The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama: Redefining the Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Journey

by Diana Spalding, Jill Koziol, Liz Tenety

An inclusive, holistic, evidence-based guide for pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum journey—created for modern moms by the experts at the Motherly online community.
 
Pregnancy isn’t just about creating a baby. It’s also about the powerful transformation we go through on the journey to becoming “mama.” 
 
We created The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama to coach and inspire you each step of the way. This is the pregnancy book we wish we’d had when we first became mothers—a mama-centered guide that doesn’t just focus on your baby’s needs, but honors and coaches you through this profound life change.
 
Here’s the most important thing to remember: you are a phenom, and you are going to rock this.
 
And you don’t have to do this alone. At your highest highs and your lowest lows, there is a village of professionals and peers to traverse this path with you.
 
This book won’t bog you down with demands, give you more to be worried about, or tell you what to do. It’s impossible to know exactly what to expect during your pregnancy—after all, you are your own amazing woman with unique dreams, experiences, and needs. Instead, we’ve filled this illustrated guide with the best knowledge, wisdom, and support we have to offer, including:
 
• Getting pregnant—planning, conception, fertility challenges, and finding the right care provider and birth strategy for you 
• Pregnancy month by month—how to understand, nourish, and support your own body and your baby’s health throughout your pregnancy
• Giving birth—everything you need to feel empowered and prepared through the four stages of labor 
• The “fourth trimester”—helping you heal, process your experience, and thrive in the super-important and often ignored postpartum period 
• Tests and complications—no scare tactics, no intimidation; just good, well-researched information about the ways you can best prevent and prepare for challenges
• Partners, friends, and family—our best tips for your whole support team
• The many faces of mama—adoption, surrogacy, fostering, and the beautiful variety of motherhood experiences
• Answers to the most common questions mamas have about finances, maternity leave, baby gear, relationships with family, nutrition, fitness, and much more 
 
Whether this is your first baby or your fourth, whether you’re still deciding about pregnancy or have an unplanned baby on the way, becoming mama involves your body, mind, emotions, lifestyle, relationships, schedule, spirituality, worldview—and most of all, your heart.
 
This is an unprecedented time to embark on the journey of motherhood. You are part of a new generation of women elevating empowerment in all its forms. The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama was made for you—a loving and supportive embrace of your unique motherhood journey in all its power, complexity, and beauty. 

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Reference

504 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 14, 2020

Reviews

[CaseyTheCanadianLesbrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the sometimes smarmy narrative voice that insists on addressing the reader as "mama," this book is the most thorough, reassuring, and all round best guide to pregnancy that I read while pregnant (and beyond!). I especially like how it keeps tests, complications, and symptoms as separate sections in the back so that you can refer to them if needed, but you aren't bombarded with everything that could possibly go wrong at every stage. Some beautiful illustrations too!

[Mira Prater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. This book was so good about calming my anxieties and telling me how powerful my body already is. I thought it would be too hippy dippy but it’s totally not. It made me feel strong and proud of what my body has been and about to do.

[Rebecca Hofleitner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a librarian, I've browsed a LOT of pregnancy and birth related books in preparation for the arrival of my little one this summer but none of them were as readable and positive as this one. Perfect for first time moms like me. The author truly feels like a knowledgeable friend who is cheering you on every step of the way. I highly recommend this book above all others in preparing for birth. It is very non-judgemental and explains the many options for getting through what can be a scary time without fear.

[Megan Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the most informative (other than the mayo clinic book) on pregnancy. Very empathetic author(s) who give great insight & reflection through every stage of pregnancy and the fourth trimester.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great comprehensive overview of pregnancy and postpartum. I feel like there's a really nice balance of traditional medical content and also moments of meditation/reflection/spirituality. It's written with sensitivities towards the diversity of the type of people who get pregnant, all the various complications, etc. A beautiful book which will also serve as a useful reference too!

[Stephanie Mullsteff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book and was my favorite out of all the pregnancy books I read (about 4 others). I love that it includes all of the technical and medical information while also having the warm/fuzzy/supportive vibe.

[Iris Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Insight on How to Become Mama

This book breaks down every area of pregnancy you can think of in a simple to understand way. The author does an amazing job of addressing your fears and reassuring you of your strength as you become Mama. Definitely recommend for first time Mama’s to be.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the book for me, though might be perfect for someone else. For me the content was little too basic, and the assumptions a little too medical model centric (even though it is written by a midwife).

I didn’t finish it (stopped at page 270) but I might go back to it later.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tonally I find most pregnancy books to be pretty grating, and this was no exception.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The “Meditation for Your First Postpartum Poop” is worth the price of the book.

But seriously, as someone who’s been through childbirth and postpartum once already and read ALL the books, this one is hands down my favorite. It has its sappy and woosah moments, but for the most part it’s the most evidence-based, non-condescending childbirth book I’ve read. (I personally love the woosah, but I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea) I appreciated that the authors obviously put a lot of effort into presenting information that is complete, but that leaves you space to make your own decisions. Also the postpartum coverage is much more complete than other books. So yes, highly recommend!

[Kasey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I last picked this book up in July and I don't think I'm going to finish seeing as I'm now 35 weeks pregnant.

The information seemed basic, but redundant at times. Personally, I like the more real-world, statistical approach and find too many pregnancy/mom books get into the medical verbiage too much without just saying what's actually going to happen.

Recommendations: Take those classes from L&D nurses on instagram (Mommy/Labor Nurse; Taking Cara Babies, etc.). I've learned a TON from them and it gave me a more realistic view of how my pregnancy would be before/during/after.

[Emily Neuharth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated this book and it’s affirming, mindfulness approach to pregnancy/motherhood was very helpful. There were some parts (like the personal notes/messages at the beginning of each chapter) that I found not to be helpful. I just skipped these parts and it made the book a lot better. Reading through this book helped me develop a detailed birth plan and I feel better prepared. I appreciated too that it covered things after birth such as breastfeeding, pumping and healing in the fourth trimester. Would recommend.

[Brenda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Saw this one recommended everywhere and thought it might be a good alternative to What To Expect but oh boy did I hate it. The tone is completely insufferable and the information far too basic. I would not recommend this book to any pregnant friends in the future. Stick to Expecting Better and the tried and true internet.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is both a gentle and exhaustive guide to the pregnancy journey and beyond. I’ve read A LOT during my pregnancy and this is the book I’ve continually returned to at different phases. While it’s packed with information, I’ve found that the delivery makes me feel calm and informed rather than anxious. Would definitely recommend.

[Manry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some useful information written in the tone of someone's personal experience in a very supportive, light-hearted and kind manner. Unsure how much of the information was based on best practices or most recent research if that's important to you. I would recommend reading it but don't expect a lot of in-depth information.

[Carly Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any mama-to-be

I read this throughout my pregnancy journey and tried to keep the chapters in time with where my pregnancy was. It answered so many of my questions and relived so much of my anxieties. I appreciated the nonjudgemental approach to everything as well. I would suggest to any mama-to-be!

[Rachel Spaulding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slowly read this book throughout pregnancy and found it to be a useful resource with lots of information covered. I would recommend to any new mom curious about pregnancy, birth, and a newborn.

Beware the frequent use of “mama” to address the reader does become irritating, but overall a good book.

[Andreea Ivascu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very grateful for this book! It was quite informative and useful, even for mothers outside of the US (like myself). What I liked most about this book were the notes before each chapter. They really "hit the spot" regarding each topic discussed further in the following chapter.

[Emily Duchon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-4.0

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robyn at 18 week: omg so inspiring 🥺
Robyn at 28 weeks: fucking. Terrifying 💀

[Tanay Tatum · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of all the prenatal books!

[Shelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some helpful information. A lot of filler pep talk. I'm disconcerted that lotus birth was discussed as an option without mentioning that a baby has died from the practice.

[Kaia · Rating 4 out of 5]

DNF

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was refreshingly honest and less pretentious than other pregnancy books I have read. It made me feel like I was doing things my way and not the socially accepted way.

[Amy Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not your mama’s pregnancy book, this is the one we deserve.

Could use some more inclusive language, but I truly love this guide for such a transformative time in our lives.

[Stormy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book fun an manageable to read! I looked forward to reading what each new week had to say. It's quite informative in a non overwhelming way and beautifully laid out!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep dive into all pregnancy and fourth trimester things. Appreciate the holistic approach - with lots of little tidbits of info, research, recipes, etc thrown in. Beautiful book as well in design.

[Kriti | Armed with A Book]

The most empowering book I’ve read about pregnancy and postpartum, centred on the woman’s experience with caring language and affirmations.

[Taylor Davidsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ very educational. Some of the writing was cringy, but overall very useful

[Kaiti Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to read if you’re planning to be a mama one day! This covered SO much and was very gracious in doing so. I feel incredibly informed. Different methods of care were considered as well which I appreciated instead of an approach that only took one perspective into account.