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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Review of The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying Birth (Sears Parenting Library) (Paperback)

I'm a mother of two, a critical RN and certainly not a Luddite. If I had to choose one book to have prior to the birth of my first child, this one would be it. (I'm here to buy one for a family member as a gift, I already own this book!)

I could write my own book with my thoughts and feelings about childbirth, childbirth prepartion, and postpartum recovery. I'll just say this,however...

Childbirth hurts. Take all of the classes, read the books, get drugs, it still hurts. Go to a hospital and expect them to hold your hand during labour and you'll be disappointed, they're too busy to do that. Have someone there with you to support you through the whole thing. Preferably at least one person that has done this before. Could be a doula, could be your best friend or mother... Interventions DO lead to more interventions. Less is better for the birth, the mother,the baby and your recovery (I've done both types). If you can swing less, do that.

Reading books like these, taking classes to practice positioning techniques and exercising your body actually does HELP. Having some ideas on things to try when the going gets rough HELPS. Not everything will work for everyone,but many things will work or at least help you cope.Everyone should be prepared for natural childbirth, regardless of whether or not they are planning to have drugs, even major ones. You can't get an epidural until you are at least four cm or it can stop your labour. I wasn't four cm with my first child until I was 24 hours into labour. And both times I tried an epidural, and it didn't take the first time at all, only took partially the second time. The only type of medication that will give you total relief from childbirth discomfort is general anesthesia. Having a list of things that I could do to cope made all of the difference in the world to me. The first birth I was much more passive. The second birth I was much more proactive and had a much better time of it. My recovery was night and day too.

I respect Sears and his wife as both parents and healthcare professionals. Their series of books are not perfect, but I would say, after reading reams of drivel or hyperbole on the subject at hand, they actually do the overall best job for a basic book. Most folks read one, max two books pre-birth, so if you have to choose only one, this would be it.And their book "The Baby Book" is also the best one out there regarding babies.

Btw, regarding the comment about the AFP test. It is famous for false positives, which can cause unneeded stress to parents. I don't have an opinion about having the test, either way beyond that. As to Down's Syndrome, some parents want to know in order to terminate the pregnancy. Looks like termination is not on their list of things to consider, so why should they have the test? (I had an amnio, much more accurate.) The way the review was written, it sounded like they had done something irresponsible. Some parents want to know, others don't. Knowing or not knowing neither causes Down's Syndrome (a chromosomal abnormality apparent at conception), nor will change the outcome of the pregnancy.

I wouldn't just read this book. I'm the type of person that reads everything that I can get my hands on, both on a professional level and from the mainstream press. But this is certainly a book for my short list. Read it.



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Review of The Breastfeeding Book: Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Your Child from Birth Through Weaning (Paperback)

This is an incredible book. I read three breastfeeding books in anticipation of nursing my child.This one is by far the best of the bunch. It is informative, supportive, easy to read, and contains all theinformation you could ever want.It also is written in a style that isincredibly supportive of a new mom (as I was).It can be used as areference book, but it is interesting enough that it is a great cover tocover read (I read it while nursing!)And -- if one has problems withnursing in the beginning (as I did), it gives you the support andencouragement needed to keep trying. Another friend of mine to whom I sentthe book said that without it, she would have quit.I cannot recommendthis book highly enough.

Product Description
"How would you like to give your baby a gift that could raise hisIQ by 10 points; cut medical bills; make your baby's eyes, heart, intestines, and nearly every other organ work better; reduce the risk of life-shortening, debilitating diseases, such as diabetes; and help your baby avoid many of the common complaints of infancy, such as ear infections, tummy upsets, even diaper rash? Whats the magic gift that can do all these things? Your milk!....Breastfeeding will make it easier to care for your baby, and it will make it easier for you to know and understand your baby. It will affect the way you listen to your child, the way you communicate, the way you respond for many years to come....In the early days of learning to breastfeed, there may be times when you feel like tossing in the nursing bra and reaching for a bottle. You may be tempted to believe those advisers who suggest that formula feeding is easier, or just as good. Or, you may worry that you're "not the type" of mother who succeeds at breastfeeding. Yet, when you remember how breastfeeding benefits your baby, your family, and yourself, you will find the determination you need to overcome any obstacles and master the womanly art of breastfeeding. From America's foremost baby and childcare experts--the new breastfeeding biblefor nursing mothers. In recent years there has been a tremendous resurgence of interest in breastfeeding as American women have discovered its unparalleled benefits to both mother and child. Yet first-time mothers often lack the support and the knowledge they need to breastfeed successfully. And books on breastfeeding frequently fail to address the practical challenges that confront many women (especially women who work outside the home)when they choose to breastfeed. For today's nursing mothers, The Breastfeeding Book is a godsend--with comprehensive, reassuring, authoritative information on:how to get started, with illustrated tips for getting your baby latched on properly
increasing your milk supply
making nurturing more comfortable
breastfeeding in absentia
pumps and the new technology associated with breastfeeding
making sure your nursing baby gets the proper nutrition
breast milk vs. formula
breastfeeding and fertility
nutrition and fitness while breastfeeding
nighttime breastfeeding
the father's role in breastfeeding
and much more

Taking a realistic, contemporary approach, the Searses bring an age-old practice completely up to date. Their encyclopedic guide to the art and science of breastfeeding enables all women to experience and enjoy one of natures most rewarding relationships."

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