Postpartum/Parenting Books

We will be adding to this list regularly. We will also add reviews as time allows.
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101 Ways to Raise a Happy Baby by Lisa McCourt (past Book of the Month)
Right in line with Dr. William Sears' theory of attachment parenting, Lisa McCourt offers suggestions for how to parent your baby in a loving, caring way. This book will give you the confidence to be the nurturing parent your baby needs.

After the Baby: Making Sense of Marriage After Childbirth by Rhonda Kruse Nordin (past Book of the Month)
After doing nine years of research with hundreds of couples and experts, Kruse Nordin found that all of the physical and emotional changes related to pregnancy and childbirth can indeed lead to marital discord. Her book discusses the importance of physical and emotional recovery, so that couples can restore healthy communication, intimacy, and sexuality after childbirth.

The Baby Book by William & Martha Sears (past Book of the Month)
Any book by the Sears' is one to keep close by!

Bon Appetit, Baby! by Elaine Moran (past Book of the Month)
This breastfeeding kit includes a practical breastfeeding manual, a nursing mother's nutrition and weight loss guide, a six-week nursing diary with the Nurse-N-Track System, and a New Mother's Journal.

Child of Mine: Feeding with Love and Good Sense by Ellen Satter
This book was recommended by a friend of mine whose child is a very picky eater. She swears that it has saved her sanity at mealtimes!

Eat Well, Lose Weight While Breastfeeding by Eileen Behan (past Book of the Month)
A recommendation from an online buddy of mine. She has had great success with this program, even after having 2 babies 15 months apart!

From Baby to Bikini by Greg Waggoner, Doug Stumpf, and Renee Garrick (past Book of the Month)
Keeping the abdominal muscles in shape during pregnancy and getting them re-toned after childbirth seems to be a major concern for most mothers-to-be. This book will give the reader practical suggestions for doing just that. Combine these exercises with sensible eating and aerobic exercise for a workout program that almost ensures success!

The Healthy Baby Meal Planner by Annabel Karmel
I used this book to prepare for a tv segment on homemade baby food. It has some wonderful recipes that even the pickiest baby/toddler will love, plus some great tips for making and storing the food.

How to Get Your Kids to Eat but Not Too Much by Ellen Satter
Another suggestion from my friend with the picky eater!

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish (past Book of the Month)
My parenting bible! I've read my copy so many times that it's falling apart! These two women have such a sane approach to parenting that you can't help but put their suggestions to use. If you only buy one parenting book, this is the one!!!

Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents by Vimala Schneider McClure
McClure has does amazing research at the University of Miami (I think!) on the benefits of infant massage. She has written articles for several national publications.

John Rosemond's Six-Point Plan for Raising Happy, Healthy Children by John Rosemond (past Book of the Month )
John Rosemond takes a practical, if "old-fashioned", approach to child-rearing. He feels that the parents should make and enforce the rules, and the children should be obedient and respectful - what a novel approach in today's world!

Nighttime Parenting: How to Get Your Baby and Child to Sleep by William Sears, MD
Dr. Sears is an advocate of "co-sleeping," so if that's not an option for your family you might want to skip this one.

Oh Baby, the Places You'll Go!: A Book to be Read In Utero by Dr. Seuss(past Book of the Month )
This book is intended to be an in utero introduction to Dr. Seuss. Exciting new discoveries are being made all the time about how much learning takes place while a baby is still in its mother's womb, and Oh, Baby, the Places You'll Go! makes the perfect welcome! It's never too early to start them on a rich and healthy regimen of good ol' Dr. Seuss!

Ophelia Speaks by Sara Shandler

Pellie Runs a Marathon by Michele Bredice Craemer (past Book of the Month)
Pellie is a wonderful role model for adults and children alike! She perseveres through the 26+ mile race in spite of all the obstacles she encounters. I highly recommend this book for parents, teachers, and coaches to help their children learn the value of setting a goal and sticking to it!

The Reality of Breastfeeding by Amy Benson Brown & Kathryn Reed McPherson (past Book of the Month)
This book is an inspiring anthology of thematically arranged first-hand accounts by nursing mothers and other family members. It provides a community of stories about breastfeeding that mothers can consult as past generations may have consulted mothers and grandmothers.

Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls by Mary Bray Pipher (past Book of the Month)
A must-read for the parents of pre-adolescent girls! I'd like to think I'm better prepared to parent teenage daughters as a result of reading this book.

Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish (past Book of the Month)
If you're having Baby #2 (or more!), this is a must-have. By the authors of "How To Talk...", this book gives practical, useful advice on how to have a peaceful household.

Your Baby & Child by Penelope Leach
Dr. Leach is my other favorite pediatrician! She offers wonderful advice for taking care of the newest member of your family.

Whole Foods for the Whole Family Cookbook by Roberta Johnson
This cookbook was recommended to me by a friend who was trying to eliminate her family's food allergies by preparing and serving foods made from only natural ingredients. Feeding your family this way is a bit more time consuming, but for those of you who are concerned about your family's reactions to artificial additives, this book is a great learning tool.

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
La Leche League published this book for women who need a breastfeeding handbook. It contains very helpful information for nursing a newborn, toddler, or older child. It also gives ideas for how to gently wean your child. My copy is well-worn!

Your Baby's Day Out by Anissa Corirossi & Beth Kalish (past Book of the Month )
A wonderful book, in journal form, that helps all new parents keep track of your child's day. Whether they are at home or in daycare, this book allows you to keep track of when they took naps, what they ate, how many diapers they went through, and all the fun things they did. There are six months worth of pages, and the book is divided by month for easy reference. It is small enough to fit in a diaper bag and ideal for children birth to 6 months!!