Whoa, baby!

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Prior to her book's release, a religious group had taken objection to its title, accusing the authors of hurting religious sentiments but I don't think it could have a title more suitable than Kareena Kapoor Khan's Pregnancy Bible: The ultimate manual for moms-to-be (Juggernaut). It is just that - a go-to for pregnant women, vetted and approved by the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India, with several expert voices including those of Rujuta Diwekar, Dr Sonali Gupta and Dr Prabha Chandra of NIMHANS. Co-authored by Aditi Shah Bhimjyani, it lists every conceivable aspect of pregnancy including trimester-wise tests and care, nutrition, fitness, self-care, breastfeeding, vaccines, postpartum depression and even an ultimate baby shopping list that has everything from the perfect nursing bra to onesies and cot mobiles.

Frank as always, Khan speaks of both her pregnancies - often drawing comparisons - and of how the pandemic impacted her mental health during the second one. The headstrong actor tells us how she tried to balance her work commitments, pregnancy and motherhood, with support from family, friends and domestic help. Even though Khan made pregnancy look glamorous, she admits that she did not feel glamorous, what with all the weight gain, belching, cravings and pregnancy spots. With that, she breaks the wall between her and the reader, sharing everything they need to know about pregnancy, labour, C-sections and postpartum, just how a good friend would. We especially liked how she admits to her shortcomings and doles out advice, mother to mother: "it's about you and your comfort; do what is easy, do what works. When a mother is confident and comfortable, the baby senses it too." It's a mantra this writer has lived by during both her deliveries.

Khan also speaks openly about her relationship with Saif, the lost sex drive during pregnancy and the strong role he plays in standing by her - an important feat in parenthood. We like the emphasis she puts on women's feelings taking top priority during this time and how most women are scared to talk about it. True that, Bebo, we're glad you've raised the topic. The afterword by Saif is just as heartwarming and a must read for every father-to-be.

Kalki Koechlin's upcoming debut graphic narrative The Elephant In The Womb (Penguin Random House) starts with a chapter on her two chosen abortions, and how it is absolutely okay to not want a child when you are not prepared for it. Legit Kalki, someone had to call out the elephant in the room! While the book is more of a journal, with reflections, anecdotes and intriguing think-pieces, we like how it is candid, funny and 100 per cent relatable for expectant mothers, parents and anyone even thinking about motherhood (or not).

Ukrainian artist Valeriya Polyanychko's sharp, witty and brilliant illustrations make the fiercely feminist Koechlin's prose even more nuanced. Together, they depict a realistic picture of the actual physiological discomforts and neurotic experiences of motherhood, which is often romanticised in popular culture. Koechlin throws light on how exhausting, draining and frustrating it can be while also telling us how simultaneously beautiful, fulfilling and joyous it is.

Topics like mommy guilt and the myth of a mother's instinct are touched upon as are fatherhood and equal parenting. Many of these are journal entries that the actor wrote at the time of her pregnancy, glimpses of which we have already seen on her social media. You'll find the chords for a French lullaby she wrote for her daughter, and ruled pages to write down your own thoughts and notes.

Thank you, Kalki, for a refreshing perspective, breaking stereotypes and bringing difficult conversations into the mainstream. We are hoping that the book will set examples and start a new conversation around parenthood in general. It resonates deeply because pregnancy isn't all about the glow and motherhood isn't all about fulfilment. So, thank you for saying that. Khan's book is just as candid as her interviews with Karan Johar, and Koechlin's is bold, funny and relatable. Neither book is pretentious or intends to preach.

WHAT: Kareena Kapoor Khan's Pregnancy Bible: The Ultimate Manual for Moms-to-be
FOR: Rs 323
WHAT: The Elephant in the Womb
FOR: Rs 346
WHERE: amazon.in