Books + Media For The Body + Mind

If there’s one things my liberal arts undergraduate experience left me with, it’s a love of reading and continued critical thinking. So here are my favorite books, podcasts, etc. related to our bodies, minds, pregnancy, birth, and parenting.

Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky

A look at the nervous system and how our current existence can result in chronic over-activation.

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk

Classic work on how trauma interacts with the body.

Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski

Fantastic book on how sex and arousal may work differently than we thought, and how to use this to improve your experience.

The “Dolorology” Episode of the Ologies podcast, interviewing Rachel Zoffness

Great explainer on how pain works in the body, specifically addressing chronic or persistent pain.

The Pain Science Workbook by Rachel Zoffness

A functional workbook that helps you work through your pain responses.

Expecting Better by Emily Oster

Data-based information about pregnancy that pushes back against much of the fear-based culture.

Exercising Through Your Pregnancy by James F. Clapp

Data-based information regarding the benefits and risks of exercising during pregnancy (spoiler: the benefits are far greater than the risks).

Cribsheet by Emily Oster

Data-based information to help you work through your baby’s first year.

I’ll Show Myself Out by Jesse Klein

Just a fun book of essays from a comedian mom.