In my life, one thing has always been present: books! I have always loved reading, and this activity is much more than a hobby for me—it has always been a refuge where I would dive in with so much pleasure… So here is a list of books for moms and those trying to conceive. This list features my top 10 favorite motherhood books from my journey as a mom or mom-to-be. Some of them live on my bedside table, and I read and reread them whenever I have a question or miss the time when I was trying to conceive or was a new mom. Make the most of these tips—this list holds a bit of me, and I hope you enjoy the suggestions. Let’s go!
1. Pregnant and Beautiful (Carla Góes)
A light and informative read for women who have just received their positive test. With real stories and beauty tips that are a big help during pregnancy, and a section dedicated especially to the baby’s development, this book helps pregnant women understand how their baby is at every stage of pregnancy. It costs around R$80.00 and is worth every cent! |
2. What to Expect When You’re Expecting (Sharon Mazel, Heidi Murkoff)
Everything about pregnancy, covered directly and with no secrets for moms-to-be. This book is truly a bible and is so reputable that it’s been on the market for a long time. I particularly like it because it clearly explains everything that’s happening and even what can go wrong during pregnancy. It costs around R$55.00. |
3. Brain Rules for Baby – From Pregnancy Through the First Five Years (John Medina)
As the title says, it brings women into the maternal world from pregnancy and uncovers the secrets of children up to five years old. How to handle those tantrums? Help your child grow up intelligent and happy from the womb. The answers (or almost all) are in this book. Good reading for about R$35.00. |
4. The Life of the Baby (Rinaldo de Lamare)
A manual! That’s how I describe this book, which helps so many moms and can help many more. How to deal with that first fever? Why is there irritation at a certain stage of growth? Rinaldo Lamare nailed it with this book full of precious tips for first-time parents and even those on their third journey. Available for about R$80.00. |
5. How Not to Be a Perfect Mother (Libby Purves)
Very well written by Libby Purves, it describes exactly what it’s like to be a mother in real life. No moral lessons, no “do this or that”, and lots of good humor—a light-hearted book! This book won me over by perfectly describing in words what being a real mom is like. I recommend it for moms who feel lost, as I did when looking for perfect motherhood. On average about R$20.00. |
6. The Baby Whisperer (Tracy Hogg)
This book features alternative methods (some not so much) on how to care for babies from birth to two years old. Perfect for those who like new ideas, even though it’s a rather classic read. What struck me was the methods to calm babies without too much effort! It’s really worth reading and costs around R$50.00. |
7. Your Pregnancy Week by Week (Glade B. Curtis, Judith Schuler)
A true manual for expectant mothers! The photos, in a time before the internet, made me the happiest mom-to-be in the world. It clarifies everything that can happen during pregnancy. Your Pregnancy Week by Week charmed me with the beauty of the images and also with its light reading. I recommend it even for women still trying to conceive. It costs around R$60.00. |
8. The Pregnancy Bible (Alice Dagostini Deutsch, Wladimir Taborda)
Made by fetal medicine specialists, it has 3D images! Nothing delights a mom more than seeing how her baby is developing. I also devoured it during my pregnancy, and it cleared up many doubts while I was a first-time mom. It costs around R$70.00. |
9. Motherhood and the Encounter with One’s Own Shadow (Laura Gutman)
A professional look at the fears and difficulties of a mother. How does the responsibility of bringing a baby into the world impact a couple’s life? Intense and informative, it will move even those who never dreamed of becoming a mother. I loved it for the psychological support it gives. It costs about R$30.00. |
10. How Parents Are Born (Renato Kaufmann)
A fun look at what it’s like to be a father! It’s amazing to see a man become a father in his own words. What I like most about this book is seeing the intense world of motherhood through the eyes of a man who suddenly finds himself a dad. Great read for couples who share everything during pregnancy and now, in parenthood too. About R$35.00. |
