What To Read When You Are Expecting

So you discover that you are expecting, and in come the plethora of books, CDs, flyers, Lamaze classes and what not. What to expect when you are expecting does not really mention the amount of information that you are expected to digest in the nine-month run up to the day your bub pops out!

And add to that all the files from doctor’s appointments, blood tests, ultrasounds etc. and you are left with an overwhelming burden of reading material to deal with. Poor pregnant you! Especially if you are a first time mother who is dealing with mood swings and irksome tiredness .You deserve some time out from reading up on braxton-hicks contractions and pre-eclampsia. Have no fear, help is here! In the form of light, non mind-bending reading material to ease you into motherhood. Here is my list of top 5 books for expectant mothers :

1.     Motherhood : The second oldest profession by Erma Bombeck

Trust aunt Erma to come up with a book that talks about parenting with the necessary pinch of salt and inherent wisdom. Even though this book was written in the 80’s, there is much that still holds true. You will laugh along with Erma as she gives you the ‘in’ story about mommy-dom and its travails.

2.     Shopaholic and Baby/ Mini-Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Mummys don’t read chic-lit, right? Wrong. If you are under the assumption that motherhood will bring out the hidden literature enthusiast in you, consider this fair warning. There will be days that Anna Karenina will only serve the purpose of being a good headrest. And Sophie Kinsella is a sure-shot easy mommy read. And as an expectant mother with very little time between naps, you really cannot spare time for more.  Happy shopping..err..reading!

3.     Prospect Park West by Amy Sohn

This book will strike an immediate cord with Urban Moms – everywhere from New York to Beijing to Mumbai. If you happen to be one – cozy up with a mug of hot cocoa and get intrigued by the whole new world of social games that one plays after gaining entry into the world of parenting.

4.     The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin

Once the baby arrives, you are likely to hire a nanny – full time, part-time or some other arrangement. In India, your nanny is not likely to be an au-pair or young student, however there are quite a few of the grievances that are common among nannies across continents. Even though a bit sappy and over the top – this book (and movie – if you don’t have the energy to read) serves as a reminder to us about how much we owe our hired help and how easy it is to take it for granted.

5.     Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner

The story-line of this book may not appear immediately realistic, what with the egg-donor story-line  It is a bit fantastical to begin with, which is what makes it eminently readable. It brings to stark focus how precious the experience of having a child is and how it takes a village to bring up baby.

This list is but a small representative of fun books that you can read while pregnant. There are many-many more out there.

Would love to know more titles from the readers of Parentous!

Nidhi Dorairaj Bruce is a Freelance writer from Mumbai who also manages a parenting website : thechildrensdaily.net . With no formal education in Parenting, she has been getting on-the-job training ever since her daughter, affectionately referred to as ‘the kidlet’, arrived on the scene 5 years ago. You can connect with Nidhi @typewritermom , nidhibruce.com