Best pregnancy and birth books
Melanie Butcher • 27 April 2021
My recommended reading list
I’ve always loved books through for a small child with my Ladybird fairytales through to my English Literature degree and beyond. When it comes to books of pregnancy and birth, I love books that are clear, concise and that don’t make you feel like a bad parent regarding the choices you are making!
All of the following books I have personally read, and I refer back to the often when I am looking for information for clients about particular issues. All of these are available on Amazon. I also have a copy of each of these that I am happy to loan out to clients of those who cannot afford to buy their own copy at this time. Please get in touch if you would like to borrow my copy.
The other way you can consume many of them is via audio book. I never got into audio books until I had kids and needed to make the most of my time and I can honesty say that they’ve been a saviour for my mental health! You can try it for free using my Audible referral link.
I’ll be adding more over time and I will start adding some reviews, so please let me know if there are any you’d like me to include or to cover first.
Overview of pregnancy and birth
The Day-By-Day Pregnancy Book
Birth Matters
Am I Allowed?
Books covering specific aspects of labour and birth
Essential Oils For Pregnancy, Birth and Babies
Hypnobirthing, The Mongan Method
Why Induction Matters
Why Homebirth Matters
Why Caesarean Matters
The Midwife’s Labour and Birth Handbook
Birth After Caesarean
The postnatal period and becoming a mother
Why Postnatal Recovery Matters
Golden Month
Why Mothering Matters
Parenthood and caring for children
Your Baby Week By Week
Two Under Two
Raising Boys
Five Minute Mum
Mixed Up: Combination Feeding by Choice or Necessity
You can add any of these books, plus other products to your own Amazon Baby Wish List
for free.
Please note, if you buy via my links, I may earn a small commission from amazon at no extra cost to you. I also fully support you buying from your local independent book shop.

This is a question I get asked a lot and, this year, I have seen a large increase in enquiries from people who are not yet pregnant. I love the fact that people are really thinking about their care and addressing any fears they have ahead of time. In essence, you can book at any time and the earlier you book, the more likely that your chosen Doula will be available around the time your baby is due. Also, the earlier you book, the more value for money you get as your doula will be available for questions and emails in all trimesters, and around the time of your appointments. The longer you have that doula client relationship, the more you also get to know one another and feel comfortable around your Doula so you are more likely to be relaxed during your labour. Many people choose to book around the start of their second trimester. I am very happy to talk to people and get them provisionally booked in during their first trimester and then confirm that arrangement and take a deposit after their 12 week scan (if you choose to have one). Once your deposit is paid, those dates around your due date are secured for you. Booking in around this time gives plenty of time for an introduction meeting plus at least two other in-depth meetings to talk about wants and fear, creating a birth preference plan and offer tips, support and information. The essence of being a Doula involves getting to know families ahead of birth, helping in pregnancy and knowing all your birth wishes, fears and expectations. However, sometimes circumstances change and you find yourself needing birth support last minute? Perhaps your birth partner is no longer able to attend or you find yourself in different circumstances to how you planned for your birth? If so, don’t panic. You can still get in touch with a doula right up until the time of birth and they will discuss with you how they can help. I can offer this service at a reduced price and you may find other Doula’s will offer similar.