10 of the best pregnancy, birth and baby books in Australia in 2024

What makes The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth a must-read?

'The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth' is the realistic and nurturing best friend you've always dreamed of having in pregnancy; the one that tells you everything you need to know so you never have to say: "I wish I'd known!"

"This is an honest conversation about just how significant the changes of pregnancy are to your life. The growth of your baby is definitely important and we've covered it in each trimester, but this book is about you - how your body is changing, how your emotions are faring, the importance of essential care, and the acknowledgment that your pregnancy, birth, and motherhood experience is precious and unique to you; there's no need to compare it with anyone else's or aim for perfection. Ask any mother, obstetrician, midwife, or birth worker and they will agree: perfection doesn't exist in pregnancy and it most definitely doesn't exist in parenthood." 

Whether you're planning to conceive, already pregnant, deep in early motherhood, or thinking of adding another baby to your family, this book is exactly what you need.

Real customer reviews:

“The best pregnancy book I have EVER read… A beautifully written, personal but educational book that will empower women before, during and after pregnancy. I love the fact it combines information with expert voices and stories. I wish I had this collective wisdom when I was starting my motherhood journey.” - Dr Jana Pittman, Obstetrician

What makes Eat, Sleep, Play, Love a must-read?

A practical, non-judgmental and honest guide to the first two years of a child’s life for a new generation of Australian parents.

Practising GP, mother of two and Instagram’s popular doctor Preeya Alexander is a refreshing new voice in the parenting space. Her hands-on, inclusive and down-to-earth advice, combined with a big dose of fun, is the ultimate survival guide for the first two years of parenting.

Preeya offers straightforward and trustworthy information about looking after both babies and new parents. From postpartum care and mastitis to feeding and sleep problems, nothing is off limits.

Eat, Sleep, Play, Love demystifies this sleep-deprived time and breaks down complex topics with wisdom and humour to make them easily digestible and achievable.

Real reviews:

'Eat, Sleep, Play, Love is a practical, non-judgemental and honest guide to the first two years of a child's life for a new generation of Australian parents. Alexander offers hands-on, inclusive and down-to-earth advice in this survival guide for the first two years of parenting for looking after both babies and new parents. From postpartum care and mastitis to feeding and sleep problems, nothing is off limits. It might be a good gift for new or soon-to-be parents.' - The Canberra Times

What makes ‘Babies Have Superpowers’ a must-read?

A new mum herself, Georgia enjoys taking inspiration from her own journey of motherhood and has a desire to celebrate the uniquely special bond between mother and baby. Georgia has written Babies Have Superpowers to encourage new mums to enjoy these precious moments with their babies, and to ensure that babies will learn from a young age just how truly valued, important and loved they are.

What makes ‘The First Six Weeks’ a must-read?

These first weeks of a baby's life can be a challenge for any new parent. Midwife Cath's invaluable experience and wisdom will guide you through them as well as help you establish a routine that will ensure a healthier, happier baby and better-rested and more confident parents.

Cathryn Curtin has delivered more than 10,000 babies over the last 40 years, so she understands how the first six weeks of a baby's life are vital for establishing habits that help create a healthy, happy routine for your baby and a loving lifelong bond between you and your child.

In this practical and easy-to-use pregnancy book and guide, Midwife Cath covers all aspects of a newborn's first weeks, from caring for your baby to coping with the sudden emotional and physical changes of new parenthood. By following her brilliant bath, bottle, and bed routine, you'll enjoy a deep sleep for up to five hours in these demanding early weeks while your partner has some precious one-on-one time with your child.

Real customer reviews:

'Cath Curtin is the newborn baby guru! A calming voice, a gentle hand, and a wealth of knowledge during one of the most incredible but terrifying times of your life - new parenthood. To have Cath's support after the birth of my first son was invaluable and I don't know how I would have done it without her!' - Rebecca Judd

What makes ‘Milk to Meals’ a must-read?

Starting your baby on solids is one of the most confusing and daunting tasks for new parents. Never before have there been more pre-made food options, feeding methods, and scientific recommendations – all of which can lead to confusion, doubt, and even fear.

Milk to Meals is a baby book to help guide you on this journey. It entails evidence-based and judgement-free advice to equip you with the confidence and knowledge to navigate this exciting time in your baby's life, whilst supporting their delicate digestive system and nutritional needs. It contains ALL the information you need to know about starting solids PLUS over 80 recipes to put this newfound knowledge into practice!

Real customer reviews:

“Found Luka because of Instagram and purchased her book as I had no idea what I was doing.

I love how she breaks everything down and explains how AND why with introducing foods to your bub. The recipes are pretty good (some are a bit too much for me!) but I will definitely keep referring to this book for a LONG time to come.” - Grace Emery

What makes ‘WOTBaby Bible’ a must-read?

The WOTBaby Bible is a detailed Early Parenting guide that will navigate you through from birth to 12-15 months.

It’s based on Jen’s 30 years’ of personal experience working as a mothercraft nurse with babies and parents worldwide, whose techniques have been proven to be virtually 100% successful when implemented.

Jen explains the Windows of Time, a concept she developed, which guides you on how long to spend on the key topics we all question such as feeding, sleeping, playing, settling and resettling.

Jen will help you understand the foundation of sleep and how these key topics are all interconnected. Covering everything from newborn reflexes and crying to routines and a guide to introducing a bottle and solids, this baby book will answer all your early parenting questions and will help you understand your baby’s needs.

Real customer reviews:

“If you follow the steps, get out of the way, refrain from making it about your emotions and focus on what the baby needs, I promise you your baby will sleep” - Zoe Marshall

What makes ‘Up the Duff’ a must-read?

This edition of 'Up The Duff' has been fully revised and updated. Australia’s most trusted advisor on women’s health delivers the lowdown on pregnancy, birth and how to best prepare for life with a baby. There’s no bossy-boots advice – just lots of cartoons and the soundest, sanest, wittiest advice you’ll ever get.

Inside you will discover ...

• the crucial week-by week info on what’s happening to you and the baby, coupled with the hilarious diary of Hermoine the (even more) Modern Girl

• everything you need to know about preparing for pregnancy and birth

• info on conceiving and the latest in IVF

• crying, eating, weeing, sleeping, working

• partners, bosoms, busybodies and bunny-rugs

• nausea, stretch marks and other 'side effects' mucking with your ‘glow’

• the very latest tests – what they are, what they're for and when you should have them

• healthy foetal growth, development and movements

• the best services, websites and books on everything pregnancy

• 'natural childbirth' vs medical intervention

• baby clothes and nappies; travel, safety, and how to be rude to complete strangers

• labour, caesareans and pain relief

• breastfeeding and what it's life’s like with a newborn baby.

Real customer reviews:

“I have heard great things about this book so I decided to get it for myself. Very readable, relatable and funny. I'm only 19 weeks into the book so far and I'm loving it. It has given me information as a first time mum I didn't have before and the author makes you feel like your not alone in your feelings and eases your mind of things you not sure about. I will be getting the next book for sure. Would 100% recommend to anyone “ - Ionnie

What makes Bec Judd’s ‘Baby Bible’ a must-read?

What you're not expecting when you're expecting...

Bec Judd has been pregnant quite a lot: three pregnancies, three deliveries, and four gorgeous newborn babies. From carrying a baby, delivering it, feeding it, and raising it, Bec has experienced almost everything motherhood can throw at you and she wants to share the secrets and stories that she has learned along the way. Not to mention all those things about pregnancy, birth and motherhood that often come as a complete surprise.

Join Bec and her dream team of experts (an obstetrician, a midwife, an ultrasound specialist, a women's health physio, and a paediatric sleep specialist) as they take you month by month through your pregnancy. They will share their insider advice on the best ways to eat for two (or three!), stay in shape, and get you and your baby sleeping well.

This gorgeous, comprehensive handbook contains a wealth of honest, practical, and sometimes hilarious advice to prepare you and your baby for life after birth.

Real customer reviews:

“Such a well written book with all the hot tips for a Mum to be without the dullness of the old fashion mum books. Bec is honest, yet non judgmental, encouraging and helpful. This book is light hearted, fun and has given me a lot more confidence to being a mum. Thank you.” - Tarney

What makes ‘The Awakened Family’ a must-read?

Become the awakened parent you've always wanted to be and watch your children thrive.

All parents have aspirations for their children but for some these hopes turn into unrealistic expectations. In many cases, this puts huge amounts of pressure on children and has the potential to cause real harm, hindering your child's development.

Challenging modern myths on how kids should be, Dr Shefali helps parents recognise children for who they truly are instead of holding onto society's impossible ideals.

Drawing on Eastern philosophy as well as Western psychology, Dr Shefali offers enlightened, practical advice and explains her radically transformative plan which guarantees that you have confident children and a calm and emotionally connected family.

Real customer reviews:

“The Awakened Family: How to Raise Empowered, Resilient, and Conscious Children” is an absolute gem of a book that deserves nothing less than a 5-star rating. This insightful guide by Dr. Shefali provides a wealth of knowledge and practical wisdom for parents who aspire to raise empowered, resilient, and conscious children.

From the moment I started reading, I was captivated by the author’s compassionate and empowering approach to parenting. The book delves deep into understanding the needs of children and provides valuable guidance on fostering healthy connections, nurturing emotional intelligence, and cultivating a conscious mindset. The author’s expertise shines through, offering a refreshing perspective that resonates with both new and experienced parents alike.

One of the standout qualities of this book is its ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The author not only shares compelling research and insights but also provides practical tools and exercises to implement in daily life. These actionable strategies have been invaluable in helping me develop a more conscious and nurturing parenting style. The book empowers parents with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate various challenges and create an environment where their children can thrive.” - Wilmari Rodriguez

What makes ‘Hunt, Gather, Parent’ a must-read?

In this ground-breaking book, Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff looks back to our ancestors for solutions to our failing modern-day parenting theories.

When Dr Michaeleen Doucleff became a mother, she examined the studies behind modern parenting guidance and found that the evidence was frustratingly limited, and the conclusions often ineffective. She began to wonder if an opposite approach was needed – one founded on traditional wisdom, like the knowledge and experience passed down over hundreds, even thousands, of years within ancient cultures.

Real customer reviews:

“This book is full of gold nuggets. There’s no list of formulas to follow to “improve you child”, more of a step back and allow the child to try, and the TEAM approach makes this book well worth the read!!” - Steph