Knowledge is a powerful companion on this journey. Whether you’re preparing for birth, supporting a partner, or seeking parenting resources, these materials are here to empower and uplift.
Each title has been carefully chosen to provide insight, reassurance, and practical guidance. No matter where you are in your journey, these books offer trusted support to help you navigate with confidence.
Looking for support near you?
I also share trusted community resources for families in Lake Geneva, Janesville, and Chicago. Including local care providers, support groups, and family-friendly organizations. Jump to Local Resources.
Featured Reads: Empowering Your Journey
With so many great resources out there, it can be hard to know where to start. These are a few of my personal favorites! Books that offer honest insights, practical tips, and a lot of heart.
Whether you’re getting ready for birth, settling into life with a new baby, or supporting someone you love, I hope these reads feel like trusted companions along the way.
This collection of real-life birth stories from well-known authors is raw, honest, and beautifully written. Some will make you laugh, some might bring a tear—but all of them remind us that no two births look the same. It’s a great read if you want to feel less alone and more connected to the wider world of birthing experiences.
Labor Day: True Birth Stories by Today’s Best Women Writers – Anna Solomon and Eleanor Henderson
A classic for a reason. It’s like having a practical, reassuring guide by your side through every stage of pregnancy. Super informative, easy to flip through, and full of helpful answers when you’ve got questions at 3am.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting – Heidi Murkoff
Written by doulas who get it, this book is real, relatable, and refreshingly honest. It covers everything from birth planning to the emotional rollercoaster of postpartum—and it does it with humor and heart. Perfect if you’re looking for support that feels like a friend who’s been there.
Why Did No One Tell Me This?: The Doulas’ (Honest) Guide for Expectant Parents – Natalia Hailes, Ash Spivak
More Books to Explore
In addition to the three reads I personally return to again and again, I’ve gathered a broader collection of titles that speak to many different experiences and needs. These are grouped by topics to help you find what feels most relevant to where you are right now.
You can browse by category and follow the links to learn more or grab a copy from a trusted bookseller.
Breastfeeding & Infant Care
The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two – William Sears, Martha Sears, James Sears & Robert Sears
What to Expect the First Year – Heidi Murkoff
Breastfeeding Made Simple – Nancy Mohrbacher & Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding – La Leche League International
The Breastfeeding Book – Martha Sears & William Sears
The Positive Breastfeeding Book – Amy Brown
Loss & Healing
Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief – Martha Whitmore Hickman
Hope & Healing for Transcending Loss – Ashley Davis Bush
How to Live When a Loved One Dies – Thich Nhat Hanh
It’s OK That You’re Not OK – Megan Devine
I Wasn’t Ready to Say Goodbye – Brook Noel & Pamela D. Blair
Pregnancy After a Loss – Carol Cirulli Lanham
Trying Again – Ann Douglas & John R. Sussman
When Survivors Give Birth – Penny Simkin & Phyllis Klaus
Partners & Support People
And Baby Makes Three – Julie Gottman & John M. Gottman
Mothering the New Mother – Sally Placksin
Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby – Kristin Revere & Alyssa Veneklase
The Birth Partner (5th Edition) – Penny Simkin
The Doula’s Guide to Empowering Your Birth – Lindsey Bliss
Welcome to Fatherhood – David Arrell
We’re Pregnant! The First-Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook – Adrian Kulp
Postpartum & Parenting
Becoming Us: 8 Steps to Grow a Family That Thrives – Elly Taylor
Cribsheet – Emily Oster
Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts – Karen Kleiman & Molly McIntyre
Like a Mother – Angela Garbes
The First Forty Days – Heng Ou
The Fourth Trimester – Kimberly Ann Johnson
Transformed by Birth – Britta Bushnell
Pregnancy & Birth
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn – Ann Keppler, Janet Whalley & Penny Simkin
Home Birth on Your Own Terms: A How-To Guide for Birthing Unassisted – Heather Baker
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth – Ina May Gaskin
When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads (4th Edition) – Barbara Luke, Roger Newman & Tamara Eberlein
Birthing from Within – Pam England
The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide – Genevieve Howland
Looking for something more specific?
Every journey is unique and if you’re seeking something tailored to your experience, I’m always happy to help you find the right fit. Whether it’s a book recommendation, local support, or just a listening ear, feel free to reach out. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Tap Contact Miranda to reach out whenever you’re ready!
Rooted in Community: Local Support Resources
In addition to the books and guides above, I’ve gathered a few trusted local resources for families in the areas I serve. Whether you’re looking for lactation support, mental health care, inclusive providers, or community connection, these links are a starting point. If you’re ever unsure where to turn, I’m always happy to help you find what fits.
Lake Geneva
Birthing Hospitals & Centers
- Mercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center – Walworth: Closest full-service hospital with maternity care.
- Aurora Health Center – Lake Geneva: Offers OB/GYN services and referrals to nearby birthing hospitals.
Parenting Classes
- Walworth County Health & Human Services: Offers parenting support, home visits, and child development screenings.
- Lake Geneva Public Library: Hosts storytimes and occasional parenting workshops.
Pregancy Fitness
- Geneva Lakes YMCA: Offers prenatal-friendly fitness classes and aquatic exercise.
- Local Studios: Check for prenatal yoga at Lake Geneva Yoga or other boutique wellness centers.
Breastfeeding Support Groups
- Aurora Health Center – Lake Geneva: Offers lactation support and postpartum care.
- La Leche League of Walworth County: Monthly meetings and phone support.
Waukesha
Birthing Hospitals & Centers
- ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital: All-in-one birthing suites, hydrotherapy, and lactation support.
Parenting Classes
- Parents Place: Love and Logic and Nurturing Parenting classes.
- Family Service of Waukesha: Co-parenting and divorce support groups.
Pregancy Fitness
- Foundation Physical Therapy: Pelvic floor recovery and labor prep.
- Women’s Health Care Waukesha: Exercise guidance and safety tips.
Breastfeeding Support Groups
- Waukesha County Breastfeeding Coalition: Advocacy and support groups.
- ProHealth Care: Breastfeeding classes and lactation consultations.
Milwaukee
Birthing Hospitals & Centers
- Aurora Sinai Birthing Center: Midwifery care, water birth, NICU, and childbirth education.
- Froedtert Hospital Birth Center: Level IV NICU, private birthing suites, and prenatal classes.
- Ascension St. Joseph: Offers maternal-fetal medicine and lactation support
Parenting Classes
- The Parenting Network: Offers Triple P, Nurturing Parenting, and Dad Matters programs.
- Children’s Wisconsin: Workshops and coaching for parents of children birth to 16.
Pregancy Fitness
- North Shore Wellness Collective: Prenatal yoga, pelvic floor therapy, and postpartum fitness
- FIT4MOM Milwaukee: Stroller workouts and prenatal fitness classes
Breastfeeding Support Groups
- Children’s Wisconsin: IBCLC-led lactation services and pumping support.
- African American Breastfeeding Network: Culturally competent support and advocacy.
Need help finding support?
I know it’s not always easy to ask or even know where to begin. If you’re looking for something specific or just want help making sense of your options, I’m here!Tap Contact Miranda to reach out whenever you’re ready!
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