The Essential Book for New Mums: The First Six Weeks

There’s something no one quite tells you about the first six weeks with a newborn: they are breathtakingly beautiful and breathtakingly brutal, often at the exact same time.

When I was pregnant, I thought I was prepared. I’d packed the hospital bag, practised swaddling a teddy bear, and pinned all the baby sleep infographics. But nothing prepared me like reading *The First Six Weeks* by midwife Cath Curtin.

It was a dear friend who passed it on to me—slipped into a package of hand-me-down maternity and baby clothes, like a quiet nudge from someone who’d been there. I remember starting it in bed one evening and thinking, *Why doesn’t everyone talk about this book?*

This book didn’t just teach me how to care for a newborn—it taught me how to *care for myself* in those delicate, sleep-deprived early days. And honestly? I think every expecting mum deserves to read it.

What is The First Six Weeks?

Written by Australian midwife Cath Curtin (known affectionately as “Midwife Cath”), this book is a down-to-earth guide for navigating the newborn period. It’s filled with warmth, practical wisdom, and the kind of advice you’d expect from a trusted older sister or a deeply experienced midwife.

Rather than pushing a rigid parenting philosophy, Cath offers reassurance and calm, evidence-based advice—covering everything from feeding and settling to recovery, relationships, and that all-important maternal instinct.

“There’s no such thing as a perfect mum,” she writes. “But there’s a calm, confident mum inside you—and she just needs a little support.”

Why This Book is Invaluable for Expecting Mums

In a sea of baby books that feel clinical or overwhelming, The First Six Weeks stands out for its clarity and compassion. Cath gives you permission to listen to your instincts, trust your baby, and take things one feed, one cuddle, one breath at a time.

Here’s what I found most helpful:

Feeding Support (without judgement): Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or doing a bit of both, this book explains the realities without pressure.
Sleep Tips that Make Sense: No fear tactics or unrealistic expectations—just gentle advice for understanding newborn sleep patterns.
Postpartum Recovery: Honest conversations about your body, your emotions, and your relationship after birth.
Settling Techniques: Practical ethods for soothing your baby (and yourself) when everything feels a bit much.

Best Bits to Bookmark

Cath’s “day by day” layout for the first few weeks—it helped me feel less alone and more in sync with what was ‘normal’.
The feeding and sleeping log templates (perfect for tired brains).
The reminders to rest, even if it’s just for ten minutes with a cup of tea.

Who This Book is For

This is the book I wish I’d packed in my hospital bag. It’s for:

Expecting mums who want to feel informed but not overwhelmed
New mums in the thick of the fourth trimester
Birth partners who want to understand what the newborn stage *actually* feels like
Anyone building a thoughtful baby shower gift bundle

Where to Buy The First Six Weeks

You can find the book at the following retailers:

Final Thoughts

There’s no manual for motherhood—but The First Six Weeks is the closest I’ve found. It’s practical, grounding, and deeply reassuring in a time when everything feels new and fragile.

If you’re pregnant and preparing for life with baby, this is one book worth reading before the whirlwind begins. And if you’re already in those tender early days, it’s never too late to reach for support and guidance that feels like a warm hug.

The Composed Mum