How I'm crafting my post-baby reading list
The art *and* science of the perfect TBR for a big life moment
Happy January, friends! My due date is now just a few weeks away, which means the bags are packed, the car seat is installed, the baby’s room is set to go, and juggling multiple weekly doctor’s appointments has become what feels like a full-time job. Basically, we’ve done just about everything a pair of first-time parents can do to prepare for this seriously exciting, seriously scary life change. I’m mentally ready to be told at any point by my doctor that I’m staying at the hospital rather than going home… or to spend the rest of the month waiting Baby K out.
Check, check, check—I’ve got all the mom-to-be bases covered.
At the risk of being all ~not like other girls~ about it, I do think there’s one task I’m dedicating a bit more planning time to than other expectant parents: planning my post-baby reading list.
By now, you’ve probably picked up on the fact that I’m kind of obsessed with reading, and while I’ve already shared my ample maternity leave watch list, it’s my TBR (to-be-read) list for this period that’s more important—by a mile.
Here’s the deal: I know my reading life is going to change.
I may be starting down this parenthood road for the first time, but I don’t expect that I’ll be able to maintain any of the same habits that I currently have in my leisure time. Every part of my life is going to change! That’s a given.
And yet… I struggle with the well-meaning warnings I get from more experienced moms who suggest that my days of curling up with good books are about to be behind me. Moving forward, I am sure that I will be doing a lot more cozying up in the wee hours of the morning when I’m sleep-deprived and snuggling a baby (!!!!)—and it might take a long time for me to figure out how my relationship with reading is going to evolve with new rhythms and responsibilities. But I refuse to believe that being a good parent requires a person to sacrifice all of their identity. I don’t want to sound dramatic, but reading is a major part of my identity. And how lucky I am to be naturally inclined to a favorite hobby that I can do almost anywhere and that doesn’t require me to hire a babysitter and/or get super physical or adventurous? (If you’re a new mom who also happens to be a rock climber, a trick snowboarder, or scuba diver, I see you.)
That being said, I’m trying to be strategic and proactive about a reading plan for the early days with the baby. Being strategic doesn’t guarantee that things will work out the way I want them to, but it does give me some peace of mind to know that I’m not leaving things to chance and that I’m setting myself up for at least a little more success than I might have otherwise.
While I’ve ~dabbled~ in the e-reader game over the years—especially for travel—I’ve always been primarily a physical book person. I know this is a little cliche, but I love the feeling of a book in my hands! My husband has been a big Kindle guy for years, and shortly after we found out I was pregnant, he treated me to a new Kindle. We both figured it would be easier to juggle a baby and an e-reader than a baby and a giant hardcover. Plus, that backlight will be perfect for late nights! While I’ve had it for a while now, I decided that I would wait to start using it until the baby arrives so it feels like an extra special treat, even if I’m feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Last week, I put the Kindle in my hospital bag, locked and loaded with a few carefully-curated reads.
Currently Reading: Dolls of Our Lives: Why We Can’t Quit American Girl by Allison Horrocks and Mary Mahoney
I started this book just last night and I already feel like I’m a little obsessed with it. We’re reading it in the SWR Book Club in January and I can’t wait to continue discussing it with the whole group. It’s perfect for ‘80s and ‘90s kids—especially history nerds and American Girl fans.
Here are a few other things I’m doing to (hopefully) establish a new relationship with my reading life after Baby K…
This probably sounds like a small thing, but I’ve already found the perfect home for my tiny clip-on book light in the baby’s room! It perches on the bookshelves above the glider chair as if it were meant to be there all along. While I suspect I’ll do most of my reading on my Kindle, having the light ready to go is a nice reminder that said chair can be a happy, peaceful (at times) space for me—regardless of the chaotic circumstances.
I’m doing what I can to strategically knock lots of the physical books I currently have in my possession off the list pre-baby… especially books from the library. If I can do that, I think jumping fully into my Kindle will feel even more fun! Here is a glimpse of my January TBR:
I’m planning to stay engaged with my reading community as much as possible. While I will obviously have to take a step back from the leadership role I have with my podcast’s Patreon book club, I intend to return ASAP and will remain a quiet participant in the interim. I think social media can be a very delicate, dangerous dance for new parents (or anyone facing a big life change), but I’m hopeful that the more bookish corners of Instagram, in particular, will continue to feel like a safe space.
I’m talking about it! We’ve all heard about the importance of accountability measures for anyone who wants to see a goal through to fruition. I don’t think I want or need to be quite so intense about this, but I also think it will only benefit me to be open with people in my online and IRL circles regarding my intention to stay a reader. I’ve seen a few friends lose parts of themselves to parenthood in recent years, and while some of these shifts have been necessary—and welcome!—I hope that by being open and clear about my reading goals in #newmomlife, I give loved ones permission to check me if/when I stop prioritizing at least a little self-care in the form of a good book.
I’ve also been keeping a list of potential maternity leave reads for the last few months. There’s a real method to the madness!
Here are some of the criteria I’ve been keeping in mind as I’ve developed this list…
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