When my husband and I found out we were expecting our first child, we were elated! We immediately started envisioning our future with this tiny human- imagining what they would look like, who they would be. We were in love with this little soul the moment we learned they would be joining us!
The magic never completely wore off, but when reality started to set in, my type A personality wanted to alleviate any and all uncertainty! What would motherhood be like? How was our life about to change? What was giving birth going to be like? What should I be doing to get prepared?
As a reader, I immediately started searching for books to help me prepare for this new adventure- parenthood! I read lots, some of it helpful, some not at all. This is the book list I wish I had in the earliest moments of mommyhood. The titles here will touch on the practicalities of managing motherhood, but my prayer is that they also encourage you on your eternal journey in a closer relationship with Christ!
For sleep:
“On Becoming Babywise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep,” by Robert Bucknam and Gary Ezzo
Before I had my babies, I envisioned a life of supermomdom where I would be so utterly and completely enraptured with my babies that I no longer required sleep and would be able to attend to their every need out of my abundant love. Spoiler alert- my love was and is abundant, but so was and is my need for sleep! We really struggled with sleep with our first baby. “On Becoming Babywise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep,” by Robert Bucknam and Gary Ezzo was life changing with our subsequent babes. The Babywise system offers a stable structure for developing a sleep routine at day one. What I love most about this book is that there are chapters explaining just what to expect at every stage. You deserve sleep, momma! Do yourself a favor and check this one out!
You can purchase here!
For sweetness:
“Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments,” by Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler.
I wish I had read this title before my babies arrived, but I’m so thankful I found it when I did- shortly after my third! Mommas, I can’t recommend this one enough. You’re about to enter one of the busiest and most beautiful seasons, this title will help you connect the everyday with the big picture of God’s purpose and plan.
You can purchase here!
For time management:
“I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time” by Laura Vanderkam
I know you don’t need another person telling you how hectic your life is about to be. Trust me, momma, it will be gorgeous, but time management skills will be a huge help. “I Know How She Does It" is a must read for working moms! Vanderkam’s advice is real, relevant, and reassuring. She delivers suggestions in a data driven way that is both intriguing and hopeful. At the heart of it, Vanderkam shows us how we have more time than we think!
You can purchase here!
Family planning:
“The Sinner’s Guide to Natural Family Planning,” by Simcha Fisher
Finding out that we were pregnant after just a month of marriage was entirely planned and a joyous occasion for my husband and I! After the birth of our first child, we intentionally got pregnant nine months later, and once again celebrated! Eight months after the birth of our second child, we felt moved to have another baby, and God blessed us with our third pregnancy! That’s right- we had three under three, completely and totally on purpose. We practice Natural Family Planning. “The Sinner’s Guide to Natural Family Planning,” by Simcha Fisher is a wonderful resource for couples seeking the spiritual and marital benefits of NFP. It’s also written in a funny, transparent way that makes you feel like you’re just chatting with a good friend.
You can purchase here!
For being a working mom:
“Workparent: The Complete Guide to Succeeding on the Job, Staying True to Yourself, and Raising Happy Kids"
This giant guide isn’t for the faint of heart, but hey, neither is parenthood! All jokes aside, this detailed guide is a great resource for pregnancy onward. What I love about this is the practical, yet detailed approach Dowling took in writing. There are many pro-con lists to help you make informed decisions (for example, regarding childcare options). This is a must for the working parenting!
You can purchase here!
For birth:
“Labor with Hope: Gospel Meditations on Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood,” by Gloria Furman.
I purposely chose to conclude the list with this title. In spite of all the changes and uncertainty that imminent parenthood triggers, every experience is meant to point us to Christ. This includes birth pain, diaper changes, and even temper tantrums. This Gospel meditation will help bring focus and connection on your gorgeous journey to and through motherhood!
You can purchase here!
The titles here touch on the practicalities of managing motherhood, but my prayer is that they also encourage you on your eternal journey in a closer relationship with Christ!
Happy reading and blessings!
Katie
Please share If you found this helpful! Please also leave a comment. I would love to hear what booklists you want to see in the future!