It’s been almost 6 years since I have given birth to my twins and the day is still quite fresh in my mind. All of my pregnancies were difficult and this particular one was no exception – but more so because it was VERY high risk and I was carrying two instead of one. About four months into my pregnancy a family friend gave me a bunch of books about twins (since she had just delivered her own about 6 months prior) and mixed in the bunch was the book What to Expect® When You’re Expecting. During the remainder of my pregnancy, I read through all of the books, but carried this particular book with me and read it consistently. To say it was a lifesaver, is an understatement.
While I’m not expecting any children in the immediate future, I keep these books on hand because they contain a wealth of information for both myself and my husband and they are a great reference for friends, family and ourselves to turn to when we have questions. There is a reason why they are the #1 Bestselling Pregnancy Book – it’s one of those books that you just can’t donate or pass on because it’s that valuable. Have you ever read a book that referenced anything, especially pregnancy and felt like you were reading something written in Greek? Well, that is why Heidi Murkoff & Sharon Mazel’s What to Expect® When You’re Expecting, What To Expect® the First Year, and Eating Well When You’re Expecting have in common? They are easy to read and literally lay everything out in easy terms that make it simplified for you to understand. It’s a timeless book series that I love, will reference during each of my pregnancies in the future and suggest to any mother or father expecting their own child.
I really enjoy that this series of books offers you not only a wealth of information, but it is something that you can pass down for generations, sharing with your own children. The books offer everything from the beginning through the first weeks after pregnancy and well into your child’s second year (What to Expect® the Second Year) making it a hub of information. The books were my guide in Postpartum where I struggled and continue to struggle today and have been such help in combating an issue that many women experience. After having my twins, I experienced major depression and my hands were so busy with my sons, I didn’t realize what was happening to me. A quick glance at the book and I was able to determine that it was time to visit my doctor and I’m glad I did because I was diagnosed with severe postpartum depression. Without a little push from the book, I may have allowed such a big deal to take over and I may have not realized what was happening. I still deal with my depression today as a result of postpartum, but thankful it was caught in time before anything drastic occurred.
It’s amazing that with a plethora of information on the internet, I still found that a book would be my number one reference – till this day. The What to Expect® When You’re Expecting series is based around the main book, What to Expect When You’re Expecting which has been the Bestseller Pregnancy book for over 600 weeks. It’s a definite necessity in my book and America’s Bestselling Parenting Series for a reason. As a mother who experienced some of the most difficult pregnancies, I am thankful that I have the books to fall back on for information. There is a wealth of information and covers everything you can think of. No question is odd, weird or embarrassing and sitting down with this book is like chatting with your best friend.
What to Expect® When You’re Expecting is the long-running book on the New York Times Bestseller list and recommended by moms (myself included) and doctors alike. In fact, my OBGYN hands this book to her patients that are expecting and makes it a point to keep them well informed with a great read. This book is definitely “mommy survival guide” status for me!
Have you read this series of books from Workman Publishing? If not, is this something you’ll be adding to your must-have list when you are expecting?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
15 Comments
I’m way past the baby phase, but I did have the ‘what to expect’ books back in the day! Great resources when you’re trying to figure everything out 😉
These books have been around forever, but they are so helpful!
These are such helpful books!
It’s good to know these resources are so widely available. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing these books!
I read all of these with my first, they were helpful!
I have bought these for friends, and family it seems like no matter how young or old they always like it hehe
Where were these when I was pregnant and full of questions? 😀
Oh, I could have definitely used this for my first pregnancy. No one warned me about the postpartum cramping, OUCH!! lol
I remember my mom reading these books when she was pregnant with my younger sister. She swears by them!
I remember this book! I was a book and research freak with my first child! 🙂
Great books for moms to be
When I found out I was pregnant with my little, I went to Barnes and Noble, treated myself to a frap and read some of it. I didn’t buy it, but I will the next time. 🙂
I picked up a copy for a friend who was expecting (half as a joke) but she ended up loving the book. It’s great that they’ve made the info so easy to understand and relate to.
I used these books when I had my first baby and they are def a wealth of great info