When I found out I was pregnant, I immediately began looking for books, websites and courses that could help me understand pregnancy, childbirth, early childcare and breastfeeding. The amount of information available today is overwhelming, and everyone has a different philosophy, method or personal opinion. For me, the most helpful approach was to collect as much information as possible, analyze it calmly and then build my own plan based on what felt logical and suitable for our family.

After exploring many resources, I found two books that became the most valuable guides for the period after the baby’s arrival. The first one is “Secrets of the Baby Whisperer” by Tracy Hogg and Melinda Blau, a book that focuses on understanding your baby’s signals and building a calm, structured daily rhythm. The second book is “The Contented Little Baby Book” by Gina Ford, which gives very clear routines and practical advice that can be extremely helpful for new parents who appreciate structure.

I also discovered the website of @thebabychick, which offers a wide range of personal stories, practical articles and expert opinions. It is a great place for anyone who wants to read about different experiences and learn from real-life situations. For mothers who plan to breastfeed, kellymom.com is one of the most reliable and research-based sources. Almost any question that appears in the first months of breastfeeding can be found there, explained clearly and without unnecessary drama.

As for courses, I tried many, but the most effective and informative were the Mount Sinai classes. They cover everything related to childbirth: what happens to your body during labor, what positions and actions can help you cope with contractions, which breathing techniques are useful, and how to navigate the experience without immediately relying on pain medication. These courses helped me feel prepared, confident and far more positive about the entire process of giving birth.

Ladies, I would love to hear about the resources that helped you form your own views on pregnancy, delivery and childcare. The more we share, the easier it becomes for other women to navigate this beautiful but sometimes challenging journey.