Resources for a First-Time Mom

Are you an expecting, first-time mom? I am. Are you completely on top of things and ready to go for when baby gets here? If you are, kudos to you. I am truly in awe of you. I am not one of those women. Becoming a mom for me has been a truly daunting experience. The process of getting pregnant, getting through losses if they happen to you, and getting through nine whole months of actually being pregnant is really hard work. I, for one, had no concept of what it would exactly entail. It’s a learning curve. So, if you don’t know it all, be kind to yourself. I think, to differing degrees, we are all learning as we go as first-time moms-to-be. Just an example: did you know that being pregnant can give you a stuffy nose? I certainly didn’t, but the doctor quickly explained my constant sniffle! Here’s another one: did you know that your amniotic fluid tastes like what you ate last? So, if you want your little one to eat that broccoli when they’re older, you may stand a better chance if you eat it while you’re pregnant! And these are just a few of the random factoids that enlightened me. 

There’s no all-inclusive guide that can tell you everything to expect along the way. That, however, doesn’t mean that there aren’t some great resources out there for you if, like me, you’re trying to learn as much and prepare as much as you can for when that bouncing bundle of joy finally does show up. So, while you might think surfing the internet should be your first source for information about everything you’re going through, don’t forget about your local library! Here at the Mercer County Library System we have many excellent, up-to-date resources that you can take advantage of to aid you on your journey to becoming a mom. 

The list of titles available to you runs the gamut from nutrition to fertility problems when you’re trying to get pregnant, what to expect week by week when you are pregnant, what your birth partner can expect when you’re in labor and how to help you through the process, to the months and years after baby is born. We’ve got books in print, eBooks, and audiobooks. There’s something for every expectant, or hopeful mom-to-be out there. Take a look at the resources listed below to give you an idea of some of the great things we have to offer. And once baby has arrived, don’t forget to stop by your local branch to check out one of their awesome baby time and story time programs. The MCLS event calendar has your local branch’s listings. 

Heading Home with Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality by Laura A. Jana

“Fully revised and updated, the fourth edition of this bestselling guide offers essential advice from two pediatrician-moms. It covers everything new parents need to know, from feeding and dressing, to diapering and bathing, and from crying and sleep to travel and activities. Updates include: a section on baby blues and postpartum depression; added information on breastfeeding, pumping and insurance benefits; new safety information on SIDS and car seats; and updates throughout, bringing all advice up to date with the latest AAP guidelines. This parent-tested, pediatrician-approved advice will help new parents feel comfortable those first few days and weeks at home and serve as a reference for the whole first year.”

Pregnancy Day by Day edited by Amato and Blott

“An illustrated reference for expectant parents that explains in intricate detail every stage of a pregnancy, in a comprehensive resource that also covers labor, birth, and life with a new baby.”

What to Expect Before You’re Expecting by Heidi Eisenburg Murkoff

“It's a cover-to-cover revision of America's bestselling guide to getting pregnant, with updated information about genetic screening, ovulation tracking, fertility treatments, and risks like Zika. What to Expect Before You're Expecting, with over 250,000 copies in print, has everything that eager-to-be moms and dads need to know about getting pregnant, from getting their bodies ready to make a healthy baby to getting that healthy baby on board faster. You'll find baby-friendly foods to order up (say yes to yams); fertility-busters to avoid (see you later, saturated fat); how to pinpoint ovulation, time baby-making sex, keep on-demand sex sexy, and separate conception fact—it takes the average couple up to 12 months to make a baby—from myth—position matters. With the latest on health insurance coverage, preconception travel and the Zika virus, sex selection techniques, antidepressants, and information on family-building options for single women and same-sex couples. Plus, for the 1 in 8 couples who experience infertility, the latest on both low-tech and cutting-edge fertility treatments, from medications to IVF and surrogacy. It's everything you need to know for that baby-making adventure.”

Baby Bomb: A Relationship Survival Guide for New Parents by Kara Hoppe

“A new baby can turn your life—and your romantic relationship—upside down. Baby Bomb is the resource parents need to integrate life with baby so they can co-parent and co-partner as a solid and supportive team, while also cultivating mad love for each other. The book gives moms and dads more than just "tips" for better parenting and partnering; it gives them a science-based understanding of why a secure-functioning relationship is essential for successful parenting.”

Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers by Karen R. Kleiman

“Over 90 percent of new mothers have scary, intrusive thoughts about their baby and themselves. What if I drop him? What if I snap and hurt my baby? Mothering is so hard. I don't know if I really want to do this anymore. Gosh, I'm so terrible for thinking that! Yet for too many mothers, those thoughts remain secret, hidden away in shame that make you feel even worse. But here's the good news: you CAN feel better! Author Karen Kleiman, coauthor of the seminal book This Isn't What I Expected and founder of the acclaimed Postpartum Stress Center, comes to the aid of new mothers everywhere with a groundbreaking new source of hope, compassion, and expert help. Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts is packed with world-class guidance, simple exercises, and nearly 50 stigma-busting cartoons from the viral #speakthesecret campaign that help new moms validate their feelings, share their fears, and start feeling better. Lighthearted yet serious, warm yet not sugary, and perfectly portioned for busy moms with full plates, Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts is the go-to resource for moms, partners, and families everywhere who need help with this difficult period.”

Whoa, Baby!: A Guide for New Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed and Freaked Out (and Wonder What the #*$& Just Happened) by Kelly Rowland

“When Kelly Rowland gave birth to her son, it was love at first sight. But she was also a little freaked out about what had happened to her body and the overwhelming new thoughts and emotions. Rowland and her OB-GYN Dr. Tristan Emily Bickman team up to cover everything a first-time mom needs to know: the gross physical stuff, the hormonal and emotional stuff, and the just plain weird stuff. Whoa, Baby! is often hilarious and always honest and down to earth. Readers will empathize with the candid unglamorous experiences of parenting.”

The Postnatal Cookbook: Simple and Nutritious Recipes to Nourish Your Body and Spirit During the Fourth Trimester by Jaren Soloff

“Replenish and rejuvenate your postpartum body with these 75 easy, healing, and protein-rich recipes designed with new moms in mind. After giving birth, most mothers are well-versed in feeding patterns and schedules for their little ones, yet little attention is given to their own nutrition. The Postnatal Cookbook offers 75 simple, easy-to-prepare recipes for truly nourishing the postnatal body—what is ultimately best for both mother and baby! Written by a registered dietitian and lactation consultant, these delicious recipes are specially formulated with the nutritional needs of a new mom's fourth trimester. Inside you'll find: Quick and easy protein-packed meals like Spinach Egg Bites, Mediterranean Salmon Wraps, and One-Pan Lemon Chicken; satisfying, nutrient-rich snacks, such as No-Bake Bliss Balls and Flax Seed Granola; the nutritional information every postpartum mom needs to eat healthily; and much more! Based on the latest research in nutrition science, this cookbook prioritizes the foundation of whole food, healthy eating for recovering mothers. Nutrients of vital importance to postpartum, such as iron, protein, vitamin D, and omega three-rich foods, are highlighted in each recipe.”

The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and Other Labor Companions by Penny Simkin

“Now fully revised in its fifth edition, The Birth Partner remains the definitive guide to helping a woman through labor and birth, and the essential manual to have at hand during the event. The Birth Partner includes thorough information on: preparing for labor and knowing when it has begun; normal labor and how to help the woman every step of the way; epidurals and other medications for labor; Pitocin and other means, including natural ones, to induce or speed up labor; non-drug techniques for easing labor pain; Cesarean birth and complications that may require it; breastfeeding and newborn care; and much more.”

The Fifth Trimester: The Working Mom’s Guide to Style, Sanity, and Big Success After Baby by Lauren Smith Brody

“Presents a guide for new moms coping with the demands of the real world after childbirth, offering advice on everything from returning to work and maintaining a work/life balance to breastfeeding and obtaining childcare.”

- by Megan, Twin Rivers Branch