Let’s get one thing straight: the journey into parenthood is not one-size-fits-all. It’s not a perfect Pinterest board or a curated list of hospital bag items. It’s layered, emotional, and deeply personal. That’s why the books we recommend at Embody + Mind Collective go beyond the basics. They dive into the soul of what it means to grow a human, birth a baby, and find yourself in the fog of motherhood.

Whether you’re preparing to give birth, adjusting to postpartum life, or navigating the emotional terrain of identity, these books speak to it all. Here’s a comprehensive list of our top reads for every stage of the perinatal journey—from bump to baby and beyond.

For Birth Preparation:

1. The Complete Book of Pregnancy & Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger
A holistic and detailed guide that combines medical insight with the emotional and cultural context of childbirth. Kitzinger’s work is grounded, respectful, and empowering.

Why we recommend it: It provides evidence-based information without fear-mongering, and it honors birth as both a medical and emotional experience.

2. Birthing From Within by Pam England
This book is part workbook, part philosophy, part birth preparation. It encourages readers to explore their beliefs, fears, and strengths through journaling, mindfulness, and even art.

Why we recommend it: It prepares your heart and mind, not just your body. Ideal for those drawn to deeper inner preparation for birth.

3. Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
A foundational text in the natural birth movement. Ina May weaves birth stories with wisdom about physiological birth and the importance of supportive care.

Why we recommend it: These stories restore confidence in the body’s ability to birth, especially for those seeking to counter fear-based birth narratives.

For the Postpartum and Motherhood Transition:

4. The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson
A must-read for postpartum recovery and nervous system repair. Johnson discusses pelvic care, energetic boundaries, and redefining strength.

Why we recommend it: It reframes postpartum as a sacred and transformational time, not just a recovery phase.

5. Matrescence: The Birth of a Mother by Lucy Jones
Matrescence is the developmental shift that occurs when we become mothers—and this book explores it beautifully. Jones combines research and personal stories to illuminate the inner transformation of motherhood.

Why we recommend it: It gives language and permission to the emotional upheaval so many feel after birth but rarely talk about.

6. You Are A F*cking Awesome Mom by Leslie Ann Bruce
This book offers raw, real talk for moms who are tired of performative perfection. It’s funny, affirming, and deeply validating.

Why we recommend it: Because sometimes what you need most is someone to say, “You’re not screwing this up.”

7. The Power Pause by Neha Ruch
Part memoir, part strategy, this book helps mothers create space for meaningful career pauses without sacrificing identity or long-term goals.

Why we recommend it: For moms navigating career transitions, this book offers strategy and self-trust.

8. All the Rage by Darcy Lockman
This book takes a hard look at the gendered dynamics of parenting and the mental load mothers carry. It’s fiery and feminist and fiercely necessary.

Why we recommend it: It gives language to the invisible labor of motherhood and validates the anger many women feel.

9. Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman
A visual, easy-to-read guide that normalizes the intrusive thoughts, doubts, and fears of new mothers. Includes therapeutic prompts and illustrations.

Why we recommend it: It’s like a therapist in your diaper bag.

Why These Books Matter

At Embody + Mind Collective, we believe that resources should reflect the fullness of the human experience—not just sanitized versions of pregnancy and motherhood. These books offer nuance, truth, and real support. They invite readers to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with their bodies, their needs, and their identities.

We share these with clients all the time—during intake sessions, in the middle of big tears, or when someone says, “I thought it was just me.”

Looking for more personalized support?

• Explore our Perinatal-Informed Therapy Services
• Sign up for our Monthly Mom Circle

Want to talk about how these themes are showing up in your life? Schedule a consultation with one of our therapists