During the past four months, I have come across some great books, many recommended by my friends with children, that I wanted to share with you. These all have been particularly helpful to me as a first-time (AKA clueless) soon-to-be mom. Check them out!

1.) Your Pregnancy Week by Week by Glade B. Curtis and Judith Schuler - This book is a must have, especially for first-time moms! It highlights how you and your baby are growing and changing each week during the duration of your pregnancy. There are even dad tips that are included. I’m proud to say my husband hasn’t needed any of those yet. *wink*

2.) The Mother of All Pregnancy Books: The Ultimate Guide to Conception, Birth, and Everything In Between by Ann Douglas - This was the first book I read when I found out I was pregnant, and I would highly recommend all first-time moms reading this book FIRST. The next book I will mention is very detailed (not necessarily bad), but this book provides an easy-to-understand overview of all stages of pregnancy, from how to conceive to what to expect after birth. Anyone new to the “pregnancy mystery world” should read this book. It laid a good foundation for me to grow from.

3.) What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg, and Sandee Hathaway - A very informative, detailed book on pregnancy and giving birth. This book provides a more in-depth look at pregnancy, including many questions women may have during particular months of pregnancy, as well as what to anticipate after birth and the first few weeks at home. I use this book as a resource frequently.

4.) Baby Bargains, 7th Edition: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on baby furinture, gear, clothes, toys, maternity wear and much more! by Denise Fields - I have just started this book, and it is VERY useful when it comes to what you do and do not need for your new baby. As a new mom, I have felt a little overwhelmed at all of the things it seems you need for the new baby. This book is a great guide to finding what is right for you.

5.) Baby 411, Third Edition: Clear Answers & Smart Advice for Your Baby’s First Year by Denise Fields and Ari Brown - Another book recently purchased that I have not had time to dive into yet. However, this book was highly recommended to me by a friend of mine in my Sunday School class who just recently became a mom for the first-time. She said this was a life-saver, so I picked up a copy for myself. More to come on this one…