Recommend First Time Parenting and Pregnancy Books/Podcasts

Dustystarz13

Hi there! I'm pregnant and about 16 weeks along (due late November 2015).  This is my first pregnancy and I was curious if there are any recommended parenting and pregnant books or podcasts that you recommend.

I've started to read What to Expect When You're Expecting, but would love to hear from others on books or podcasts you recommend. 

My goal is:

• to learn more about my pregnancy, specifically birth options
  
• do's and don'ts. 
• For example, my friend who was pregnant says you can't dye your hair, but I've read from other experts that it's not an issue , as long as you are in a well ventilated area
• parenting advice
• Like how to raise your child, what are things I should do that are important and will impact my child in their future
• what to expect when the baby is born, what i should be keeping track u (e.g., recording # of dirty diapers)

Aside from my friend, I really don't have anyone to turn to for advice, so I'm trying to read up.

Thanks in advance!

magnolia305

I had a friend suggest the book, "Baby Wise" yesterday.  She said it was mostly about sleeping and the importance of routine.  I plan on checking it out!

VexyMommy

I really love the What to Expect books.  I love your enthusiasm and I remember as a first time mom doing all the same things.  I read a lot of books and realized that they all contradict each other.  The thing you should NEVER do in one book was the basis for being a good parent in the next.  There is unfortunately no right answer in this journey and a ton of wrong ones.  I try to go by science and common sense.  Both of which change frequently.   

The best piece of advice I received was to relax and enjoy my child.

pink*sheep

I loved baby wise with my first. Also, we have a birth to age 5 guide from the aap that was really helpful. But like vexy said there's so much differing opinion, slight to drastic, that it's best to follow a trusted practitioner's advice. You'll know what sounds "right" to you and makes you feel comfortable, so having a doctor and pediatrician that makes you feel confident is the best bet.

thefithuntress

I'm reading Expecting Better by Emily Oster. It's all about the truths behind the "can'ts" of pregnancy.

I'm aiming for a birth without medical intervention so I'm also reading Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth. It's SUPER crunchy but I like how it debunks the fear of labor and ways to enjoy the process. 

jamiem522

If you're looking into a natural approach to pregnancy and birth I would recommend a few

1. Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth
2. Mindful birthing
3. Husband Coached Childbirth

Hope these help

nano1

I got Baby 411 and it was a great quick reference book. I personally didn't like the babywise books, I read two of them. There was a lot of fluff that I didn't have time to read when I was looking for concise info.

sweetadelina

My friend swears by the book Parenting with Love and Logic. I ordered it on Amazon a few days ago. It has really good reviews, but I haven't read it myself yet.