In this day and age, when we have so much information on our phones and computers, do we really need a post talking about what books to read when pregnant?

I’d argue, that because of the fact we have so much information at our fingertips, it is even more important that posts like this exist.

So, if you are pregnant, here’s my doula-y advice on what to read.

• A feel good, make you laugh novel – whatever looks great, pick it up at the charity shop, or treat yourself in waterstones. Get a book that cracks you up, read it, love it, read it again!
• A book that makes you cry – in the best, wholesome, I’m so deeply attached to the characters and their story kind of way. If it’s a series, even better – binge them!
• A love story – not smutt, though of course, go for that too if you fancy it – but I’m talking about a Wuthering Heights, or It Ends With Us kind of energy.

And once you’re done with those … then pick up the birthy books.

Because your whole life is about to tailspin, where it’s so easy to consume all things birth and parenting, and entirely forget to read for joy and laughter too. Reading books is one of the best ways to support a generation of readers, and if you do it while pregnant, you’ll (hopefully) keep reading, albeit less initially, while your babies grow.

Birthy books I’d recommend – honestly, take this with a large spoonful of salt, because while books are great, during pregnancy, I genuinely believe the best education comes from community.

• Placenta – The Forgotten Chakra
• The Oxytocin Factor
• Birthing From Within

Parenting Books I’d say are worth it in the first year –

• Let them Eat Dirt – B Brett Finlay & Marie-Claire Arrieta
• Playful Parenting – Lawrence J Cohen
• Extraordinary Parenting – Eloise Rickman

There’s many more. I’ve read some great books in the last few years that have shifted so much of the way I look at our bodies, our society, our children. These are important conversations, and if you really want to dig deep into it, do so. But be careful not to spiral. Don’t learn so much that your brain takes over and your body is put on mute. Don’t try to get it right or perfect so hard that you end up shaming yourself when human nature kicks in and things change.

There is no right or wrong birth. There is no perfect book that will tell you all the things you’re wondering. But there are many books that will help, and many that will allow you to travel the world from the comfort of your sofa – which is as important if not more so than squishing facts into your brain.

Learn from people, in person, in conversation, in community. Indulge in books. Because reading should be for pleasure as much as anything.

As ever, with love,

Rohana x