Green Parent Chicago

The Top Ten Hands Down Best Birth and Breastfeeding Book Classics

There have been a number of excellent parenting books written and published over the past 13 years since I first became a mom. There's no doubt many future classics are being written and published today.

But this is my personal list of top ten favorite mindful parenting books. What makes these classics to me? Despite having been originally published some 10, 20 or even 30+ years ago, they are still widely read by new generations of moms and dads and their no-nonsense, logical wisdom and focus on instinctive parenting makes them timeless.

1. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding

2. The Baby Book

3. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

4. Natural Family Living

5. Becoming the Parent You Want to Be

6. Nightime Parenting

7. The Birth Partner

8. The Birth Book

9. Mothering Your Nursing Toddler

10.Birthing From Within

I'd love to hear from you? What would be on your top ten list? Are there books that you've recommended to friends or family that you couldn't live without as a new parent? Tell us in the comments below:

-Christine

-photo credit:DioBurto, flickr

My Top Books for Breastfeeding, Plus a Mother's Day Discount on Nursing Wares

It's been a few years since I've been on active duty, active breastfeeding duty that is. But, luckily I still get to be surrounded by little bundles of nursling joy as many of my friends and family continue to nurse their littles and add to their family numbers.

Although our family seems to be complete, (we started a little early), there are a couple of things that I remember keeping me sane and steady during those early months of new motherhood. The first was a collection of good books with comforting advice. The following are my personal favorites.

(In no particular order):

1. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International:

2. Nighttime Parenting by William Sears, M.D.

3. The Breastfeeding Book by Martha Sears, R.N. and William Sears, M.D.

4. Natural Family Living by Peggy O'Mara

5. Mothering Your Nursing Toddler by Norma Jane Bumgarner

6. How Weaning Happens by Diane Bengson

7. The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins

8. The Baby Book by Martha Sears, R.N and William Sears, M.D.

Yes, I am partial to attachment parenting books and as you can see the Sears' books. But, unlike what Time magazine would have you believe from this month's cover, I don't think this method of parenting style has to be based on extremes of any sort. Take what works for your family, and find other methods for other areas, that's my belief. If everyone in the family is happy, healthy and safe that's the key.

The number two help for me as a new nursing mom was finding comfortable nursing bras. My favorite nursing bras were wire-free and made from a mostly natural fabrics. My personal favorites included bras from Leading Lady. Leading Lady is a family owned and operated business based in Cleveland and has been around for over 70 years.

That's why I'm so glad to offer Green Parent Chicago readers a discount on 100% certified organic nursing bras and camis from Leading Lady. 

Just enter code GREEN15 at checkout for 15% off the entire Leading Lady organic collection (the collection includes bras, camis and a panty set) until June 8. This code has unlimited uses until June 8.

Happy nursing!

-Christine

-photo credit: Mothering Touch, flickr