MushroomDana
When I first found out I was pregnant with Arun, I had a mix of excitement and anxiety. I had little knowledge about pregnancy and parenting and an abundance of questions. There was so much I wanted to know—who I wanted to be as a mother, how to handle the challenges ahead, and how to embrace this new chapter of life with confidence.
Living in a world where we often feel separated from our roots, it’s easy to lose sight of the natural, instinctive way of raising children. Instead, fear and self-doubt creep in, making us feel like we’re not doing enough or not being enough.
That’s why I believe understanding ourselves and preparing for the incredible transformation that comes with parenting is essential. By learning from trusted sources and reconnecting with our own inner wisdom, we gain the confidence to create a nurturing environment for our children—and for ourselves. Here are five books that not only gave me deeper insights into pregnancy and parenting but also helped me transform my insecurities into empowerment.
This book was one of the first to change the way I thought about parenting. It was years before I met Christian and long before Arun was born. In The Continuum Concept, Jean Liedloff shares her life-changing experience living with an indigenous tribe in South America. The way the tribe raised their children, without fear or stress, deeply inspired me.
Liedloff’s observations emphasize that babies are born with an innate sense of how to thrive, and it’s our job to trust them—and ourselves. This book is a profound reminder to return to our instincts, ditch the worries, and raise a child in an environment where they can naturally flourish. If you’re looking for a more grounded and intuitive approach to parenting, this book is a must-read.
One of the most practical and informative guides for every new parent-to-be, What to Expect When You’re Expecting was my go-to companion throughout my pregnancy. This book breaks down each stage of pregnancy with clear, understandable explanations of what’s happening to your body and your baby.
I found it helpful to read ahead, always staying one step ahead of the changes happening to me. When unexpected things like abdominal pains or mild bleeding occurred, I wasn’t alarmed because I already knew what to expect. The comfort of knowledge and reassurance is priceless, and Heidi Murkoff’s accessible writing style made it easy to absorb.
A classic in the world of parenting books, Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care offers wisdom that is as relevant today as it was when it was first published in 1946. Dr. Spock revolutionized parenting with his advice that encouraged parents to trust their instincts and have confidence in their abilities.
I stumbled upon this book while watching a business interview, and I was struck by how powerful it was in guiding parents through the challenges of raising a child. Spock’s practical, common-sense approach covers everything from feeding to first aid, helping you feel confident in your decisions every step of the way. His reassurance that “You know more than you think you do” was something I carried with me through my own parenting journey.
This book is a refreshing spiritual take on parenting, focusing on values that nurture the soul of both the parent and the child. The Seven Spiritual Laws for Parents invites you to teach your children values like intention, generosity, and detachment in ways that are age-appropriate and meaningful.
Deepak Chopra’s wisdom brings balance to parenting, encouraging parents to cultivate spiritual growth alongside practical parenting strategies. I love how this book goes beyond traditional advice, offering a deep and reflective approach that encourages personal growth while raising emotionally intelligent children.
I’ve always admired the Montessori method of education, which encourages children to be independent, curious, and respectful of others. The Montessori Toddler offers an accessible way to apply Montessori principles at home, especially in the early years of life.
Christian and I decided to keep Arun home with us during his first few years, and this book has been an invaluable resource. It gave me practical tools to foster Arun’s independence, curiosity, and love for learning. Simone Davies provides simple, everyday practices that honor a child’s natural development, and the result is a home environment that nurtures both growth and harmony.
Becoming a parent is a transformative journey, one that comes with equal parts joy and fear. These five books helped me feel more grounded and empowered as I navigated the challenges of pregnancy and early parenthood. From emotional wisdom to practical guidance, they gave me the tools I needed to trust myself and step into motherhood with confidence.
If you’d like to read more about how these insights shaped my own parenting journey, check out my post Our First Year as Parents: Lessons, Challenges & Magic, where I share the ups and downs of our first year with Arun—real, raw, and full of love.
I hope these books offer you the same support and clarity they gave me. As you embark on this beautiful chapter, always remember to trust your intuition, be kind to yourself, and embrace the journey. You’ve got everything you need inside you to raise a happy, healthy child.
Overwhelmed by change? Learn how to transform stress into empowerment through mindfulness and self-awareness. Embrace life transitions as opportunities for growth and reclaim your inner strength.
This is a space for women navigating change—personal growth, self-love, and conscious living. Explore holistic guides, intentional living & nature’s wisdom.
I’m Dana, I explore self-acceptance, intentional living, and personal transformation. Through self-love, mindfulness, and even mushrooms, I share tools, insights, and stories to inspire growth, clarity, and connection. This space is here to support you—whether you’re embracing change, creating balance, or finding peace. I hope something here resonates with you.
