Reading for new parents

[jellybeanjc]

I'm looking for something good to read or listen to about becoming a new parent. Ideally, I'd like something non-fiction about the first year or so after having a baby. There are so many books about pregnancy, but I can’t find anything I want to read about being a mum and what it's like once the baby is born. I don’t want 'what to expect' type writing, but personal experiences and some comedy!

YABU - you've clearly not looked hard enough- here are some ideas.
YANBU - there is a gap in the market- what you want doesn't exist and someone should get writing!!

I have a strapping great teen now, but my bible was

"What to expect when you are expecting"

And then

"What to expect, the first year"

Oops, ignore my post.

Good luck

Ha ha - thank you! I have the 'what to expect' books. I think I just want something entertaining but that's on topic for me at the moment!! 😂😂

Ellie Taylor "My Child and Other Mistakes" if you're looking for comedy.
Phillipa Perry "The Book you wish your parents had read..." for actual advice

I found First Time Parent by Lucy Atkins lighthearted/funny but also practically helpful

I read one called The Fat Ladies Club which was I think 5 reapplied women and sort of comedy diary entries.

What about this? It didn't suit me (found it a bit annoying) but others recommended it so I think it depends on your sense of humour.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Friends-Guide-Surviving-First-Motherhood/dp/0747536481

I think I read a Jools Oliver book that was quite good. To be honest, nothing can prepare you for the first year so you may as well just read any fiction that you haven’t got round to reading because soon you’ll be too exhausted.

Ina May Guide to Childbirth is excellent for birth tips and getting into the right headspace for birth.

I got two Anna Mather books about anxiety and mental health etc in the first year so depends if you want more of a new mum self help type book but I like it so far x

Megan Trainor releasing one tomorrow. Might be worth a look?

Bringing up Bebe / French Kids Don’t Throw Food
(One is the American title, the other the British but can’t remember which is which)
Quite an entertaining read and there’s some reasonable advice in the mix too.

What mothers do, especially when it looks like nothing. Amazing book.

The cartoonist Twisted Doodles has an excellent book about her pregnancy and first year with twins.

Hi @jellybeanjc thanks for posting! I can see you've had some great suggestions already but just wanted to pop in a link to our page ranking the best parenting books. It includes a range of books all rated by Mumsnet users (some of which have already been mentioned here!). Hope it's of some use, please feel free to let us know if you've any feedback on the page