What books should I read?

[upanddown83]

Hi all need to know what books are the best to read. This is my 1st pregnancy I am 10weeks at the min very happy and excited but recently have had thoughts of 'will I actually know what to do when the baby arrives?' So I would like to do some reading so I feel better about these thoughts. Thank-u in advance for your suggestions.

I'm 33 weeks with DC1 so can't comment on how reliable the actual info is but we've found 'First Time Parent' by Lucy Atkins really good

I was going to recommend First Time Parent! It's fab...

I like what to expect... Plus the Ian may guide to childbirth (very hippy but full of good, happy, positive birth stories).

Ina May

Mumsnet on pregnancy though it made me cry with laughter and then cry because the laughter hurt bloody pregnancy emotion surges

Take a stack out of the library to browse. Some might really irritate you. Others will strike a chord. Buy the one that feels right to you. I liked 'what to expect, the first year' and something about breastfeeding by Clare Byam- something.

The Rough Guide to Pregnancy and Birth gets my vote. It's a week-by-week diary and it's very 'real'. It's fairly informative although not an encyclopaedia of knowledge like some of the others. It was entertaining though and I enjoyed it hugely.

What carrotcake said. Kaz Cooke is brilliant!

Have you got any friends/relatives with a baby that you can help out with? Hands on experience is much better than reading in a book!

I really loved 'your body, your baby, your birth'. Can't remember author off the top of my head but I will be buying another copy to read before the birth of DD2 (first copy has long been passed on).

Congratulationsnon your pregnancy!

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (LLL) if you are planning to BF. Anything by Dr Sears is pretty good too. And one of my personal favourites- What Mothers Do (especially when it looks like nothing) by Naomi Stadlen.

Avoid Claire Byam-Cook's breastfeeding book, it's utter crap.