Bumps and Babies

To help support mums-to-be, expectant parents and grandparents we have put together a list of helpful and informative titles to help navigate you through the exhilarating, overwhelming and daunting journey of birth and beyond.  

The 16 titles on offer cover a variety of relevant topics from the traditional week-by-week guides to self-care, diet, health and a good dose of humour! These UK suitable titles are available on BorrowBox now to download for free.  

Hampshire Libraries supports families with babies and young children via a number of channels. Weekly Rhymetime and Baby Bounce sessions, that are currently taking place online during this time, give new parents the opportunity to bond with their young babies through song and rhyme.  

How to Grow a Baby and Push It out

How to Grow a Baby and Push It out

Everything you wanted to know but were too embarrassed to ask – a guide to pregnancy and birth straight from the midwife’s mouth. From how to prevent tearing during birth to what you really need in your labour bag, Clemmie reveals everything pregnant women and new mums need to know with a good dose of humour and wit.

Available as an eBook and an eAudiobook

Your Baby, Your Birth: Hypnobirthing Skills for Every Birth

Your Baby, Your Birth is a truly modern hypnobirthing book for ALL births. In-demand hypnobirthing coach Hollie de Cruz provides you with the skills and tools to make any birth feel safe, calm, connected and empowering. Drawing on her experience working with new mums, including Fearne Cotton and Giovanna Fletcher, Hollie de Cruz helps you prepare for a positive (not ‘perfect’) birth experience and approach motherhood with confidence in yourself and your instincts. Your Baby, Your Birth will teach you: – That birth is safe – listen to your body, embrace the changes, prepare your mind and relax during pregnancy – Exercises and breathing techniques for labour and birth for you and your birth partner, along with guided meditations to keep you calm and engaged – How to trust your instincts, understand your body and baby, and make informed decisions throughout your pregnancy and beyond

Available as an eBook and an eAudiobook

Give Birth Like a Feminist

Finally blasting the feminist spotlight into the labour ward, Milli Hill encourages women everywhere to stand and deliver, not lie back and think of England. As women consider anew their personal autonomy through the lens of #metoo, Give Birth Like a Feminist insists that birth is no longer left off the list in discussions about female power, control and agency. Both a thought-provoking guide for pregnant women, and a call to arms, this is a galvanising book that explains why women are the key decision makers in childbirth, why they need to know their rights and take an active role in their choices, and why they must find their voice and have their say in the birth room just as they have already done in the board room and the bedroom. Milli Hill lays bare the modern experience of pregnancy and birth in the developed world through research, personal testament and the accounts of hundreds of mothers. She illustrates how medicalisation and systems laid down by a patriarchal society have developed to disempower, even dehumanise, women at the gateway to motherhood. She then prepares the current generation of women for what to expect, setting out their often overlooked options and rights. This book answers the questions: Why should women, their families and healthcare professionals care about women having a positive birth experience? And why should women expect or demand more from their birth? For too long, women have been told that a healthy baby is ‘all that matters’. Give Birth Like a Feminist dares to say: women matter too.

Available as an eBook and an eAudiobook

The Unmumsy Mum A-Z

With entries including D is for Desperation, F is for Fish Fingers, S is for Supermum and V is for Vagina, it’s safe to say this is not your average A-Z. This book won’t tell you what sort of parent you should (or shouldn’t) be; instead, it offers a refreshingly honest account of what being a mum to three young children is really like and the surprising lessons that have been learned along the way. If you feel as though you’re not ‘measuring up’ or are struggling to #cherisheverymoment, Sarah’s tales from the thick of it will reassure and resonate with you. Above all, her commitment to telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth will make you laugh out loud and remind you that you are, in fact, doing a great job.

Available as an eBook and an eAudiobook

The Little Book of Self-Care for New Mums

Read this book for an instant pick-me-up. Whether this is your first or fifth baby, The Little Book of Self-Care for New Mums is your handy survival guide to managing the emotional and physical rollercoaster of becoming a new mum. Bringing together decades of experience from a midwife and a doula, you’ll find invaluable tips and tricks to boost confidence and calm frazzled nerves – plus answers to all those questions you may be too embarrassed to ask. From creating cooling breast pads with chamomile tea and quick stretches to relieve aching muscles, through to easy recipes to nourish your postnatal body and 5-minute fixes to restore your sense of humour, this is the book you can turn to when the overwhelm sets in. Beautifully illustrated in full-colour, it covers everything you need to know about the postnatal period to feel supported, empowered and understood.

Available as an eBook

Your No Guilt Pregnancy Plan

Providing you with everything you’ve ever wanted to know about pregnancy, this is the definitive guide from conception to the first few weeks’ at home with your newborn. Recommendation: This is such an important book. I am going to be prescribing it on the NHS to every pregnant woman I meet.

Available as an eBook and an eAudiobook

Healthy, Happy Pregnancy Cookbook

Now, certified nutritionists and registered dieticians Stephanie Clarke and Willow Jarosh are here to tell them what they should! Featuring recipes for wholesome, unprocessed meals and snacks, accompanied by nutritional breakdowns and tips for the best ways to alleviate pesky pregnancy symptoms, Healthy, Happy Pregnancy Cookbook is the go-to guide for new moms throughout pregnancy and after. Healthy, Happy Pregnancy Cookbook is the perfect guide for pregnant women. Full of humor, heart, and wisdom, it promotes clean eating and the idea that using food as medicine is the best remedy for dealing with the symptoms that occur most during pregnancy—such as swollen ankles, bloating, and more. Leg cramps? Sit back with an Orange Carrot Cream Smoothie. Constipated? Try a Sweet & Salty Popcorn Trail Mix. Exhausted? Put your partner to work on a 3-Minute Salsa and Cheddar Microwave Egg Sandwich. There are also recipes for nausea, water retention, and heartburn, as well as nibbles sure to satisfy even the most bizarre cravings, prep ahead recipes for after the baby arrives and time is precious, and power meals made for moms who are breastfeeding. Healthy, Happy Pregnancy Cookbook will help new parents make smart and satisfying food choices whether dining in or out, before and after the kiddo arrives. The perfect gift for any new parent, it is sure to help make pregnancy healthier, happier, and even more delicious.

Available as an eBook

Mindful Hypnobirthing

Many women are fearful of birth, having been influenced by TV shows and films presenting labour as painful and alarming. However, birth does not have to be this way. The Mindful Hypnobirthing Method will show you how to reduce pain, feel calm and enjoy the most extraordinary experience of your life. This new book takes a refreshingly positive approach to birth, helping mums-to-be look forward to the experience with excitement rather than apprehension. Written by a clinical hypnotherapist and doula, The Mindful Hypnobirthing Method provides practical and reassuring mindfulness techniques to practise throughout pregnancy and labour to ensure you remain relaxed, confident, focussed and in control. There are also downloadable hypnosis and relaxation tracks for you to use and enjoy. With advice from nurses and midwives as well as hypnotherapists and psychologists, this book will answer all your questions, explain your options and teach you to trust your body so you can have the birth that you want.

Available as an eBook and an eAudiobook

Pilates for Pregnancy

Will give focus not just to first time pregnancies but also second pregnancies and how to survive the toddler implications on your pregnancy posture/energy levels Safe and effective Pilates exercises and bite-sized advice throughout about cardio exercise from pregnancy exercise specialist Advice from a perinatal (weeks before and weeks after birth) mental health-specialist midwife throughout on staying healthy and positive during your pregnancy The pregnancy market is huge. Aimed at pregnant women, but not just first timers. Particularly useful for mums of one (or two) who want hints and advice on how to prioritise their own posture and strength while their focus is on their little one.

Available as an eBook

Postnatal Pilates: A Recovery and Strength Guide for Life

Many mothers are desperate to get back into exercise but don’t know how. Pilates provides the perfect body-conditioning programme for birth and beyond. Anya Hayes has a large following on social media and many influencer contacts who are happy to promote the book and its message. Provides safe and effective Pilates exercises and advice throughout about getting into cardio exercise. Contains advice from perinatal/postnatal mental health specialists and experts throughout on staying healthy and positive in motherhood. This is a straight-talking, woman-to-woman postnatal recovery guide with a difference. These tailored Pilates exercises are safe and effective to build strong foundations, whatever your exercise goals. Clear step-by-step exercises are suitable for the fourth trimester, caesarean recovery and year one and beyond. Take control of your postnatal recovery and feel empowered with this toolkit of resources.

Available as an eBook

Eating for Two

Every mum-to-be wants to know that she’s eating the right things for herself and her baby. Nutrition is vital during pregnancy, and there’s a huge amount of conflicting advice out there. For the first time, child nutrition expert Annabel Karmel brings her food knowledge and experience to expectant mothers, guiding you through each stage of your pregnancy and offering tips and advice on what to eat and avoid. From the best foods to eat to promote conception, through ideas for avoiding morning sickness in the first trimester, to the best nutrition to combat sleeplessness, anaemia and heartburn later on, Annabel leads you through your pregnancy and beyond, even suggesting meals to make and freeze ready for when you have your new baby! With Annabel’s advice and over 90 fabulous recipes, you can be confident that you are eating the best possible diet for you and your developing baby.

Available as an eBook

Winging It!

Joining the parenting club in our thirties and beyond means that we are spinning an extraordinary amount of plates, often including a career at its peak. Most of us co-parent or fly solo in the true sense of the word, relying solely on our partners and/or friends when more often than not, extended family are too far away to help on a regular basis. Our parents could look to their parents for the usual guidance and extra support, but our situation is new, modern and unique. We are winging it! This book isn’t a guide or a parenting manual – it’s more of a support group for parents who are having their children in their thirties and forties to get together, to celebrate, share experiences, laugh and find joy in what is still the biggest life changing experience any of us will ever go through. It’s the book I looked for when I was pregnant, that spoke to me as a working parent and that I couldn’t find so I’ve had a go at writing one myself.

Available as an eBook and eAudiobook

Your Pregnancy Week by Week: Practical and Reassuring Advice from Conception to Birth

The wonderful news of a new addition to the family will leave you and your loved ones eager to prepare for their arrival. However, it is you, with the support of your partner, who will experience your child’s first nine months of development during pregnancy. Your Pregnancy Week by Week tells you everything you need to know about your pregnancy. On a week-by-week basis, you can learn how your baby is developing, how and why your body is changing and what you can do to ensure a smooth and comfortable pregnancy, every step of the way. With clear, authoritative advice that demystifies complex medical jargon, this indispensable guide takes you through each stage of pregnancy, addressing common concerns and questions to ensure a healthy start for your baby.

Available as an eBook

Your Baby Week by Week

Finding out what to expect during each week of pregnancy is easy; the shops are heaving with informative guides. Yet when the baby finally arrives and you are left to face the weeks of unpredictability and worry that a newborn baby brings, there are no week-by-week baby manuals to offer the advice, information and reassurance you need. Your Baby Week By Week is the guide you’ve been crying out for. Each chapter covers just one week of a baby’s development, and, ideal for tired and anxious parents, the week is divided into sections so that you can quickly and easily skim the chapter and find the information you’re looking for. It covers the basics – sleep, feeding, crying, washing, play and development – as well as being packed full of vital information and handy tips for checking a baby’s progress, including: – which vaccinations he needs and when – how much milk/feeds he needs – planning ahead – specific problems you may encounter, such as colic, and how to deal with them Clearly laid out and written by two experienced mothers – one a paediatrician, the other the Daily Mirror’s health editor, this is a reassuring and practical guide to help you through the crucial first six months of parenthood.

Available as an eBook and an eAudiobook

Best Baby Names 2020

Deciding on a name is one of the most exciting decisions you’ll make ahead of your new arrival but with so much choice it can be daunting to know where to start. Best Baby Names 2020 is full of inspirational names for your new baby. Whether you want a classic or a modern name or you don’t know either way this book will give you an A-Z of 9,000 possibilities. With advice and tips on how to choose the best name for your baby, how to approach relatives and all their opinions and the latest trends, you can find the ideal name and feel confident in your choice.

Available as an eBook

Young Gums: Baby Food with Attitude

A breath of fresh air for new parents’ – Skye Gyngell Award-winning food blogger Beth Bentley makes weaning fun and simple with a combination of baby-led and spoon-fed nutritious, wholesome recipes that are packed full of flavour. Say goodbye to fruit-sweetened, unidentifiable purees and instead make real, delicious food that the whole family can enjoy. Focusing on just a few great ingredients, clever flavour combinations and easy cooking methods, this is food that can be scaled up easily so that the family is able to enjoy the one meal – together; a practice that will help your baby develop good eating and social habits. And even better, the majority can be made using just one hand and just one pan! Including recipes such as Rainbow Ragu, Sweet Potato Cookies, Baby Burrito Bowls and No-roast Chicken Pot Roast, this step-by-step guide will take you from the daunting first stages of weaning right up to one year, with confidence and excitement. Including over 60 meals for both baby and mum, here are healthy, flavoursome recipes for a happy baby.

Available as an eBook

Most libraries have a ‘Parent’ collection covering a huge variety of parent related topics from weaning, sleep deprivation and potty training to toddler tantrums and fussy eaters amongst many other issues. 

When a Book Might Help is a selected list of children’s titles covering everyday challenges and triumphs, as well as more difficult situations. Sharing stories can help put a child’s mind at ease and make transitions and new experiences easy to cope with. 

Bumps, Birth, Babies

The prospect of a new baby can trigger all sorts of questions from young children.  Sharing stories about birth can put a child’s mind at ease and make the experience easier to cope with.


book cover

There’s a House Inside My Mummy – Giles Andreae and Vanessa Cabban

A story about a little boy’s wait for his new baby. The author gives us a child’s-eye view of this important period in a family’s life, which will touch parent and child alike.
Age: 3+


book cover

Mummy Laid an Egg! – Babette Cole

This is not a serious look at birth but an amusing, tongue-in-cheek treatment for older children.  Pictures may be a bit graphic for some tastes.
Age: 6+


Book Cover

Where Do Babies Come From? – Katie Daynes and Christine Pym

There is a lot of information about birth and reproduction in this ‘lift the flap’ book. As well as human beings, it covers several animals, birds and insects. Definitely one for adults to share with their children.
Age: 3+


book cover

Baby on Board – Kes Gray and Sarah Nayler

A very funny look at pregnancy for older children, presented in a cartoon picture book style. Deals with the facts about the growing embryo as well as the impact on family life.
Age: 5+


book cover

The Bump – Mij Kelly and Nicholas Allan

A lovely look back at how ‘you’ came to be, told with some nice repeated phrases and ideas.
Age: 3+


book cover

Hello Baby – Jenni Overend and Julie Vivas

The whole family gather and help as Jack’s baby brother is born in their front room. An unusual description of birth that is both realistic and tender. This book could prepare a child who may take part in such an experience, but its graphic pictures make it a book to share with an adult for reassurance and explanation.
Age: 3+


book cover

Mummy, Mummy, What’s In Your Tummy? – Sarah Simpson-Enock and Linzi West

What is inside Mummy, making her tummy so big? Could it be a round, red balloon? Is there enough room? After lots of guesses the children get to meet their new baby. No ‘technical’ information here, just lots of fun.
Age: 2+


The New Baby – Lisa Stickley

Lisa Stickley’s third children’s book is all about the first year in the life of a baby, as told by his big sister. From first arriving home to sitting up and crawling, it is a voyage of discovery, full of fun, wonder, and beautiful observation.


Useful Organisation

National Childbirth Trust
Offers support in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood
www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com

Bumps, Birth and Babies

The prospect of a new baby can trigger all sorts of feelings and questions from young children. And the arrival of a new baby means all sorts of adjustments for everyone in the family, especially for big brothers and sisters. 
Sharing stories about babies, births and living with a new baby can put a child’s mind at ease and make the experience easier to cope with.


Image result for Albert and Little Henry

Albert and Little Henry
by Jez Alborough

Albert was not a puppy any more.  Albert was a big dog. But when his baby brother, Henry, came along something very strange happened.  He started to feel small.
Age: 3+


There’s a House Inside My Mummy
by Giles Andreae and Vanessa Cabban

A story about a little boy’s wait for his new baby. The author gives us a child’s-eye view of this important period in a family’s life, which will touch parent and child alike.
Age: 3+


Aren’t You Lucky!
by Catherine and Laurence Anholt

A toddler is not convinced that she is lucky to have a baby brother, until he is old enough for her to help. Lots of familiar situations to talk about.
Age: 4+


Image result for Sophie and the new baby

Sophie and the New Baby
by Catherine and Laurence Anholt

Sophie loves the new baby – at first. But it comes as a big shock when she finds out it’s staying for good. A gentle story, useful in that the time factor is well illustrated.
Age: 5+


My Baby Sister
by Emma Chichester Clark

Humber has to adjust to a new baby sister who takes Mum’s attention. A comforting story of a toddler adjusting to a new baby, featuring a familiar picture book character.
Age: 2+


When I First Met You, Blue Kangaroo!
by Emma Chichester Clark

Lily finds it’s not easy learning new things and looking after someone who is very small – like her new baby brother and Blue Kangaroo.
Age: 4+


Mummy Laid an Egg!
by Babette Cole

This is not a serious look at birth but an amusing, tongue-in-cheek treatment for older children.  Pictures may be a bit graphic for some tastes.
Age: 6+


Za-Za’s Baby Brother
Lucy Cousins

Za-Za feels left out when the new baby arrives but when he’s the only one she can cuddle she finds he’s not so bad after all. A warm brightly illustrated book.
Age: 2+


Where Do Babies Come From?
by Katie Daynes and Christine Pym

There is a lot of information about birth and reproduction in this ‘lift the flap’ book. As well as human beings, it covers several animals, birds and insects. Definitely one for adults to share with their children.
Age: 3+


Billy and Belle
by Sarah Garland

When the day comes for Billy and Belle’s mum to have her new baby, Belle is allowed to go to school with Billy. Everything goes according to plan until Belle gets into a spot of bother with her pet spider.
Age: 3+


Baby on Board
by Kes Gray and Sarah Nayler

A very funny look at pregnancy for older children, presented in a cartoon picture book style. Deals with the facts about the growing embryo as well as the impact on family life.
Age: 5+


A new baby!
by Roderick Hunt

Kipper helps his friend to get ready for the arrival of a new baby in his family. When the baby arrives early Sam and his little brother Leo stay with Kipper and prepare to welcome the new baby home into their family.
Age: 4+


Katie Morag and the Tiresome Ted
by Mairi Hedderwick

Katie Morag is very put out by the arrival of her new baby sister.  She gets so cross she kicks her teddy into the sea.  This book includes an illustration of breast feeding.
Age: 4+


The Bump
by Mij Kelly and Nicholas Allan

A lovely look back at how ‘you’ came to be, told with some nice repeated phrases and ideas.
Age: 3+


We’re Having a Super Baby
by Abi Longstaff and Jane Massey

When Mummy and Daddy told me I was going to be a big brother I knew that the baby was going to be special – I just had to wait.  A warm and funny book to share.
Age: 3+


15 things NOT to do with a baby
by Margaret McAllister and Holly Sterling

Congratulations, you have a new baby in your family. This books includes some humorous tips for a happy life with your newest family member.
Age: 4+


The Smile
by Michelle Magorian and Sam Usher

Josh hates the new house, the terrible wallpaper in his new bedroom and, most of all, his new baby brother. Mum and Dad don’t seem to have any time for him. Will Josh ever feel part of the family again?
Age: 5+


Hello Baby
by Jenni Overend and Julie Vivas

The whole family gather and help as Jack’s baby brother is born in their front room. An unusual description of birth that is both realistic and tender. This book could prepare a child who may take part in such an experience, but its graphic pictures make it a book to share with an adult for reassurance and explanation.
Age: 3+


Izzie’s Idea
by Jillian Powell and Leonie Shearing

When Izzie’s baby brother Ben arrives home he takes up everyone’s time with feeding and changing and bathing. When Ben cries and cries, Izzie solves the problem with smiles all around.
Age: 5+


Image result for How big is our baby? / Smriti Prasadam-Halls, Britta Teckentrup.

How big is our baby?
by Smriti Prasadam-Halls

When a new baby is on the way, siblings-to-be have lots of feelings and plenty of questions. But whether they’re impatient, curious or a little worried, this friendly and reassuring guide explains each step of the pregnancy journey and helps little ones feel involved and excited. With a month-by-month approach that compares the size of the growing baby to something familiar to the young reader, such as a speck of sand at the seaside or an egg, readers also find out about how the baby is developing, from when the heart might first beat to when they’ll be able to feel it kick. The book also includes information about how life might change once the baby arrives, and how exciting it will be to have a new baby brother or sister.
Age: 4+


Mummy, Mummy, What’s In Your Tummy?
by Sarah Simpson-Enock and Linzi West

What is inside Mummy, making her tummy so big? Could it be a round, red balloon? Is there enough room? After lots of guesses the children get to meet their new baby. No ‘technical’ information here, just lots of fun.
Age: 2+


The New Baby
by Lisa Stickley

Lisa Stickley’s third children’s book is all about the first year in the life of a baby, as told by his big sister. From first arriving home to sitting up and crawling, it is a voyage of discovery, full of fun, wonder, and beautiful observation.
Age: 5+


Useful Organisation

ICON:
Advice, help and support for parents and carers on how to cope with a crying baby.

National Childbirth Trust:
Offers support in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood

The Family Way by Tony Parsons

About the book

Paulo loves Jessica. He thinks that together they are complete – a family of two. But Jessica can’t be happy until she has a baby, and the baby stubbornly refuses to come. Can a man and a woman ever really be a family of two?
Megan doesn’t love her boyfriend anymore. After a one-night stand with an Australian beach bum, she finds that even a trainee doctor can slip up on the family planning. Should you bring a child into the world if you don’t love its father?
Cat loves her life. After bringing up her two youngest sisters, all she craves is freedom. Her older boyfriend has done the family thing before and is in no rush to do it all again. But can a modern woman really find true happiness without ever being in the family way?
Three sisters. Three couples. Two pregnancies. Six men and women struggling with love, sex, fertility and the meaning of family.

Reviewed by Cheerful Bags reading Group:

Really enjoyed this book. We thought it was wonderful that a man (the author) could have such sensitivity to a woman’s feelings. It also had a nice happy ending for a change, gave us a lift.

Star rating: ***

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The Wives of Bath by Wendy Holden

About the book

Four parents-to-be seem ante-natally sorted. Flash Hugo and Amanda have booked a chic private clinic and royal maternity nurse. Right-on Jake and Alice want an all-natural home birth with whale music and tree-hugging nappies. But nothing goes quite to plan. Amanda finds motherhood less glam than the stars make it look and disappears back to her career. Which leaves Hugo with the child and without a clue what to do. Alice has problems too. Bringing up baby to Jake’s eco-fascist standards means home-made organic everything and a recycled cardboard cot. Will nappiness bring happiness to anybody? Not before bedhopping spouses, beastly bosses and bitchy nursery mothers have all done their dreadful worst…

Reviewed by Havers Reading Group:

Amusing in parts – tongue in cheek humour. Satirical – exaggerated opposites – could easily relate to real life. Good description of characters.

Star rating: **+

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