My Top Recommended Reading & Listening List

Where to Begin…

When we’re pregnant, it can feel overwhelming just knowing where to start. There’s so much information out there—and it can be hard to know what’s truly helpful.

That’s why I’ve created this evidence-based reading and listening list to inspire, motivate, and inform you on your journey from pregnancy through to postpartum.

These books, websites, and podcasts will help you:

• Nourish yourself and your baby with real food from conception through to postpartum

• Understand the physiological and hormonal processes of labour, birth, bonding, and recovery

• Learn what supports these processes—and what can interrupt them

• Feel confident and empowered to make informed decisions

• Envision what’s truly possible in birth and motherhood

Books

1. Real Food for Fertility

By Lily Nichols & Lisa Hendrickson-Jack
A powerful guide to preconception nutrition, egg and sperm health, menstrual cycles, stress, toxins, ART, and more.
Visit the website
Listen to the podcast episode

2. Real Food for Pregnancy

By Lily Nichols, RDN
An easy-to-read yet deeply researched guide covering nutrition, toxins, supplements, pathology testing, postpartum prep and more.
Visit her website
Follow on Instagram
Podcast episode

3. Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering

By Dr Sarah Buckley
A must-read for understanding the hormones of labour, birth, and bonding. Includes what supports and what interrupts these vital processes.
Visit her website
Podcast episode

4. Books by Dr Sara Wickham

Dr Wickham has written 18 incredible books! Some great starting points include:

• What’s Right for Me

• In Your Own Time

• Inducing Labour
  Explore all books & free resources
  Follow on Instagram

5. HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method

By Marie Mongan
The original book that inspired Calm Birth and HypnoBirthing practices. Learn how to work with your nervous system to prepare for a calm birth.
Hypnobirthing International
Podcast with Anthea Thomas

6. Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage

By Dr Rachel Reed
A holistic and research-based guide that weaves ancient wisdom with modern science, recognising women as the true experts of their birth.
Visit her website

7. The Postnatal Depletion Cure

By Dr Oscar Serrallach
An essential read for understanding postpartum recovery, nutrient needs, and how to prevent or restore depletion.
Follow on Instagram
Podcast episode

8. Village for Mama

By Leila Armour
A practical and heartwarming book with nourishing recipes and meal gift cards for family and friends to support you postpartum.
Follow on Instagram
Podcast episode

Podcasts

⭐ What If We Were Taught – by Kate Martyn

A podcast created to give you the information, wisdom and support you need for conception, pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenting.
Listen on Apple
Listen on Spotify

️ The Great Birth Rebellion

Hosted by Midwives Melanie and B, this podcast shares evidence-based info and real experiences to help you understand your options.
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple

The Midwives Cauldron

Hosted by Dr Rachael Reed and Katie James, this podcast offers expert interviews and personal stories with deep evidence-based insights.
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple

Final Thoughts

Every one of these resources was chosen to support, educate, and empower you through this sacred transition. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or planning for postpartum, let these words and voices guide you home to your own intuition and wisdom.

Happy reading and listening,
Kate Martyn