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.

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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