From pregnancy to birth and beyond, navigating motherhood and taking care of a newborn can be an exciting yet apprehensive time. But, it can feel reassuring to have support and advice from other mothers and parenting experts.

At Naytal, we understand the questions and worries you may have - and our team of parents and health professionals are here to help.

Here we share our list of the 9 best new mum books that can help you feel more prepared and well informed.

1. Happy Mum, Happy Baby by Giovanna Fletcher

Aside from being a popular vlogger, author, actress and podcaster, Giovanna Fletcher is also a mum to three boys.

Happy Mum, Happy Baby is her Sunday Times number one bestselling book which provides an uplifting, upbeat and honest account of raising a family. It covers everything from her experience of trying to conceive, healing after birth and even travelling with children.

2. The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry

Phillipa Perry is a psychotherapist with twenty years of experience in addition to being a freelance writer, agony aunt and presenter.

Published in 2019, The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read is an insightful look into how our upbringings shape us. It also provides gentle advice about emotional techniques for forging good relationships and improving communication with your children.

3. Mind Over Mother by Anna Mathur

A mum of three, Anna Mather is an experienced psychotherapist who specialises in working with women.

Her book, Mind Over Mother, is a warm and welcoming guide to recognising anxious thoughts and feelings that can arise throughout motherhood. It also provides tools and grounding techniques for managing anxiety and generating a more positive inner dialogue.

4. I Am Not Your Baby Mother by Candice Brathwaite

As well as being a best-selling author, Candice Brathwaite is also a presenter, editor, and founder of Make Motherhood Diverse.

I Am Not Your Baby Mother is a witty yet important exploration of black, British motherhood. It delves into the challenges and barriers that are still present today for black mothers and highlights the skewed depiction of mothers in mainstream media.

5. French Children Don’t Throw Food by Pamela Druckerman

An American journalist in Paris, Pamela Druckerman uses her observations of parenting in the French capital as the basis for this amusing yet informative book.

Through her musings, Pamela explores parenting challenges and the helpful strategies that she’s picked up from mothers in France. French Children Don’t Throw Food provides truthful anecdotes that will help any new mother in developing their parenting style, setting boundaries, and responding to their children.

6. Truly Happy Baby ... It Worked for Me by Holly Willoughby

Whether you are looking for a pregnancy or first-time mum book, Truly Happy Baby from Holly Willoughby is bound to give you some sincere and refreshing advice. A well-known presenter, Holly’s also a mum of three, and her book contains everything she wishes she'd been told when she was expecting.

Delivered in a non-judgemental, welcoming manner, the book recognises that no two children are the same and helps you to find the right parenting techniques and strategies that work for you and your family.

7. The Modern Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond by Marie Louise

Written by Senior Midwife, Marie Louise, this book’s packed full of facts about pregnancy, childbirth, and babies themselves.Marie combines scientific facts and a friendly tone to inform you about everything from how a baby moves through the birth canal to skincare for newborns.

The Modern Midwife’s Guide is a great first-time mum book for guiding you through pregnancy, preparing you for the changes your body will experience and helping you to make informed decisions about your birth.

8. Maybe Baby: On the Mother Side by Kate Lawler

Maybe Baby is an honest and relatable recount from Kate Lawler, who shot to fame after winning Big Brother in 2002.

As someone who wasn’t sure she ever wanted to be a mum, Kate decided to tackle the taboo subject by opening the conversation about the highs and lows of early motherhood.

By sharing her experiences, Kate helps mothers in realising that they aren’t alone in how they’re feeling, and that postnatal mental health is something worth talking about.

9. Tired & Tested by Sophie McCartney

Coming from comedian Sophie McCartney, it’s no surprise that this guide to parenting takes a light-hearted and funny approach.

One of the newest best books for mums, Tired & Tested tackles everything from conceiving to dealing with the embarrassing things children can say. It offers a great insight into the expectations vs. realities of becoming a new parent and covers more sensitive subjects with compassion and understanding.

If you’d like to speak to an expert about pregnancy, birth or your baby, you can book an online appointment with one of our experienced and friendly online midwives at a time and date that suits you. Receive personalised, specialist advice about any queries or concerns from morning sickness to birth plans.