We are heading toward holiday season now, and for some of you (the lucky ones!) this might mean a mini trip away with the family. Perhaps you have a little coastal retreat in mind, or maybe you envision yourself with your morning cuppa watching the kids chase magpies on some divine rural property.
If you can manage some time out for yourself, reading is such a nourishing and peaceful pastime. Whether it’s a nice printed book (you know the kind – you hold it in your hand and turn the pages…how quaint!), an e-book or, if you like to stay well-connected, a blog or online resource, reading is a way of giving your brain a break while still keeping it active and happy. Is this irony? Not sure but we think it’s definitely win-win!
So here’s a little list we’ve put together for you of our top 6 reading recommendations. These materials, all produced for women like you by some amazing ladies who are experts in their fields, will give you some invaluable advice, tools and inspiration to carry you through to the end of the year…and beyond! Kettle on, feet up, it’s YOU time.
1. Janella Purcell – Janella’s Super Natural Foods
We’ve been awaiting this one for some time and the good news is it’s finally here! Fans of this renowned naturopath, nutritionist, wellness coach, herbalist and environmentalist will know her food to be clean, approachable and oh-so-delicious. Newcomers to her philosophy are about to have their socks knocked off!
The best thing about this book is that it helps the head chef in your busy family cater for all preferences and tastes with simple tweaks to each recipe…so you don’t have to make 3 or 4 or 5 different meals each time. If you’re interested in healthy cooking that will suit the whole family, look no further.
2. Pinky McKay – Parenting By Heart
Having a new baby can be confusing, overwhelming and daunting. It’s so hard to listen to all the competing voices out there, each with a different idea on the RIGHT and WRONG ways to parent. Most of all, it’s difficult to hear your own voice and heed your own instincts when it comes to looking after baby and raising children.
That’s why Pinky’s book Parenting By Heart is such an important read. It will reassure you that the little voice inside you that is telling you how to parent is the most important advice of all. Pinky knows that every child is different and there are very few rules when it comes to parenting, so she’ll teach you how to use your heart as guidance. Get stuck into this one asap – Pinky’s advice is pure gold.
3. Nat Kringoudis – Fertilise Yourself
Nat Kringoudis is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to women’s health, particularly on the fertility side of things. So many couples are finding fertility a tricky issue these days because our modern lifestyle has led to obstacles and complications all over the place.
Luckily, Nat has put together this vital guide that will make an enormous difference to your diet and nutrition, which she says (and we agree) are the main factors affecting fertility today. Whatever else is going on, you clean up your diet and good things start to happen. If you understand the importance of starting with health and wellness before diving headfirst into medical and scientific intervention, read this book. (Note: Even if fertility in terms of pregnancy is not on your agenda, this is a fantastic overhaul for general health, which Nat considers an aspect of fertility too: “Most people associate it with pregnancy, but being more ‘fertile’ can actually improve your general health and wellbeing”, she says.)
4. Practising Simplicity blog
Jodi of Practising Simplicity writes short articles about her life, her home and her children that are simply refreshing, accompanied by her own sublime photography. We read her blog ALL THE TIME and it’s such a beautiful escape into her world.
You’ll find convenient categories of her posts, including Body, Home and Parenting, plus a heartwarming series of weekly photos of her daughter that Jodi calls the 52 Project. Oh – and there’s some info about our online course, The A–Z of Home Remedies for Children’s Health, and how Jodi put those teachings into practice. Fabulous holiday and anytime reading. Love, love love.
5. Sarah Buckley, MD – Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering
Dr Sarah J Buckley – Kiwi, mother of 4, family physician, author and pregnancy/birth/parenting guru wrote Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering to empower women who dream of a natural birth. It’s closely aligned with our own philosophy of giving pregnancy and birth your best shot, finding out as much info as you can beforehand to prepare, as birth is a big deal and has a huge impact on the start of your life as a mother (not to mention your little one!).
This is such a great read for parents-to-be, or for those planning a future family, as it delves into so many facets of pregnancy, labour, birth and parenting. You’ll find clear-written, warm-hearted, expert advice on induction, ultrasound, epidurals, cesarians, home births, hormones, breastfeeding, bonding…the list goes on. If you are looking for your birth bible, this is it.
6. Birth Without Fear blog
Birth Without Fear is the most inspiring collection of birth stories you will ever read. Contributors from far and wide share their stories with January Harshe, who started the project as a way to inform women of their birthing choices. Her passion for sharing women’s stories has inspired a global community that has blossomed into conferences, meetups and many friendships.
Reading this blog empowered our very own Rebecca to have the birth she had dreamt of with her second child, and she’s been a devotee ever since. Whether you’re pregnant, trying to get pregnant, are a mum or you just enjoy powerful and triumphant stories, this blog will capture your heart.