We are a big reading household over here. I love all kinds of books, but my favorites are fantasy novels and anything that helps me become a better version of myself.
When Richard and I started talking seriously about having kids, reading became one of the ways I prepared for the unknown. Before we ever got pregnant, we had countless conversations about whether we wanted children (especially once 2020 hit), what kind of parents we hoped to be, and how our lives might change. Some of those conversations were exciting. Others were un-surprisingly very hard.
Books gave me a place to start.
Why I Read Parenting Books Before Getting Pregnant
Once I became pregnant, my nightstand quickly turned into a stack of pregnancy and parenting books. I honestly wasn’t sure I’d make it through all of them, but I loved learning about pregnancy, birth, newborn life, and parenting. Even though I knew no amount of reading could fully prepare me for becoming a mom, it helped me feel more confident walking into a completely new season of life.
That’s one of the things I love most about books—they don’t give you every answer, but they give you a foundation. They introduce new ideas, help you ask better questions, and make the unknown feel a little less intimidating.
My Favorite Books for Couples Thinking About Starting a Family
If you and your partner are thinking about starting a family, I highly recommend reading a few books together. They sparked meaningful conversations for us and helped us think through topics we may not have considered otherwise. Whether you’re deciding if parenthood is right for you, preparing for pregnancy, or simply wanting to learn more, these books are a great place to start.
Here are my top five recommendations:
#1 – The Parenthood Decision: Discovering Whether You Are Ready and Willing to Become a Parent
#2 – Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong–and What You Really Need to Know (The ParentData Series)
#3 – The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips and Advice for Dads-to-Be, Second Edition
#4 –What to Expect Before You’re Expecting: The Complete Guide to Getting Pregnant
#5 – Preparing for Parenthood: 55 Essential Conversations for Couples Becoming Families
No book can fully prepare you for parenthood. But if you’re anything like me, learning from people who’ve gone before you can make the journey feel a little less overwhelming.
Have you read any of these books? Or is there another book you’d recommend to couples thinking about starting a family? I’d love to hear your favorites in the comments!