing, you can enter this beautiful period with more confidence and learn that emotions and fears are allowed to be there and how to cope with them.

Make sure to read all the way to the end—there’s a selection of helpful free eBooks waiting for you!

Understanding the Postpartum Experience: What to Expect and How to Cope

The postpartum period is a time of significant change and adjustment. From the moment your baby is born, your life is changed 180 degrees (!!)

With new experiences, both joyful and challenging. Postpartum books can be your best friends, offering insights into what you can expect and how to manage the various aspects of the postpartum period.

Whether it’s dealing with the unexpected emotional rollercoaster or learning how to balance your new responsibilities, these books are packed with advice to help you during this intense period.

Related: Best Books for Stay at Home Moms that Will Inspire You

“The Fourth Trimester” by Kimberly Ann Johnson

A must-read for new moms, offering practical advice on healing your body, balancing your emotions, and restoring your energy after childbirth.

Many moms say it feels like having a caring friend by their side, guiding them through the challenges of early motherhood.

Reviewers particularly appreciate the gentle exercises and self-care strategies that help them feel more in control and less alone.

“What No One Tells You” by Alexandra Sacks and Catherine Birndorf

This book is a helpful guide that explains the emotional ups and downs from pregnancy to motherhood.

The book is praised for its honest, relatable advice and the comforting tone that helps moms feel less alone!

It’s a must-read during pregnancy who want to understand their emotions better and prepare for the postpartum period.

Prioritizing Your Mental Health: Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially during the postpartum period when you’re taking on so much new responsibility!

Books about postpartum depression and anxiety provide crucial information on recognizing the signs, understanding what you’re going through, and finding the right support and treatments.

These books remind you that it’s okay to have these emotions and offer ways to manage them, including when to seek help from a professional.

I’ve included my top four picks because I have personal experience with this. If you’re sensitive to hormone changes and anxiety like I am, I highly recommend reading one of these books during your pregnancy.

They can offer valuable tools and support to help you navigate this challenging time.

You may also like: Postpartum Nightstand Essentials: Everything a New Mom Needs Close By

“Rattled” by Nicole Pensak

I read this book 10 months postpartum when I was finally starting to feel better. I wish I had read it earlier!

It resonated so much with my experience of feeling constantly “rattled,” like, nervous, and anxious during the postpartum period, unable to sleep even during the short moments I had.

This book is my personal favorite because it includes practical strategies to manage anxiety and helps you understand the power of the postpartum brain, which helps you put things into perspective a bit better.

It offers real, relatable advice and makes you feel less alone.

“This Isn’t What I Expected” by Karen Kleiman and Valerie Raskin

A helpful guide for moms dealing with postpartum depression. The book offers practical advice and support to understand and manage the feelings of sadness and anxiety that can come after having a baby.

“Postpartum” by Jessica Dawson

This book offers an honest look at both the highs and lows of postpartum life, combining real stories with practical advice.

It covers emotional and physical details, like self-care, night sweats, and hormonal fluctuations.

“Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts” by Karen Kleiman

A REALLY good read for moms experiencing anxiety and intrusive thoughts!

This book stands out because it speaks about the scary OCD thoughts you can experience during this period. You don’t need to have been diagnosed with OCD to experience this.

Intrusive thoughts are very common postpartum because you can feel really scared and uncertain during this time.

Thoughts like “What if I drop my baby” are normal. This book provides a lot of information about them and it offers practical tools for managing them, making moms feel understood and less alone!

The illustrations and real-life examples make it easier to digest and apply the advice.

The Physical Changes of the Postpartum Period

Your body goes through incredible changes after birth. Postpartum books can help you understand these changes, from healing after delivery, what to eat for recovery to managing hormonal shifts.

They offer practical tips on how to care for yourself physically, ensuring that you are not only recovering but also feeling strong and healthy.

“The First Forty Days” by Heng Ou

A comforting guide for new moms during the crucial first 40 days after birth. It provides 60 simple recipes for healing soups, meals, and teas to support a new mom’s recovery.

The book also offers advice on setting up a support system, managing relationship challenges, and appreciating the significance of pregnancy and birth.

It’s both practical and soothing, making new moms feel connected and cared for during this special time.

Related: 21 Delicious And Healthy Postpartum Snacks That Will Make Your Life Easier

“The Postnatal Cookbook” By Jaren Soloff

A fantastic guide for new moms focusing on their own nutrition during the postpartum period.

The book includes 75 easy-to-make recipes like Spinach Egg Bites and One-Pan Lemon Chicken, designed to nourish and support a mom’s recovery.

Written by a registered dietitian and lactation consultant, it highlights vital nutrients like iron, protein, and omega-3s, which are crucial for healing!

Plus, the recipes include a description of the vitamins and minerals they contain and how they relate to a woman’s postpartum needs.

Caring for Your Newborn: Practical Advice from Experts

There’s so much to learn! Postpartum books written by experts offer practical advice on everything from feeding and sleep routines to baby health and safety.

These books are invaluable resources, helping you feel more confident in your ability to care for your little one.

During my pregnancy, I focused mainly on books about the emotional aspects of postpartum because I was already experiencing a lot of anxiety and wanted to be prepared.

However, once my baby arrived, I was overwhelmed by issues like sleep and feeding, which I knew nothing about.

Of course, every baby is different and doesn’t come with a manual, but I wish I had known more about newborn sleep patterns and how to recognize hunger and sleep cues.

That’s my tip for new parents: get familiar with these basics before your baby arrives! These insights can make a big difference and help you feel more confident during this period.

“Cribsheet” by Emily Oster

Emily Oster, an award-winning economist, dives into data to debunk common parenting myths and provide clear, evidence-based advice on topics like breastfeeding, sleep training, and potty training.

She helps parents navigate the overwhelming and often conflicting advice from various sources.

“The Happiest Baby on the Block” by Harvey Karp

It is a must-read for parents struggling to get their babies to sleep.

Dr. Karp shares his proven techniques, based on the concepts of the “Fourth Trimester,” the “Calming Reflex,” and the “5 S’s” (Swaddle, Side-Stomach Position, Shush, Swing, and Suck).

These methods help soothe babies and increase sleep, even for colicky infants.

Embracing the Challenges of Breastfeeding and Pumping

Breastfeeding and pumping can be some of the most challenging parts of new motherhood, and there are many books that offer valuable tips, techniques, and support to help you through these struggles.

These resources provide solutions for common problems and offer encouragement during tough times, aiming to ensure the best experience for both you and your baby.

While breastfeeding may come easily for some, others may find it more difficult, so having these books on hand can be incredibly helpful.

“The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding” by La Leche League International

is an invaluable resource for new moms facing challenges with breastfeeding or those who simply want more information and to learn about the benefits of breastfeeding.

I found that breastfeeding was more difficult than I expected, and I often turned to reliable information on La Leche League’s website for help.

This book offers a complete guide to breastfeeding, covering everything from latching to weaning, and provides practical tips and personal experiences.

It’s praised for its thorough, supportive approach, helping moms build confidence and navigate the complexities of breastfeeding.

“Work. Pump. Repeat” by Jessica Shortall

This book is especially for working moms who are breastfeeding.

The book offers practical, humorous advice on handling the challenges of pumping at the office, negotiating with colleagues, and dealing with less-than-ideal pumping situations.

The author shares her own experiences and those of other working moms, making it a supportive and relatable guide.

Free Postpartum eBooks

In addition to the recommended paid books, there are several free resources available online that can provide support and information for new mothers.

Here are some free postpartum eBooks you can access.

Willamette Valley Medical Center website you can download here eBooks about breastfeeding, newborn care, vaccinations, and postpartum depression.

Your Health Service you can download here eBooks about childcare.

Conclusion: Postpartum Books

Taking care of yourself is not just important; it’s essential!!

I hope this post didn’t scare you into thinking that the postpartum period is only full of challenges and difficulties.

Despite my own struggles with anxiety, it remains one of the most special and beautiful times of my life. Everyone’s experience is different, and you can’t predict exactly how it will be for you!

It’s always a good idea to prepare by reading about what to expect during this phase.

These books are great resources not only for preparation but also for support, as you’ll find so much relatable content in them.

Remember, it’s a time of incredible change and growth, and you are not alone!! having these books can make you feel more understood 🙂 Happy postpartum!

This post was about postpartum books

Last update on 2025-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API