February 26, 2025
The Best Postpartum Books for Healing, Motherhood & Parenting
You’ve prepped for birth, but what about everything that comes after birth? Postpartum is a tricky time when you’re short on sleep, your body kind of feels like a stranger, and somehow, you’re supposed to know exactly what your baby needs.
The truth is, nothing will 100 percent prepare you for postpartum. But you can get a head-start if you choose the right mentors and resources. That’s where this list of amazing books comes in.
Our team of doulas at Gold Coast Doulas handpicked these reads, personally. The 12 books on this list cover everything from postpartum recovery and newborn care to breastfeeding and surviving sleep deprivation. Ready? Let’s make this season a little easier.
Our Top Picks:
- Overall Best Postpartum & Newborn Parenting Book
- Best Books for Postpartum Recovery
- Best Books for Postpartum Nutrition
- Best Breastfeeding Support Book
- Best Books for Stepping into Matherhood
- Best Parenting Books
- Best Baby Books fpr Behavior Support
overall best postpartum & newborn Parenting book
Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby
by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklase
Supported is the go-to guide packed with expert advice from seasoned doulas who’ve been there and done it all. From pregnancy preparation and postpartum healing all the way through newborn sleeping and parenting tips, this is the book that covers it all. Inside, you’ll get real stories, practical tips, and emotional support from parents and experts. Even better? You can snag this book in both a Kindle and audiobook format. No need to wait–you can start reading in literal seconds.
“This book is an invitation for all moms and new parents to have the reassurance and confidence they need, every step of the way, as well as an opportunity to avoid the misinformation and contradictions often found online.” – Kristin Revere, Doula and Newborn Expert.
Length: 228 pages | Year Published: 2024 | Kindle: Yes | Audiobook: Yes
Best Books for Postpartum Recovery
The Mommy Plan, Restoring Your Post-Pregnancy Body Naturally, Using Women's Traditional Wisdom
by Ms. Valerie Lynn
Postpartum recovery isn’t about bouncing back–it’s about healing right. The Mommy Plan blends ancient wisdom with modern science to help moms recover faster and feel stronger. You’ll learn which foods speed up healing, how to care for yourself naturally, and why postpartum traditions matter. Oh, and there’s a special bonus chapter just for dads!
“This book is focused on traditional postnatal recovery techniques. I love that it shows us we don’t have to do this alone and that food is medicine.” – Kristin Revere, Doula and Newborn Expert.
Length: 225 pages | Year Published: 2012 | Kindle: No | Audiobook: No
Best Books for Postpartum Recovery
Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness: A holistic guide to returning to the roots of health in motherhood
by Maranda Bower
Tired of hearing “It’s just your hormones”? Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness dives deep into the real causes of common postpartum struggles. Holistic expert Maranda Bower shares science-backed ways to heal your body, balance emotions, and truly thrive after birth. With worksheets, research, and personal stories, this book is your guide to postpartum health for the long term.
“This book has a great mix of postnatal recovery tips and nutrition information. It’s one of our favorites to refer to clients.” – Kristin Revere, Doula and Newborn Expert.
Length: 148 pages | Year Published: 2023 | Kindle: Yes | Audiobook: No
Best Book for Postpartum Nutrition
The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother
by Heng Ou
The best thing you can do for yourself during those first weeks after birth is heal your body with nutritious foods. The First Forty Days brings back the lost art of postpartum care. Inside, you learn about simple, nourishing recipes and self-care rituals. From bone broth to lactation teas, this book is a must-have for any mom who dreams of a smoother recovery.
“I love this book and its focus on nutrition and warming foods for postpartum.” – Kristin Revere, Doula and Newborn Expert
Length: 224 pages | Year Published: 2016 | Kindle: Yes | Audiobook: No
Best Breastfeeding Support Book
Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers
by Nancy Mohrbacher and Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Breastfeeding Made Simple breaks down seven key principles to help moms navigate common struggles like latch issues, low milk supply, breastfeeding positions, pumping, and more. Simply put, this book turns nursing into a stress-free, confidence-boosting experience for both you and your baby.
“This is a good book to help get breastfeeding off to a great start and avoid some common challenges on the journey. It also teaches you how to get back on track if breastfeeding challenges pop up.” – Julie Skripka, Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation
Length: 352 pages | Year Published: 2010 | Kindle: Yes | Audiobook: No
Best Books for Stepping Into Motherhood
The New Mom Code: Shatter Expectations and Crush It at Motherhood
by Amanda Tice
The New Mom Code keeps it real. With so many physical, mental, and emotional shifts in new motherhood, this guide helps you tackle it all. It’s packed with humor, journal prompts, and raw stories to help you feel more supported. This book does a great job of teaching you how to embrace your new mom identity, all with confidence and joy.
“Amanda tackles maternity leave, body images, postnatal changes, and more with humor and grace.” – Kristin Revere, Doula and Newborn Expert
Length: 240 pages | Year Published: 2014 | Kindle: Yes | Audiobook: Yes
Best Books for Stepping Into Motherhood
Surprised by Motherhood: Everything I Never Expected About Being a Mom - Lisa-Jo’s Story of Becoming & Being a Mom, and in the Process, & Discovering
by Lisa-Jo Baker
Lisa-Jo Baker never planned on being a mom, until she was. If your situation feels the same, this book might be for you. Surprised by Motherhood is a heartfelt, honest memoir about the unexpected joys and challenges of parenting. Through loss, love, and self-discovery, this story teaches us that motherhood isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence. Feel like you’re figuring it out as you go? Then this is a must-read!
“I love Lisa’s voice, which is the voice of many. Motherhood is hard–glorious and hard! This book is an encouragement that motherhood isn’t just checking off boxes and that nothing can truly prepare you for it, no matter what you do. Motherhood grows us as women and brings a new identity, purpose and meaning to our lives. This book is comfort and hope to moms in the trenches of this season of life. ” – Julie Skripka, Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) and Birth Doula
Length: 208 pages | Year Published: 2022 | Kindle: Yes | Audiobook: No
Best Books for Stepping Into Motherhood
Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood―and Trusting Yourself and Your Body
by Erica Chidi
This judgment-free guide by expert and doula Erica Chidi Cohen covers everything from pregnancy to postpartum with real talk, self-care tips, and holistic remedies. Our favorite part is the 40+ informative illustrations, charts, and lists included. One five-star reviewer even says this book should be on every mother’s nightstand–it’s a must-have!
“Erica is not only a doula, but she is also a woman of color. She gives practical advice and encourages women to be empowered through intuition in their early parenting stages.” – Krista Batdorf, Postpartum and Infant Care Doula
Length: 448 pages | Year Published: 2017 | Kindle: Yes | Audiobook: Yes
Best Parenting Books
The Happiest Baby on the Block
by Harvey Karp
If it feels like your newborn won’t stop crying, this book is a savior. Dr. Harvey Karp’s The Happiest Baby on the Block teaches the famous “5 S’s” method to calm fussy babies… fast. You’ll learn how to recreate the cozy, soothing vibes of the womb and help your baby sleep longer–because well-rested babies mean well-rested parents.
“This book does a great job at explaining how babies have a “4th trimester.” It’s helped countless parents navigate the basics of how to keep your newborn content and provides practical tools for soothing your crying baby to sleep.” – Kay Vorce, Postpartum and Infant Care Doula and Sleep Consultant
Length: 352 pages | Year Published: 2015 | Kindle: Yes | Audiobook: Yes
Best Parenting Books
The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two
by William Sears MD
Got baby questions? This book has the answers. The Baby Book by Dr. Sears covers everything from sleep and feeding to development and behavior. You could be a first-time parent or a pro who needs a refresher–either way, this guide will help you navigate the rollercoaster of babyhood with confidence. Honestly, you can think of this book as a helpful co-parent!
“This is an oldie but goodie for me. I trust Dr. Sears’ practical advice and laid-back approach.” – Colleen Christophersen, Birth and Postpartum Doula
Length: 769 pages | Year Published: 2003 | Kindle: No | Audiobook: No
Best Baby Books for Behavior Support
Patty the Pacifier's Next Adventure: With Bonus Pacifier Weaning Guide
by Lindsay deOliveira
Saying goodbye to a pacifier can be a tricky time, but this adorable story makes it much sweeter. Patty the Pacifier’s Next Adventure made it on our list of the best baby books because it helps the paci transition go a bit smoother by including your little one. This book is a heartwarming tale about Patty finding a new home–cue the waterworks. It’s full of colorful illustrations and even has a gentle weaning guide for parents. It’s really the perfect tool for this huge milestone.
“I always tell my sleep consulting clients about this guide for pacifier weaning. It models how to truly talk to children and is a big help in the weaning process.” – Jacki Viscusi, Sleep Consultant
Length: 24 pages | Year Published: 2024 | Kindle: Yes | Audiobook: No
Best Baby Books for Behavior Support
No No Yes Yes
by Leslie Patricelli
Here’s a fact: Babies and toddlers test boundaries. Thankfully this book makes learning about them fun. No No Yes Yes uses playful illustrations to show little ones the difference between good and not-so-great behaviors. It’s simple, silly, and oh-so-relatable. This book makes behavior learning feel like a game while teaching valuable lessons–a parenting win!
“Anything by Leslie is fantastic for older infant or toddler behavior.” – Lindsay deOliveira, Baby Registry Consultant
Length: 24 pages | Year Published: 2024 | Kindle: Yes | Audiobook: No