Review of The Pregnancy Book: Month-by-Month, Everything You Need to Know From America's Baby Experts (Paperback)

This pregnancy book is *much* better than the "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book that is so often recommended to every pregnant woman out there.It is also much better than the other 'standard' pregnancy books you'll find.

This book is a complete and joyful guide to what happens during pregnancy - mentally, emotionally, and physically - to mom and baby.It has a great index; so if a specific symptom doesn't crop up in the exact month they cover it, you can easily look it up in the back and read about it.I found this guide very informative and supportive of everything I'm going through with my second pregnancy.[I wish I'd had this book for my first pregnancy, instead of that wretched "what to expect" book].

My one criticism of this book:the Sears' gloss over the pain that most women experience during labor.I didn't find the segment on labor very helpful or realistic.As a Childbirth Educator myself, I don't feel that anyone is doing pregnant women a favor by convicing them that labor doesn't hurt - that it is just 'pressure' or 'discomfort'.The reality is that for most women, labor IS painful - often extremely so.Women who seek an unmedicated birth need to prepare themselves to cope with and overcome this pain.And regardless of whether a woman expects to use medication or not,nobody is doing her any favors by misleading her about labor pain - she's not going to thank them when it hits her full on.

For preparing for labor and delivery, I *highly* recommend "Birthing From Within" by Pam England.It is much more realistic in preparing you for the "Real Thing" - and it is geared to help every woman work through her own issues and concerns about birthing.It is by far the most excellent book out there on labor and delivery.

Other than that small complaint - I think this is a *wonderful* guide to pregnancy - very supportive and comforting while being very honest.



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