First-Time Parent, Expecting Better: A Doctor’s Personal Journey to Holistic Health, Sexuality, Fertility, Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond

by Dr. Myrna Saadeh White

Finally, a pregnancy book that speaks to your body, your emotions, and your truth.

If you're a first-time parent searching for more than just a checklist—if you're looking for emotional support, practical guidance, and holistic care—this is the pregnancy guide you've been waiting for.

First-Time Parent, Expecting Better is one of the best pregnancy books for first-time moms, dads, and couples. Written by Dr. Myrna Saadeh White—a physician and integrative women’s health expert—this book blends medical insight with soulful wisdom to support you from pre-conception through postpartum. Whether you're newly pregnant, in your first trimester, or preparing for delivery, you'll find clarity, calm, and confidence here.

Inside this holistic pregnancy book, you'll

A full-spectrum guide for expecting parents navigating fertility, pregnancy, and beyondSupportive tools for managing early pregnancy symptoms, emotional shifts, and first trimester essentialsConscious parenting insights, birth partner support, and postpartum recovery strategiesA gentle, trauma-informed approach to female sexuality, identity, and motherhoodNutrition, mindset, and body care tips for each stage—from getting pregnant to caring for your newborn

This is more than a pregnancy book for expecting moms—it’s also a guide for first-time dads, birth partners, and anyone seeking a natural, soulful approach to pregnancy and childbirth. It's ideal for those who want more than what traditional titles offer—something deeper, more human, and more healing.

Whether you're looking

A first-time parent book that includes both medical and emotional preparationPre-pregnancy books to guide your fertility journeyFirst trimester pregnancy essentials for mom and dadBaby books for first-time dads or newborn development books for parentsA natural childbirth book or a pregnancy nutrition guideParenting books for new parents rooted in holistic health

This one-of-a-kind book weaves science with story, evidence with empathy, and prepares you for one of life’s most sacred transformations.

Becoming a parent starts long before birth. Let this book walk with you—one honest, hopeful chapter at a time.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2025

Reviews

[CarlitasFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and practical guide

When it comes to helpful and practical guides for new parents, “First-time parent, expecting better” is the most accurate guide that I’ve read about parenting. It’s definitely a book that accompanies parents in the most exciting, rewarding and challenging adventure of their lives.
Every chapter delves into interesting and helpful topics that are clues in the upbringing of children. It also includes information to support parents with the pregnancy, the postpartum and give them a sort of holistic guidance for them, among other topics. There are no rights or wrongs, it’s just an invitation to understand this new stage and adapt into it with an open and clear mind.
Personally, I found it really useful because I could apply some of the holistic ideas into my daily and new life with my little baby. I definitely recommend it.

[Daniel M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.

I really enjoyed this book. The author does an incredible job, being a doctor, a mother, and surely also a first-time parent. She compiles all her experiences from her work and personal life to deliver a book that is wonderful in every way. This book originated as an alternative to traditional pregnancy books. But it doesn't stop there; this great book addresses topics such as parenting and the overall approach to pregnancy. I feel a strong connection to this book because it encourages readers to focus on their feelings so they can have a very peaceful pregnancy. Without a doubt, it's a book I recommend, even though I'm not a father and don't have that on my radar anytime soon.

[Gianfranco F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better to understand first

My wife and I are at the stage of trying for children. It turns out that we are both a little overwhelmed by the idea. That's why we embarked on this adventure with this book. With the book, we learned many things that we legitimately didn't know, the first symptoms, what to do and what not to do, how to be well prepared for certain situations, and how to stay calm and level-headed.

The book has been key in helping us make our decision to take on this new challenge, but with the knowledge and peace of mind that will allow us to embark on this beautiful stage of life. The book is definitely an excellent experience for new parents, giving them a much more grounded perspective on what this first, very important stage means.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a real book for pregnant women and expectant fathers! Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful stages a woman can experience, or at least that's what everyone says, but what happens when it's not like that? Not all pregnancies are the same, and women go through many changes in a very short time.
In this book, I found something I hadn't read in any other: honesty. I think pregnancy is often romanticized, and that makes women frustrated if they don't experience what they read or hear. That's why I think this book describes things exactly as they are.
One of the most interesting things is that it's full of tips and tools that can be applied once the babies are born. In my opinion, it's a comprehensive book, ideal to recommend to all readers who are or want to become parents.

[Manu Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book really surprised me

The book really surprised me with its information and thought. Even without being a parent myself, I appreciated how Dr. Myrna Saadeh White makes tricky stuff like fertility, pregnancy, and holistic health all sound simple and considerate. What really hit was that this book feels personal, she shares her own experiences, instead of just throwing medical facts, that made the topics much more relatable and simpler to understand. Some sections, though, were seriously detailed, so I didn't get everything, but I learned. The whole emphasis on balance, self-awareness, and well-informed choices were quite engaging, and really empowering, I think. All in all, it’s a smart and caring book, that help feel surer about your body and health.

[Camilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book

This book reminded me of one of the most important and challenging moments of my life: when I found out I was going to be a father. I became a dad at a young age, and at that time I truly did not know how to handle things. I was filled with fear and anxiety, and I had no idea how to face life or the responsibility ahead of me. Reading this book allowed me to reconnect with my past, give myself compassion, and recognize how I have managed to move forward.

Being a father, especially for the first time, is not an easy task. No one really teaches us how to do it, and we often learn along the way. This book offers very valuable guidance to understand the process and experience parenthood in a healthy, conscious, and responsible way.

I was also very interested in the way the book addresses sexuality and sexual health. Not everyone has access to clear information about these topics, and the book explains them in a respectful and accessible way.

It is a great book, easy to read, and highly recommended for all kinds of readers, especially young people who want to take care of their sexuality and those who want to become parents or already are.

[Marina L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a book for my brother and my sister-in-law. They’re having their first baby and they feel a bit lost. So many questions, some fear too, and a lot of “is this normal?” moments. This book felt like a really good answer to that. It’s not cold or clinical. Dr Myrna Saadeh White writes in a way that feels caring and calm but still clear. It talks about the body, emotions, food, fear, all of it, without judging.

This book feels complete, like someone holding your hand instead of throwing information at you. I think this guide can really help new parents breathe a little and feel less lost at the beginning.

[Daniel Velasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

“First-Time Parent, Expecting Better” is like a nice conversation with a kind doctor (Dr. Myrna) who’s been through what you’re about to live. Many couples can feel intimidated by pregnancy but reading this book can give them reassurance and a bit of calm. I liked that it covers everything from fertility to post partum, but also gives emotional support for first time parents, something that many books don’t do. This guide is great; I appreciate that it gave me a good balance between practical advice and emotional support. It is the perfect combination between science and a thoughtful holistic approach. If you are first time parents, this book is for you.

[Pipe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading First-Time Parent, Expecting Better. The book talks about pregnancy, birth, and health in a calm and honest way. I read it while thinking about friends who are starting families, and it helped me understand their feelings better. Dr. White shares her own story, which makes the book feel warm and real. I liked how she explains the body, emotions, and choices without fear. Some chapters made me pause and reflect on how important care and trust are during pregnancy. This book feels like friendly advice from someone who truly cares. It is helpful, gentle, and easy to read.