Reading Well for families
Reading Well for families recommends reading to support parents and carers to look after their wellbeing in pregnancy and the early years (from conception to aged two). The scheme is aimed at adults and includes a range of recommended books and supporting digital resources. Some of the recommended books provide information and advice; there are also personal stories, illustrated books and poetry.
The booklist is targeted at parents, carers and anyone supporting people from pregnancy onwards.
Look for the Reading Well for families books in your local library – they’re free to borrow.
Many titles are also available to borrow as eBooks and audiobooks. Find out how to join the library and access books, eBooks and audiobooks via your local library website.
England
Our overview of titles and digital leaflet are available to download for free.
Wales
Our bilingual overview of titles and bilingual digital leaflet are available to download for free.
In Wales, the Reading Well for families collection includes an extra title that is only available in Welsh language (Darn Bach o’r Haul, ed. Rhiannon Williams).
For more information on Reading Well for families please see our Frequently Asked Questions
You can purchase the Reading Well for families book collection from The Reading Agency at a discounted rate.
To buy individual titles, visit bookshop.org.
Booklist categories
Becoming a family – Your wellbeing
The Little Book of New Mum Feelings
Anna Mathur
Dr Caroline Boyd
Kathryn Hollins, Anna Cox, Milli Miller, Tessa van der Vord and Scott Watkin
Alison Perry
Emma Cotterill and Amy Rose
Nobody Told Me: Poetry and Parenthood
Hollie McNish
The Queer Parent: Everything You Need to Know From Gay to Ze
Lotte Jeffs and Stuart Oakley
Digital Resources
All you need to know about trying for a baby, pregnancy, labour and birth.
NHS Wales Pregnancy Guide (Wales)
NHS Wales guide on all you need to know about trying for a baby, pregnancy, labour and birth, your newborn, babies and toddlers.
The ‘Fatherhood Factsheets’ provide information for UK dads on topics including looking after your health and men and baby loss.
Best Beginnings: Baby Buddy App
The Baby Buddy app includes self-care tools to support and empower mums, dads, and caregivers, build their knowledge and confidence, and help them take care of their physical and mental health during pregnancy, birth and the first year of their baby’s life.
Available to download for free from Google Play (Android) and App Store (iOS).
Welsh Government: Parenting. Give It Time. (Wales)
Free practical tips and expert advice for all your parenting challenges.
Mental Health
Fiona Challacombe, Catherine Green and Victoria Bream
How to Help Someone with Postnatal Depression
Dr Jenn Cooper
Hello Baby, Goodbye Intrusive Thoughts
Jenny Yip
Emma Svanberg
What Have I Done?: Motherhood, Mental Illness & Me
Laura Dockrill
Digital Resources
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Information on a range of topics related to mental health and wellbeing before, during and after pregnancy.
Maternal Mental Health Alliance
Information and support for women and families impacted by perinatal mental health problems.
Information and support for families and their networks who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression.
Free bookable call service available via the PANDAS website.
WhatsApp Messaging Support Service: 07903 508334 (Mon – Sun: 8am – 10pm)
Action on Postpartum Psychosis
Information and support for mums and families affected by postpartum psychosis.
Information and support for mums and their families affected by perinatal OCD.
Information and support for women and families who have experienced traumatic birth.
Phone: 0203 621 6338
SilverCloud Wales: Space for Perinatal Wellbeing programme (Wales)
An online programme promoted by NHS Wales to help you learn techniques to manage symptoms of low mood and worry during the perinatal period.
Coping with loss
Loving You From Here: Stories of Grief, Hope and Growth When a Baby Dies
Sands with Susan Clark
How to Help Someone after a Miscarriage
Clare Foster
No One Talks About This Stuff: Twenty-Two Stories of Almost Parenthood
Kat Brown (Editor)
Digital Resources
Information and support for parents on pregnancy and baby loss including miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.
Phone: 0800 0147 800 (Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm)
Information and support for anyone who has been affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.
Phone: 0808 164 3332
Have you used a Reading Well for families book?
Reading Well for families is supported by:
Action on Postpartum Psychosis, Association for Infant Mental Health, Association for Post-Natal Illness, British Psychological Society, Centre for Mental Health, Institute of Health Visiting, MASIC Foundation, Maternal Mental Health Alliance, Maternal OCD, Mental Health Foundation, Mind, National Association of Primary Care, NHS Wales Executive, PANDAS Foundation, Parent-Infant Foundation, Patient Information Forum, Royal College of General Practitioners, Royal College of Nursing, Royal College of Psychiatrists, Sands, The Motherhood Group, Tommy’s.
