A handpicked stack of our favourite reads on pregnancy, birth and parenting.
1. 9 Months That Count Forever Jessie Inchauspé
Most pregnant women are told: “Don’t worry, eat whatever you normally eat. Your baby will get what they need from you.” But science tells a different story: your diet during pregnancy can shape your baby’s brain, body and health for life. And somehow, no one has told you the rules. Until now.
When biochemist Jessie Inchauspé became pregnant, she sifted through hundreds of studies and uncovered striking research: choline, DHA, protein and glucose are four key nutrients that can influence a baby’s development in the womb; yet most women don’t get nearly enough of the first three and too much of the fourth. And the effects can last a lifetime.
In 9 Months That Count Forever, Jessie reveals science-based hacks to optimise these four nutrients and help give your baby a stronger foundation for life.
RRP $36.99 | Penguin
2. They Bloom Because of You Jessica Urlichs
A mother is born the moment her children are; growing and blooming alongside them. They Bloom Because of You is a testament to the profound significance of mothering, and the extraordinary beauty of watching our children unfurl into who they are meant to be.
Jess’s poems have touched millions, offering comfort like a trusted friend through shimmering highs and the darkest, sleepless nights. In this deeply personal new collection, her poetry resonates with fresh tenderness as she reflects on the joys and challenges of raising her growing family. Whether Jess’s words already hold a special place in your heart or you have the pleasure of discovering them for the very first time, this collection will leave you feeling seen, moved and overwhelmed with an ever-deepening love for your children and the journey of motherhood itself.
RRP $32.99 | Penguin
3. Seed Elisabeth Easther
Hillary and her partner are eager for a baby, their sex life dictated by the automated texts from their fertility agency, MotherWorld. Her best friend Maggie is a single mother living her best life, enjoying a healthy relationship with her ex, and a healthy appetite on the dating apps.
With her youngest now at school, Shelley is returning to the office, hoping to prove her value at the gold-star advertising agency she works for. Meanwhile, midwife Virginia has made a career of helping other people have babies, but is suddenly yearning for one of her own. With no partner in sight, she cooks up an unhinged plan.
RRP $34.99 | Penguin
4. The Complete Guide to Postpartum Sophie Walker and Jodie Wilson
The moment after birthing your baby, you enter postpartum. It’s the blurriest of transitions: there’s joy and awe but also intense physical recovery, fluctuating hormones, a brain that can’t find the right words, and so much to learn. It’s beautiful and it’s hard.
The Complete Guide to Postpartum is your comforting and enlightening companion to navigating this entirely new life, from the earliest moments post-birth to many years later.
RRP $39.99 | Murdoch Books
5. She Births Nadine Richardson
She Births, the world’s first scientifically verified childbirth program, has been shown to reduce C-sections by 44 per cent and epidurals by 65 per cent, and is endorsed by obstetricians and midwives. Now, creator and doula Nadine Richardson brings the program to book form, giving women the tools to reduce pain, avoid unnecessary intervention and take ownership of their birth experience.
In a climate shaped by misinformation and over-medicalisation, She Births offers an evidence-based approach grounded in both research and long-held wisdom. Nadine guides readers through the full journey of birth and matrescence, the physical, emotional and psychological transition into motherhood. She explains how the body prepares for labour, explores the body-mind connection and the neuroplasticity of the parenting brain, and provides practical tools for each stage of labour, birth planning and confident communication.
RRP $34.99 | Murdoch Books
6. Empowered Fertility Claire Hall and Devora Lieberman
Written by experienced counsellor Claire Hall and fertility expert Dr Devora Lieberman, Empowered Fertility is a practical guide for women to help them cope with their psychological wellbeing, their emotions, family and friends and their attitudes during a very difficult time. It contains clearly structured and expressed information and offers women practical steps to assist them as they go through the processes of treatment for infertility.
Each section of the book gives the reader information and support to address physical, psychological, emotional and social challenges that can arise when dealing with infertility and also with IVF treatment. Subjects include managing expectations, dealing with fear, releasing control and handling changes in relationships.
The reader can work through at their own pace, making use of the coaching tools and exercises to help with each step. For readers who are starting or in the midst of IVF treatment, the last section of the book forms an IVF Cycle Handbook, to guide women through their experience.
RRP $22.99 | Hachette
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