Book Review: “Nurture” by Erica Chidi
A note: This review was originally written as part of my doula certification process through BADT. I’m sharing it here because I truly believe books and resources shape the way we understand birth, parenting, and reproductive experiences. And I love highlighting resources that align with inclusive, full spectrum care!
True to its title, Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood- and Trusting Yourself and Your Body by Erica Chidi brings a gentle, trauma-informed approach to mindfully preparing for the perinatal journey. Every page evokes feelings of safety and tranquility with beautiful illustrations and soft colors. This book takes readers beyond the typical advice given to every new parent and parent-to-be. Chidi focuses not only on disseminating information, but on how readers will experience that information.
From the start, Chidi acknowledges a sentiment that many birth books don’t express: the fundamental belief that birthing people already have everything they need to thrive. The first part of the book, “Welcoming Change,” helps readers turn inward as they build capacity for transition. This section, as well as the rest of the book, affirms the inner resources every birthing person brings into the picture.
“Throughout this book, I will be reminding you of your own strengths, your natural ability to shoulder what’s about to come.”
This book truly centers mental health, packed with practical wellness advice for the perinatal period. I loved Chidi’s focus on mindfulness, movement, journaling, natural remedies, and nourishment as pillars of wellness. (I’m now inspired to incorporate these aspects into my daily self-care rituals!) Chidi also offers thorough information on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders- encouraging readers to reflect on their mental health not only during postpartum, but throughout pregnancy.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Nurture. Reading this book felt like attending a gentle prenatal yoga class, the air filled with lavender and clary sage, as beams of natural light softly fill the room. With such a strong emphasis on mental health, it’s now the first book I recommend to my therapy clients- and I would happily suggest it for any first-time parent.
Accessibility note: Nurture is available for checkout in print and as an ebook at the New Orleans Public Library; it is available as an ebook at the Jefferson Parish Public Library.
