What am I reading in 2023?

One of my favorite ways of learning is through books and reading. I have loved being able to read books that I wouldn't have otherwise picked up. Here are my honest opinions of the books I have been reading for the last 6 months.

I will include the title and author of the book, my favorite quote and how I feel about the book!

I have provided links to the books to buy through Amazon, I do receive a commission, thank you for your support!! :)

Mindful Birthing by Nancy Bardacke

“Remember, there are as many ways to give as there are women who are pregnant. There is no one right way. There is only you, in your body, finding your way, moment by moment.”

This book is a book that I wish I had read when I was pregnant and preparing for birth. I love how empowering it is no matter what kind of birth you want, what your past is, and if you’ll give birth again. Just so good from start to finish. It has given me a lot of new perspectives on birth and life in general, we could all benefit from slowing down and being in the moment.

1000/10 would recommend you get this book if you are expecting!

Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Penny Simpkin & Others

I didn't have a favorite quote, but I loved the part about finding a goo provider in your pregnancy.

I absolutely love this book. I love how it is organized, how easy it is to read, and how it gets your brain thinking to ask more questions and to dive into other resources during your pregnancy. I actually bought this book when I was pregnant and I kind of just read what I wanted to read, but after reading it all the way through, I wish that I would have read all of it to be more prepared as a new mom. I have recommended it to my friend, who just had a baby and she loved it as well.

Also, I got more information from this book than I did the hospital class that I took...

10/10 really great book!

Taking Charge of your Fertility by Toni Weschler

“I love the idea of being literate, especially in the context of body literacy--being able to read my own body to tell me the crucial information I need to take control of my reproductive and general health.”

I seriously love everything about this book. I love how easy it is to read. I love that all women can connect with it. It makes learning about your body a no-brainer and super simple. I love that it teaches you how to avoid and get pregnant, but it also teaches all about different issues like PCOS and how you can maybe tell if you have it through charting so you can take that info to your doctor and kind of know where to start healing your body

100/10 This book is a great way to learn more about your body!

The Infertility Companion by Sandra Glahn & William Cutrer

“But grief is a friend. I’ve learned to trust it to take me to the other side of emotional health.”

I really loved that it was written by someone who actually struggled with infertility and never had a child. She did a really good job of capturing ALL of the struggles that infertility brings, and I don’t think that she would’ve been able to do that without her struggles. I also love that the doctor agreed to write it with her. His insight on all of the medical stuff and being on the care side of it is really special.

10/10 recommend this book if you or someone you know struggles with infertility.

Conceiving Healthy Babies by Dawn Combs

“Reaching out to the plant's help takes commitment. Herbal therapies are aimed at balance, not "cure." The difference in language is important. To me, "cure" implies something external that will return you to health. Balance, on the other hand, requires our active participation. It takes commitment to use an herb three or four times a day for many months. It takes faith in your partnership with nature to see an end goal far in the future, while not expecting instant gratification and success. We all need a little more faith in our bodies and in nature; both are perfect systems when we don't interfere.”

This book talked a lot about preparing the mind and body for pregnancy. It was super cool to hear the author’s story and she was able to change her whole life and surprise herself by getting pregnant. I love that she talks about following her intuition and getting more of it when she uses it. Our bodies are truly amazing and they are made to help us do the work that we need to do if we support it. The information on herbs and all the recipes at the end are super amazing and make this book useful and inspiring. I didn’t love how absolute she was about some things. In this world, it’s not always possible to get your hands on everything that is optimal for you, it’s baby steps for all of us to make a world when it is

8/10 A really great book!

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, & Teresa Pitman

“Whether you get ideas and information from our book, from research, or from talking to other mothers, you know yourself, your baby, and your family better than anyone else. Just as mothers always have.”

This book brought up a lot of feelings that I have about breastfeeding. I formula-fed my baby because there was a lack of support. I stand by my decision that I made based on the information that I had and the situation that I was in. Anyway, this book has many bold statements that a mother that chooses to formula feed can’t be a good mother or rely on her instincts which is a lie. I relied on my instincts as a mom and I continue to every day. Breastfeeding isn’t the only want that you connect with your baby and connecting your child is a lifetime of decisions and moments.

I liked all the information that it provided. From before birth to after you have established a supply while you breastfeed. It was also organized very well. It was also an easy book to read and understand which is always helpful for mom brains…

3/10 It had really great information and trouble-shooting, but moms deserve to be able to have a book that won't make them feel guilty if they decide NOT to breastfeed.

Well, that's all, for now! I hope that this helped you find a book that will help you in your motherhood journey, where ever you are at.