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One of the first questions you ask yourself when you learn that you are pregnant is, “Wow! OK, what do I need to know?”
The next thing you probably do is download an app or do some internet research on pregnancy and how to prepare for this big life change. Unfortunately, you can’t believe everything you read online. And if you are a Black mom, the general information may or may not touch on everything you want to know. You may be wondering, where are the books for Black parents?
Pregnancy for Black women can be difficult, confusing, scary, and even dangerous, given the the statistics surrounding pregnancy. Learning from professionals, trusted sources, and other moms in the same boat is a great way to supplement all of the information you will read about on your favorite app or site after seeing what size fruit your baby is.
As a new Black mother, I had questions about what to do if the health care system didn’t take care of me, if the darkness on my body would go away, the safe medications for my high blood pressure, if someone would be there to explain and help if I experienced any trauma, and more.
Here are 10 books that are especially suited for Black mothers who are expecting.
1. Black, Pregnant and Loving It
When you’re looking for month-by-month guidance, this book covers it all. This guide was written by Yvette Allen-Campbell and Dr. Suzanne Greenidge-Hewitt for Black mothers in light of their higher risk of complications during pregnancy, such as hypertension, asthma, and preterm birth.
2. Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting in America
Written by Nefertiti Austin, a pioneer of adoption in the Black community, this book tells the stories and ups and downs of parenting for Black families in America today. This book helps start conversations when social issues, cultural bias, and racism influence the perspective that new mothers may have when bringing a little one into the world.
3. My Brown Baby: On the Joys and Challenges of Raising African American Children
This national parenting expert’s website has been called a “must read” by the* New York Times* and Denene Millner’s subsequent book expounds on the experiences, joys, triumphs, and fears of Black mothers. Pregnancy, child-rearing, relationships, and politics of the journey of raising Black children are all discussed throughout the book.
4. Natural Pregnancy Guide: Empowering Moms To Make Healthy Choices
One size does not fit all when it comes to pregnancy. Each mom has the ability to make her own choices on birth plans and individualize her pregnancy for herself. This book, written by Dr. Laurena White, gives you an outline on how to make those decisions in a natural way for you.
5. Mama’s Little Baby: The Black Woman’s Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby’s First Year
While this book was written some years ago, the message stands – our heritage and history as Black mothers is rich and still full of lessons to be used today. Written by Dr. Dennis Brown and Pamela A. Toussaint, this book covers health risks of Black pregnancy, adapting traditional recipes for healthy eating by mother and baby, the special needs of single mothers, spiritual, emotional and mental health needs, and cultural information from previous generations.
6. To Black Parents Visiting Earth: Raising Black Children in the 21st Century
This book, by Janet Stickmon, is for any mom anticipating having a talk with her child about what it means to be Black in today’s climate. Written with practical advice on raising happy, confident, and resilient children, this book would be a benefit to any mother.
7. The Brown Mama Mindset: A Blueprint for Black Moms on Life, Love and Home
Becoming a mother changes more than just your body and lifestyle. You as a person will change. This book, by Muffy Mendoza, helps you uncover the truth about what type of mother you want to be and how to be that.
8. The Mocha Manual to a Fabulous Pregnancy
This book has been praised for its cultural relevance on the subject of pregnancy for Black mothers. It is also written by Kimberly Seals-Allers in a straightforward, no-frills tone, with funny anecdotes to keep you on your toes.
9. Expecting: The Black Woman’s Pregnancy Diary
For the mom who wants to journal and capture each part of the journey through pregnancy, this planner and workbook allows for space to feel all the feels of expecting.
10. Pregnant A.F: The Black Woman’s Pregnancy Journal
This journal focuses on the best ways to organize your pregnancy and create a stress-free space to jot down your thoughts. Preparing emotionally for your new arrival may be a lot to think about, so this workbook, the prompts, and worksheets keep you in the right frame of mind.
