Books
Books I reccomend
Here are some books you might find helpful to read before or after your baby arrives.
​Please check back again, as I add more books I recommend for the prenatal and postnatal time in your life and raising happy healthy babies.
The Body Keeps the Score:
Becoming a parent can evoke a wide range of emotions, regardless of whether your child arrived through birth, adoption, or surrogacy. It is essential to prioritize your mental health to support your parenting journey effectively.
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The AIMS Guide to Induction of Labour 2020
The AIMS Guide to Induction of Labour guides you through your rights and provides essential, evidence-based information about the benefits and risks of induction of labour in different situations. It is for you to weigh up the evidence and decide whether induction of labour is right for you and your baby.
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Mary Sheridan's From Birth to Five Years: Children's Developmental Progress
The book of all books. This is the most prized book for all NNEB qualified maternity nursery nurses. It was our go to book for our training and for writing observations on individual children's development as part of our course work.
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Every parent should have a copy to monitor their child's development.
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Attachment Parenting & Understanding Your Baby
As a private maternity nurse and mother who has supported families for several decades, I am firmly against “cry it out” methods.
I believe that babies thrive through connection, comfort and understanding rather than being left to self-soothe in distress.
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In my work, I apply attachment parenting principles with every baby I care for, helping parents to respond with love, patience and confidence.
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By nurturing a calm and connected environment, families can raise happy, healthy children who grow into secure, emotionally balanced adults — free from the early stress and trauma that outdated sleep-training methods can cause.
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Below is a selection of trusted books that support this gentle, evidence-based approach to parenting and explore the long-term benefits of responding to your baby’s needs with empathy and care.
​Attachment Parenting & Responsive Care
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The Attachment Parenting Book: A Commonsense Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Baby
William & Martha Sears
A beautiful introduction to attachment parenting and the “Baby B’s” — bonding, breastfeeding, babywearing and balance — all centred on understanding your baby’s cues and building connection.
Attachment Parenting: Instinctive Care for Your Baby and Young Child
Katie Allison Granju
Encourages parents to follow their instincts and respond to their child’s emotions and needs in a natural, loving way.
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Beyond the Sling: A Real-Life Guide to Raising Confident, Loving Children the Attachment Parenting Way
Mayim Bialik
Warm, funny and real — a practical look at how attachment parenting can fit into everyday family life.
Raising Securely Attached Kids: Using Connection-Focused Parenting to Create Confidence, Empathy and Resilience
Jonice Webb
A reassuring guide showing how strong early bonds build confident, kind and emotionally resilient children.
Modern Attachment Parenting: The Comprehensive Guide to Raising a Secure Child
Jamie Grumet
A more up-to-date take on attachment parenting for today’s families, full of gentle and thoughtful ideas.
Attachment Parenting: Developing Connections and Healing Children
Julie A. Matthews
Focuses on emotional healing and the deep connection between parent and child that supports long-term wellbeing.
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Gentle Alternatives to “Cry It Out”
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Tears and Tantrums: What to Do When Babies and Children Cry
Aletha Solter
Explains why babies and children cry, and how to respond with patience and empathy instead of frustration.
The Science of Parenting: Practical Guidance on Sleep, Crying, Play and Building Emotional Wellbeing for Life
Margot Sunderland
A wonderful blend of science and heart — showing why comforting your baby builds lifelong emotional health.
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The No-Cry Discipline Solution: Gentle Ways to Encourage Good Behaviour Without Whining, Tantrums and Tears
Elizabeth Pantley
Gentle, practical strategies to guide behaviour with love, understanding and respect.
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Understanding Your Crying Baby: Why Babies Cry, How Parents Feel and What You Can Do About It
Sheila Kitzinger
A compassionate look at what crying really means and how to respond in ways that strengthen your bond.
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Note: All book titles and authors are mentioned for educational reference only. Please purchase from your preferred bookseller.
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Dr Gabor Maté on Infant Care and Emotional Development
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Dr Gabor Maté, a respected physician and author known for his work on child development and emotional wellbeing, has spoken openly about the long-term impact of leaving babies to “cry it out”. He explains that when a baby’s cries go unanswered, the infant learns not that they are safe, but that no one will come — which can lead to feelings of insecurity and disconnection later in life.
Dr Maté believes that a baby’s need for comfort, closeness and reassurance is just as vital as food or sleep. By responding lovingly to those early cries, parents help to build the strong emotional foundations that shape a child’s ability to form healthy relationships, manage stress and feel secure in themselves. His work beautifully supports the idea that love and presence in the early years are the greatest gifts we can give our children.
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Recommended Reading
For parents who would like to learn more, Dr Maté’s books such as Hold On to Your Kids (co-written with Dr Gordon Neufeld) and Scattered Minds explore how early attachment, empathy and understanding can transform the way we raise and relate to our children. Both titles offer thoughtful insight into how connection and compassion lay the foundation for lifelong emotional health.
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