We find that many people focus just on the birthing process of preparing them for this life transition. However, the majority of the decision making parents make happen moments after the baby is born, and that continues the rest of your parenting journey. So why not prepare yourself with “parenting training”, and insider scoop of the cues your baby will use to communicate their needs? See our favourites, and let us know if you have a suggestion to add to our list!
Cribsheet by Emily Oster
A must read for new parents! Oster is an economist, who loves analysing numbers and then translating her findings into english. If you loved her book, Expecting Better, definitely read her much anticipated sequel that we were all craving!
With the amount of studies out there for hot topics like sleep, feeding, attachment, vaccines and more, having a deeper understanding of the research can help put you at ease. Ever wondered why the recommendation for newborns with sleep is “back is best”? Ever wondered why there are conflicting opinions on swaddling? She shares what studies, and the breakdown of them, led researchers to suggest the best practices that exist now. Also, some of the best practices are opinion based and have nothing to do with research!
Guilt-Free Bottle Feeding by Madeleine Morris & Dr. Sasha Howard
Formula feeding can definitely be a hot topic in the parenting world, but why? Not only do the authors cover the evolution & cultural shifts of how we fed our babies this last century, but also some misreporting of scientific studies around bottle feeding. Unfortunately, many new parents are under the impression that formula feeding sub par to breast milk, and can be quite a deterrent with decision making with what is best for their family. The takeaway being whatever you decide, your baby can be healthy, happy, and smart.
This book is definitely for you if you are looking for a well balanced preparation around options for infant feeding for your baby. Whether the plan is breastfeeding, combo feeding, or bottle feeding, our team thinks it’s very helpful to have accurate information available.
Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers by Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
Many of our clients over the years are surprised at how much learning was involved when it came to feeding their baby at their chest. The allure of breastfeeding is that there are many benefits for both parent & child, as well that it comes naturally to most. The truth is that this type of infant feeding is a learned skill by both parties, and usually requires preparation, support, and adjustment as everyone is figuring it out.
Having a guide to both read ahead of time, and then also to use as a resource for reassurance of normalcy and how to manage in the moment is a must. Definitely the best book out there if chest-feeding is in your plan!
The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp
One of the biggest doula tricks out there is the “5 S approach” to soothing a baby, which is rooted directly from Dr. Karp’s approach. This book is super handy to read if you want hands on tools to calm a crying or fussy baby. Also if you are hoping to have your baby sleep longer stretches at a time. The Happiest Baby now has a whole line of products, from swaddles, white noise machines, and the very famous SNOO bassinet.
If you want the coles notes of our doula tricks, check out this animated short film to learn one of our many secrets!
The Wonder Weeks by Xavier Plas-Plooij
When you are a new parent, it can be challenging to understand when your baby’s needs are changing due to developmental changes. As babies go through growth spurts, or ‘leaps’ in the early stages, it can be incredibly helpful to get the heads up what could be happening next.
Since babies tend to be ‘fussier’ as they go through each leap, having tools to give that what they need during each phase can be a life changer! There is also a free app which sends you alerts before each potential leap, with the rundown of what is happening with your baby’s growth, and what to do.
This Isn’t What I Expected by Karen R. Kleiman
When 50% of birth parents experience the baby blues in the first 2 weeks postpartum, and somewhere between 1 in 4 parents are diagnosed with a perinatal or postpartum mood disorder (PPMD), it’s pretty important to educate yourself in mental wellness. Reading this book will help to know the signs and help prevent, as well as strategies to implement from the beginning. Options around treatment, involving your family, and recover with confidence are all included.
What do you think we should add to the list?
Let us know in the comments below with what your favourite book was in navigating through early parenting.
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