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Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood—and Trusting Yourself and Your Body
Nurture is the only all-in-one pregnancy and birthing book for modern mothers-to-be and their partners who want a more integrative approach. Author Erica Chidi Cohen has assisted countless births and helped hundreds of families ease into their new roles through her work as a doula. This beautiful and comprehensive pregnancy companion covers everything from the beginning months of pregnancy to the baby's first weeks. Including supportive and encouraging self-care and mindfulness exercises along with more than 40 charming and helpful illustrations, here's everything a modern mama would want to know: fetal development, nutrition support for every month of pregnancy, making birth choices, the basics of breastfeeding, and more.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2017
1440 people are currently reading
5127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
March 24, 2019
Part of my reading more about birth over the past few months as part of my doula learning has been trying to find books written by women of colour. And I couldn’t find any books until I found Erica Chidi Cohen’s amazing book Nurture. It is such a great resource about pregnancy, birth, labor and the postpartum period and in particular the focus on mindfulness and trusting yourself is wonderful, and the journal prompts are very thoughtful.
August 14, 2022
I am so glad this ended up being the read I picked up after discovering I was expecting. I took my time reading over the first few chapters so that I could follow along based on my pregnancy progress. Then, in the third trimester, I picked up the pace so I could prepare myself with knowledge of birth, breastfeeding and all the healing, connection and preparation that comes after.
Erica Cohen did a beautiful job at outline and empowering all possible choices, chances and possibilities when it comes to going about the pregnancy and birthing journey. The book is equipped with lots of information, recipes, tips, exercises and more. There is a lot about pregnancy and the birthing experience that I feel I would not have known had I not read this book, which allowed me to bring any questions or information I found new or unsure of to my midwife (specifically about the postpartum healing journey and my choice of birthing location and preferences).
Would highly recommend this book to anyone embarking on this transformative journey.
Erica Cohen did a beautiful job at outline and empowering all possible choices, chances and possibilities when it comes to going about the pregnancy and birthing journey. The book is equipped with lots of information, recipes, tips, exercises and more. There is a lot about pregnancy and the birthing experience that I feel I would not have known had I not read this book, which allowed me to bring any questions or information I found new or unsure of to my midwife (specifically about the postpartum healing journey and my choice of birthing location and preferences).
Would highly recommend this book to anyone embarking on this transformative journey.
April 11, 2021
First of all, the way that this book was published and designed is absolutely stunning and easy to get in to. The shape of the book is great. I really like the structure of the book as well, with the breakdown of different trimesters at the beginning. Some people have mentioned they don't love the journaling aspect, and I did not use it, but I thought that it would be helpful if that was something I wanted to do. I also really like that there are recipes for each trimester with specific focuses for that trimester. Very helpful. Chidi's suggestions for everything birth related were very informative, and really what I was looking for as I look towards the end of my third trimester. Would recommend.
November 29, 2017
This book is extremely helpful for preparing for childbirth and postpartum! I found it less detailed about the pregnancy aspect but since it was written by a birth doula that’s probably to be expected. I was uninterested in the workbook aspect but I could see the written exercises being helpful for some. Mostly it was so nice to read something on childbirth written completely without judgement. Cohen covers all sides of the different decisions an expecting mother may have to make about her healthcare and I appreciated the lack of bias. It’s been hard to find elsewhere. I requested my library add this book to their collection, checked it out, and now I plan to buy my own copy. Would be a great gift for a pregnant friend as well.
March 3, 2024
2.5 rounded down mainly because a lot of this wasn’t relevant to me based on my pregnancy/ my postpartum choices
I just want a postpartum book written by a normal person and not someone who is into herbs
I just want a postpartum book written by a normal person and not someone who is into herbs
September 1, 2025
Really helpful, thorough content. She gives a broad scope of options that is not geared towards a certain view point which I appreciate.
March 18, 2020
Author Cohen is a doula based in LA with a lot of experience, and she's also something of a visionary who co-founded a popular and progressive women's health education center called Loom (the website is gorgeous). She's one rad lady on a mission to help demystify and destigmatize topics ranging from "periods to parenting."
Nurture is a lovely guide for anyone who is interested in learning about pregnancy and child birth through a less traditional lens (ie, folks who might be interested in utilizing essential oils during labor). While it seems to target the type of upper-middle class audience who might have a SNOO bassinet on their baby registry, its bourgeois references do not detract from the book's utility. It gives you everything you'd want to know about what's happening each trimester, but goes beyond cataloguing physical changes and accompanying challenges by providing nourishing food-based recipes and guided exercises for the reader to explore their own emotional responses to the wild transformation that is pregnancy and new motherhood.
As Pamela Druckerman points out in "Bringing up Bebe," middle class Americans have introduced a special flavor of crazy to parenting. Cohen gently helps readers stave off neurosis while the babe is still in utero by encouraging them to pay attention to their internal landscape as it weathers the stress and unease of change and uncertainty, attune to their intuition, and learn how to trust that most likely everything will be just fine. Cohen reminds again and again that there is no perfect unfolding, and this seems like just the message for high-achieving moms-to-be. True self care is radical acceptance, not just getting a facial.
Nurture is thoughtful about pregnancy and childbirth as rites of passage, but avoids sentimentality. What made this book so engaging to read is the author's voice, which is straightforward, warm, and just the right amount of millennial pink; reading Nurture feels like talking to a very knowledgeable and dear friend who would never judge you for going with an epidural or regard your caesarian as anything less than "natural."
Nurture is a lovely guide for anyone who is interested in learning about pregnancy and child birth through a less traditional lens (ie, folks who might be interested in utilizing essential oils during labor). While it seems to target the type of upper-middle class audience who might have a SNOO bassinet on their baby registry, its bourgeois references do not detract from the book's utility. It gives you everything you'd want to know about what's happening each trimester, but goes beyond cataloguing physical changes and accompanying challenges by providing nourishing food-based recipes and guided exercises for the reader to explore their own emotional responses to the wild transformation that is pregnancy and new motherhood.
As Pamela Druckerman points out in "Bringing up Bebe," middle class Americans have introduced a special flavor of crazy to parenting. Cohen gently helps readers stave off neurosis while the babe is still in utero by encouraging them to pay attention to their internal landscape as it weathers the stress and unease of change and uncertainty, attune to their intuition, and learn how to trust that most likely everything will be just fine. Cohen reminds again and again that there is no perfect unfolding, and this seems like just the message for high-achieving moms-to-be. True self care is radical acceptance, not just getting a facial.
Nurture is thoughtful about pregnancy and childbirth as rites of passage, but avoids sentimentality. What made this book so engaging to read is the author's voice, which is straightforward, warm, and just the right amount of millennial pink; reading Nurture feels like talking to a very knowledgeable and dear friend who would never judge you for going with an epidural or regard your caesarian as anything less than "natural."
February 8, 2022
This book felt like receiving a warm hug and I have found it to be immensely helpful so far (halfway through my first pregnancy). I enjoyed the constant affirmations and supportive language. From other reviews, I was concerned that this would be too hippy for my experience. I was relieved to find that the author married some spiritual elements right alongside practical advice and information.
Only word of caution, parts of this book felt as though they were meant more for mothers of means. Most suggestions were for all-organic everything. I was particularly amused by the author’s suggestion that I look into receiving regular at-home postpartum massages and create homemade organic baby wipes for my wipe warmer.
Ultimately, I would definitely recommend for the anxious first time mother. This book, more than anything else, gave me the confidence I need to not fear the process of pregnancy and (eventually) delivery.
Only word of caution, parts of this book felt as though they were meant more for mothers of means. Most suggestions were for all-organic everything. I was particularly amused by the author’s suggestion that I look into receiving regular at-home postpartum massages and create homemade organic baby wipes for my wipe warmer.
Ultimately, I would definitely recommend for the anxious first time mother. This book, more than anything else, gave me the confidence I need to not fear the process of pregnancy and (eventually) delivery.
November 25, 2020
It’s good, but a little too hippy dippy for me. No offense if you like it, just not my vibe.
February 4, 2020
This is a true gift to all birthing people and companions. I love Erica Chidi Cohen's approach to all things related to women identifying bodies and sex and relationships. I've taken her classes at Loom - a beautiful space in Mid-Cityish/Culver City L.A. and highly recommend the workshops there. This is a book I'm definitely going to gift to my soon to be parenting friends and folks who are just so over the old and traditional "what to expect when you're expecting" models of learning and literature. Nurture is legit the wokest book related to nurturing yourself and your little resident inside your body. Loving this book and the practice it encourages. Pairs well with the Birth Companion which my partner is going through. Both recommended by my favorite doulas. <3
February 28, 2023
Best pregnancy book I’ve read
April 1, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book throughout pregnancy! There were several different sections but I enjoyed the trimester and month by month portion a lot. It was helpful to know what to expect and how to be preparing for each trimester. The labor/delivery and postpartum sections were thorough but easy to read and digest. I ended this book feeling well prepared to welcome my first baby!
August 26, 2022
I didn't love this book. First, I found some of the information inaccurate, misleading, or just plain confusing. This made me want to fact check some of the other parts that I want to believe are fairly good advice.
The book is slightly structured as a self-help book which is fine if you need that sort of thing, but I'm in therapy and have been for years and none of that stuff felt helpful for me AT ALL. But if you are someone who likes to journal or needs those prompts to do some healing, no judgement. It just wasn't for me.
I think the parts of the book about movement later in pregnancy and during labor/vaginal birth is helpful, it provides some good tips on how your partner can assist and gives some illustrations (though some of the illustrations aren't the best). It also gives a good overview of what happens if you need (or choose) to have a c-section.
Ultimately, of the 3 books I've read this is the one that is least useful for pregnancy stuff. My biggest take away is "keep what fits for you and toss the rest".
The book is slightly structured as a self-help book which is fine if you need that sort of thing, but I'm in therapy and have been for years and none of that stuff felt helpful for me AT ALL. But if you are someone who likes to journal or needs those prompts to do some healing, no judgement. It just wasn't for me.
I think the parts of the book about movement later in pregnancy and during labor/vaginal birth is helpful, it provides some good tips on how your partner can assist and gives some illustrations (though some of the illustrations aren't the best). It also gives a good overview of what happens if you need (or choose) to have a c-section.
Ultimately, of the 3 books I've read this is the one that is least useful for pregnancy stuff. My biggest take away is "keep what fits for you and toss the rest".
May 9, 2018
Full of encouraging advice and information for a wide spectrum of birthing options and postpartum choices, as well as many great recipes (for food as well as tinctures and teas) and projects. The tone of the book is completely different from most pregnancy books--no shaming or absolute pronouncements made, and Chidi Cohen truly makes you feel that everything will be fine, as long as you do what you feel is right for you and your baby, and gives you the tools and information to achieve those aims. Another reviewer mentioned that the book is "informative but not overwhelming," and I very much agree--I appreciated the clean layout and the way the book was organized.
Highly recommended, both for the tone and including information about pregnancy, birth, the postpartum period, and caring for yourself and your baby in the first three months.
Highly recommended, both for the tone and including information about pregnancy, birth, the postpartum period, and caring for yourself and your baby in the first three months.
July 21, 2019
I loved this book, but it took some time to get into. Beginning with the chapter on pregnancy, it was amazing, and I recommend it heartily. In fact, if you hated What to Expect When You’re Expecting (or heard that you will hate it) for its antiquated, patriarchal, condescending tone, this covers all of the same information in a more empowered and concise way. And I can’t speak highly enough about the chapters on labor & delivery.
The early parenting stuff… well, I think it won’t really resonate until I’m in it, but it was also helpful. But the first 50 pages were a slog about self-care that made me roll my eyes repeatedly. I almost didn’t hang in there, but I’m glad I did. I also ignored most of the stuff about recipes, though I may circle back to the freeze ahead meals when baby gets closer. Overall, a really solid book, but you may want to skim the first section.
The early parenting stuff… well, I think it won’t really resonate until I’m in it, but it was also helpful. But the first 50 pages were a slog about self-care that made me roll my eyes repeatedly. I almost didn’t hang in there, but I’m glad I did. I also ignored most of the stuff about recipes, though I may circle back to the freeze ahead meals when baby gets closer. Overall, a really solid book, but you may want to skim the first section.
October 17, 2023
This is my second time reading through this book. The first time was when I was pregnant with Finn. I decided to read it again as I’m preparing for baby girl Pickel. I have found this book to be so empowering and a healthy reminder of how strong women are and how our bodies were literally made to bring children into the world. I’d describe this book as being pretty “crunchy” but in an accepting, one size does not fit all way. I love all of the actually helpful natural remedies that the author offers. I recommend this to all my pregnant people!
August 12, 2022
I found this to be one of the most helpful pregnancy books I’ve read! It’s one that we’ll be packing in our hospital bag, and definitely one I’ll refer back to. Depending on your preferences (science-based vs more natural) there are some things to take or leave, but I found it to be both useful and reassuring. It’s a good companion to What to Expect When You’re Expecting.
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August 6, 2025My favorite of the pregnancy, birth, and motherhood books I've read yet. There were several tangible takeaways, and a lot of positive encouragement and focus on self-care. If you like essential oils, the author also includes a lot of blends to help at various times in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Loved it!
January 20, 2019
Every pregnant person should read this. Best book on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum I've ever read. I'll be buying a copy of this for myself, and for friends and loved ones.
December 23, 2022
4.5 stars
I truly enjoyed this book, it was clean, easy to read, and had the best nutrition recommendations I've seen in a pregnancy guide yet. I appreciated that Cohen included recipes, exercises, and a small list of to-dos for every month, I think it make the whole thing seem less daunting. You can tell Cohen is a doula, as she spends a lot of time on mindfulness practices and self-reflective journaling, etc. She had such a great overview of how to support yourself during pregnancy and postpartum, which a large section devoted to breastfeeding and even just general parenting tips for the first few months.
Where the book fell flat was, surprisingly, labor itself. Cohen didn't have any illustrations to help explain the labor process, and while she did define some terms (like vagina) she didn't define others (such as perineum) and, being completely honest, the term she defined is wayyyyy more well known than the term she didn't. I also found the layout and order of the labor section to be confusing--it felt as though things were bouncing around and sometimes in odd places. For example, Cohen didn't talk about fetal heart monitors until the insert about an epidural. If you're not planning for an epidural, you might skip that section and therefore miss any explanation about FHM whatsoever. I hope, that if she ever releases another edition, that the labor section will be revised with more in depth explantation.
In summary, I think this is an excellent book to use in conjunction with a birth class, which is exactly what I plan to do. There are so many take-home exercises, whether physical or reflective, that really will benefit new mothers. But, you really will need to look elsewhere for a more clear and comprehensive look at how a baby gets from point a to b. As Cohen herself states on page 234, "Unlike a midwife or a doctor, for the doula knowledge of birth and its inner workings comes second. For us, and for me, it's all about providing moment-to-moment support for the mother."
I truly enjoyed this book, it was clean, easy to read, and had the best nutrition recommendations I've seen in a pregnancy guide yet. I appreciated that Cohen included recipes, exercises, and a small list of to-dos for every month, I think it make the whole thing seem less daunting. You can tell Cohen is a doula, as she spends a lot of time on mindfulness practices and self-reflective journaling, etc. She had such a great overview of how to support yourself during pregnancy and postpartum, which a large section devoted to breastfeeding and even just general parenting tips for the first few months.
Where the book fell flat was, surprisingly, labor itself. Cohen didn't have any illustrations to help explain the labor process, and while she did define some terms (like vagina) she didn't define others (such as perineum) and, being completely honest, the term she defined is wayyyyy more well known than the term she didn't. I also found the layout and order of the labor section to be confusing--it felt as though things were bouncing around and sometimes in odd places. For example, Cohen didn't talk about fetal heart monitors until the insert about an epidural. If you're not planning for an epidural, you might skip that section and therefore miss any explanation about FHM whatsoever. I hope, that if she ever releases another edition, that the labor section will be revised with more in depth explantation.
In summary, I think this is an excellent book to use in conjunction with a birth class, which is exactly what I plan to do. There are so many take-home exercises, whether physical or reflective, that really will benefit new mothers. But, you really will need to look elsewhere for a more clear and comprehensive look at how a baby gets from point a to b. As Cohen herself states on page 234, "Unlike a midwife or a doctor, for the doula knowledge of birth and its inner workings comes second. For us, and for me, it's all about providing moment-to-moment support for the mother."
November 17, 2020
Written by a doula, this was a good overview of pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the early weeks at home with a baby. It's very comprehensive but not as detailed as a traditional "What to Expect" style book (i.e. "At week 20, your baby is as big as an artichoke and weighs 1.5 pounds and has fingerprints and you will start getting leg cramps"), but I already read one of those, so this was a welcome change. It was a good mix of what to expect, tips/advice/treatments, exercises and activities, motivational content, and useful stuff like recipes, lists of recommended products and brands, etc. There were elements that didn't resonate with me (lots of recommendations re. essential oils, herbal infusions, aromatherapy, etc.) (don't @ me, I have nothing against it, I've tried and they just don't do anything for me), but it wasn't too much. And although the book has a sort naturopathic focus, it was also very practical and inclusive of different preferences. The author discusses everything in a very nonjudgmental way, from home births to epidurals, and constantly emphasizes that there's no "right" way to have a baby. The tone is very warm and empowering. It's also a very pretty, well-designed book. A good gift for someone who's expecting!
August 23, 2020
There was a lot more workbook to this book than I was expecting, with specific journal prompts for each month of pregnancy and post-baby, and lots of recipes. I think you’d get the most out of it by buying a copy and journaling in it over the length of a pregnancy.
That said, I did learn quite a bit that I either never knew or had forgotten, and the gentle, nurturing tone was lovely and very positive.
That said, I did learn quite a bit that I either never knew or had forgotten, and the gentle, nurturing tone was lovely and very positive.
June 23, 2021
I don't know how else to put it: This book felt like a hug. Compared to other pregnancy/labor books, which can feel medical or impersonal, Cohen has created a safe space with her words. She's empowering, educational, and non-judgmental. I especially enjoyed the sections on labor and delivery. While she does talk a little bit about essential oils, the rest of the book seems pretty grounded in evidence and reality. I'll be suggesting this book to any newly pregnant people I know.
February 11, 2025
This was hands down the best book I‘ve read about pregnancy and early motherhood!✨I wish I knew about this book during my first pregnancy...
It‘s really helpful and practical with many tips and recipes! I especially loved the journal prompts and the meditation practices for each month!🧡
But what I loved both about this book is the gentle approach of Erica Cidi Cohen to motherhood-it‘s not about perfection, it‘s about love! 💛And each journey looks different!
I would recommend this book to every mom or mom to be and definetely will revisit it!
It‘s really helpful and practical with many tips and recipes! I especially loved the journal prompts and the meditation practices for each month!🧡
But what I loved both about this book is the gentle approach of Erica Cidi Cohen to motherhood-it‘s not about perfection, it‘s about love! 💛And each journey looks different!
I would recommend this book to every mom or mom to be and definetely will revisit it!
September 16, 2024
Me before reading this book thinking about child birth: 😭😱🤮😵💫
Me after reading this book thinking about child birth: 💪🏼🥳👶🏼‼️
^ actually still v scared but maybe a little less scared and for sure have less questions on my list for the doctor ! 😅 Really enjoyed this book and would recommend!
Me after reading this book thinking about child birth: 💪🏼🥳👶🏼‼️
^ actually still v scared but maybe a little less scared and for sure have less questions on my list for the doctor ! 😅 Really enjoyed this book and would recommend!
April 14, 2025
This book is at the very top of my list for pregnancy/labor. It’s so thorough and I love the author’s gentle approach, and how she values every kind of birth and doesn’t just glorify natural birth. Will definitely be purchasing for any friends who are expecting!
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July 23, 2025I wasn’t sure about this book and it’s structure until about the 100 page mark. Overall, it’s helpful, insightful and unbiased. I think it would be especially great starting point for women wanting to be mothers who feel like they know nothing! Although I didn’t find every little thing helpful, I imagine I will revisit many of my tabs and notes in the coming months.
December 6, 2020
A fantastic resource and wonderfully organized guide. Highly recommend
March 23, 2021
4.5 🌟 one of the better pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and baby care books I've read. Its supportive of all women who carry, birth, and care for their babies.
April 24, 2021
This is, by far, the best pregnancy/birth/postpartum book I’ve read to date! (And I’ve read a lot).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews