The Modern Midwife's Guide to the First Year

Marie Louise is a dream come true for any parent with her uncanny ability to simplify the most important and complicated questions

Emma Bunton, Spice Girls singer and co-founder of Kit and Kin

Marie is so informative and taught me so many things I had NO idea about!

Zoe Sugg (Zoella), award-winning vlogger and author

I am loving this book - first time mum with lots of questions and this has really helped put my mind at ease

So positive and reassuring whilst also being open and honest about what to expect from the first year with your baby

Supports and empowers parents through the wonderful whirlwind that is your first year with your baby

Marie Louise is a Senior Midwife, bestselling author and hypnobirthing teacher from the UK. She is a sought-after expert and has been invited to Parliament to discuss maternal mental health and maternity discrimination, as well as being a communications partner for Child.Org – an equal opportunities charity for children. Follow Marie Louise on Instagram @The_Modern_Midwife or visit her website themodernmidwife.com for her fun, informative and evidence-based posts.

The positive, evidence-based book you can trust to guide you through the highs and lows of parenting in your baby’s first year, from a Senior Midwife and bestselling author. 
 
‘Marie Louise is a dream come true for any parent with her uncanny ability to simplify the most important and complicated questions’ Emma Bunton, Spice Girls singer and co-founder of Kit and Kin 
 
Senior Midwife Marie Louise has spent years working with families, supporting new parents through pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period. 
 
In her bestselling book, The Modern Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, she guided new parents through the journey of what to expect during pregnancy and birth. 
 
Following from where her first book left off, The Modern Midwife’s Guide to the First Year is the empowering and practical guide to the first year of parenthood, taking you through the first 48 hours after birth up until your baby's first birthday. 
 
Packed with interesting facts, up-to-date insights and bringing together a whole host of childcare experts, you'll find everything you need to feel calm and confident at each stage of your baby’s development, including guidance on:<ul><li>Postpartum recovery and self-care for new parents</li><li>Establishing a routine – for you and your baby</li><li>Baby sleep training</li><li>Knowing when to start weaning</li><li>Learning to celebrate your wins</li></ul> 
Whether you're preparing for your baby to arrive, have just welcomed your little one into the world, or are well into the fourth trimester, this nurturing guide will ensure you feel supported and informed throughout your baby's first year. 
 
Praise for Marie Louise and The Modern Midwife's Guide to the First Year: 
 
‘Marie is so informative and taught me so many things I had NO idea about!’ Zoe Sugg (Zoella), award-winning vlogger and author 
 
‘Absolute must-read for any new parents’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘I am loving this book - first time mum with lots of questions and this has really helped put my mind at ease.’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘So positive and reassuring whilst also being open and honest about what to expect from the first year with your baby.’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Supports and empowers parents through the wonderful whirlwind that is your first year with your baby.’ 5-star reader review 
<ul></ul>

The Modern Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

The most effective, evidence-based things you can do to have a better pregnancy, birth and postnatal period by one of the biggest Senior Midwives on social media with over 30k followers.

The essential, evidence-based guide to a better pregnancy, birth and postnatal period from a Senior Midwife and bestselling author. 
 
BEST PREGNANCY PRODUCT WINNER - Mother & Baby Awards 2025 
 
‘Marie Louise is a dream come true for any parent with her uncanny ability to simplify the most important and complicated questions’ Emma Bunton, Spice Girls singer and co-founder of Kit and Kin 
 
Senior Midwife Marie Louise has spent years working with families, supporting new parents through pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period. 
 
In her bestselling book, she cuts through the noise and misinformation to focus on the key, evidence-based advice that makes the biggest positive difference to you and your baby. 
 
Designed to empower and inform you at every stage of your journey to parenthood, this book clearly explains what really matters - physically, emotionally and practically – so you can make confident decisions that feel right for you. 
 
Inside, you’ll discover:<ul><li>What to expect after a positive pregnancy test</li><li>How to prepare your body and mind for pregnancy and labour</li><li>How to create your own positive birth toolkit</li><li>Clear guidance on labour, birth options and recovery</li><li>How to care for yourself and your baby in the postnatal period</li><li>Expert reassurance to help you feel calm, capable and supported</li></ul> 
Packed with the latest research, real-world midwifery expertise and compassionate advice, this book is an essential companion for modern parents navigating pregnancy and early parenthood. 
 
Whether you are planning for a baby, just found out you are pregnant or well into your third trimester, this book will give you everything you need to feel confident, informed and supported throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond. 
 
Praise for Marie Louise: 
 
‘Marie is so informative and taught me so many things I had NO idea about!’ Zoe Sugg (Zoella), award-winning vlogger and author 
 
‘I have felt really well prepared with this book. It removes a lot of pressure and uncertainty and is really clear and helpful! A very calm voice to guide you through all 3 trimesters (and beyond)’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘[The] only pregnancy book you need to read!’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘[A] must have for expectant parents! The perfect amount of information in each area (pregnancy, birth, postpartum)… really can’t recommend it enough’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘I would highly recommend this book for any expecting mum.’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘[An] absolute essential for childbirth … I feel so much more informed and comfortable going into this now.’ 5-star reader review

Marie Louise offers a unique skill set. She really is driven to make a positive difference in the world, combining her wealth of experience as an experienced clinician alongside her drive to create better sources of information for parents

Her expertise as a midwife is invaluable, but her knowledge on how to approach parents and parents to be is outstanding. She understands people and how to connect with them, she is full of insightful knowledge and she has the capacity to explain the most complex topics in an easy and friendly way

I have felt really well prepared with this book. It removes a lot of pressure and uncertainty and is really clear and helpful! A very calm voice to guide you through all 3 trimesters (and beyond)

[The] only pregnancy book you need to read!

[A] must have for expectant parents! The perfect amount of information in each area (pregnancy, birth, postpartum)… really can’t recommend it enough

I would highly recommend this book for any expecting mum

[An] absolute essential for childbirth … I feel so much more informed and comfortable going into this now

**Winner of the Best Pregnancy Product at the Mother & Baby Awards 2025** 
 
‘Marie Louise is a dream come true for any parent with her uncanny ability to simplify the most important and complicated questions’ 
Emma Bunton, co-founder of Kit and Kin 
 
Whether you are planning for a baby, just found out you are pregnant or well into your third trimester, this book will help you to feel confident, informed and inspired about your exciting journey ahead. 
 
Through years of work with families, Senior Midwife Marie Louise reveals the key things that will make the biggest, most positive difference to you and your baby as you navigate these life-changing months. 
 
As well as this, Marie Louise is renowned for bringing complex science to life. You’ll discover fascinating facts that underpin everything you and your baby will go through, including - 
 
- How your nervous system is synced with your baby and why baby already knows a lot about you when they are born 
 
- The unique process your baby goes through to pass through the birth canal and how you work together in labour 
 
- Incredible facts about breast milk 
 
Packed with the most up-to-date findings and expert insights, you'll find everything you need to prepare for motherhood and, most importantly, understand and appreciate just how amazing you and your baby both are!

Marie Louise

I have felt really well prepared with this book. It removes a lot of pressure and uncertainty and is really clear and helpful!

So positive and reassuring whilst also being open and honest about what to expect

Marie Louise

Praise for The Modern Midwife's Guide to Birthing Your Baby

Marie Louise is a dream come true for any parent with her uncanny ability to simplify the most important and complicated questions

Marie is so informative and taught me so many things I had NO idea about!

Absolute must-read for any new parents

Marie Louise is a dream come true for any parent with her uncanny ability to simplify the most important and complicated questions

Marie is so informative and taught me so many things I had NO idea about!

Absolute must-read for any new parents

Marie Louise is a dream come true for any parent with her uncanny ability to simplify the most important and complicated questions

Marie is so informative and taught me so many things I had NO idea about!

Absolute must-read for any new parents

Books by Marie Louise

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