conception and contraception calendar

(616 pages)

What to Expect When You're Expecting: 4th Edition by: Heidi Murkoff, Sharon Mazel publisher: Workman Publishing released: 2008-04-10 ISBN: 0761148574 $8.97

Announcing a brand new, cover-to-cover revision of America's pregnancy bible. What to Expect When You're Expecting is a perennial New York Times bestseller and one of USA Today's 25 most influential books of the past 25 years. It's read by more than 90% of pregnant women who read a pregnancy book--the most iconic, must-have book for parents-to-be, with over 14.5 million copies in print.

Now comes the Fourth Edition, a new book for a new generation of expectant moms--featuring a new look, a fresh perspective, and a friendlier-than-ever voice. It's filled with the most up-to-date information reflecting not only what's new in pregnancy, but what's relevant to pregnant women. Heidi Murkoff has rewritten every section of the book, answering dozens of new questions and including loads of new asked-for material, such as a detailed week-by-week fetal development section in each of the monthly chapters, an expanded chapter on pre-conception, and a brand new one on carrying multiples. More comprehensive, reassuring, and empathetic than ever, the Fourth Edition incorporates the most recent developments in obstetrics and addresses the most current lifestyle trends (from tattooing and belly piercing to Botox and aromatherapy). There's more than ever on pregnancy matters practical (including an expanded section on workplace concerns), physical (with more symptoms, more solutions), emotional (more advice on riding the mood roller coaster), nutritional (from low-carb to vegan, from junk food-dependent to caffeine-addicted), and sexual (what's hot and what's not in pregnant lovemaking), as well as much more support for that very important partner in parenting, the dad-to-be.

Overflowing with tips, helpful hints, and humor (a pregnant woman's best friend), this new edition is more accessible and easier to use than ever before. It's everything parents-to-be have come to expect from What to Expect... only better.

So what sent me back to recreate What to Expect--for a fourth time? Today, there's definitely no lack of information on pregnancy. In fact there's more information than ever before (a quick online search of pregnancy or a glance at pages and pages of pregnancy and parenting options right here on Amazon will clue you in on that). But often what's still hard to find is the right kind of information. Information that's accurate yet empathetic, reassuring yet realistic--that empowers you, but doesn't overwhelm or confuse you, that guides you but doesn't dictate to you. And it's not just about the right information, it's about information that's presented in the way that's most helpful--easy to access, easy to digest, easy to use. It's about information that makes your pregnant life less stressful--more enjoyable, and, well, easier.

The fourth edition is a new What To Expect for a new generation of readers--you!--and I'm excited to say it's the best What To Expect yet. It's packed with all new information, of course (since things tend to change quickly in the baby-making and baby-delivering business--something you're probably all too aware of already if you've made more than one trip to the birthing room). But it doesn't only take into account what's new in obstetrics and what's new in pregnancy; it takes into account what's relevant to pregnant women now. Lifestyle. Working. Eating on the run. Juggling the pregnant life with real life. Keeping up with relationships. Birthing options that are family friendly and pregnancy care that incorporates the best that complimentary and alternative medicine has to offer. Managing multiples (which more and more moms are carrying). Sorting out the information from the misinformation--the reality from the hype, fact from Internet legend.

The fourth edition also takes into account how you likely use books these days, so the format is even more accessible than ever. More geared to in-the-moment, find-it-in-a-flash reading.

Most important of all, the fourth edition celebrates pregnancy. I have a passion for pregnancy, and always have. I love moms, I love dads, and I love babies. But everything about this fourth edition from the happy, excited mom-to-be on the cover, proudly caressing her beautiful belly and its even more beautiful contents, to the adorable week-by-week description of the making of your baby, to the positive (yet realistic), mom-to-mom tone throughout--this fourth edition is not just an explanation of those 9 amazing (though often bewildering) months you have ahead of you. It's a celebration of them.

What to Expect When You're Expecting fourth edition is everything moms and dads have come to expect from What to Expect... only better. And I can't wait to start sharing it with you.

I guess you can say--I'm a proud mama all over again.

--Heidi Murkoff

What to Expect: Eating Well When You're Expecting

What to Expect the First Year

The What to Expect Pregnancy Journal & Organizer

This is a great book to give as a gift to any Mom-to-be. It has been around for many, many years and I know many women who love this book.

I have given it as gifts and the New mom's love it~! It clarifies so many of the common fears they are facing with their pregnancy, body, and emotions. In addition, the fathers need and do read this as well.

Definitely, a good one for yourself and a gift!

Merna

Pocket of Pearls: A 30-day pocket workbook to start hearing a softer voice inside of you!

I am intelligent and well educated and found this book an excellent read. The previous UK edition fully prepared me for the birth of my first child in England and I have just bought this latest US edition in order to read up on the latest research and stay informed during my second pregnancy in the USA. I have tried reading other books, but found them to be too simplistic, or unrealistic. Some even contained advice that I found to be quite selfish, putting the mother before the baby. Even if you are quite a self-centered person before having a baby, pregnancy is a good time to start getting used to making small sacrifices for your children, because the sacrifices get a lot bigger once the baby is born! (I also highly recommend "What to Expect: The First Year", my "baby bible", which is much more informative and realistic than the currently fashionable Gina Ford's rigid methods.)

I found this book to be very comforting and honest. The authors are straight forward and unbiased. Whether its your first pregnancy or not, its important to have your questions and concerns answered honestly. Theres also some humor that helps ease certian subjects that would otherwise be uncomfortable to talk about. I would recommend this to anyone who is pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant.

I have the oldest version of this book and decided it was time for an "updated" version for this pregnancy. Honestly this one doesn't have very much more than the first book. It does have a week by week paragraph on the baby, and the old one just has a month by month one. If you don't have an older one than this one is good to get, but if you do then don't bother to "update".

This book has been very helpful and comforting for this first time mom to be!!

(832 pages)

What to Expect the First Year, Second Ed by: Heidi Murkoff, Sandee Hathaway, Arlene Eisnberg publisher: Workman Publishing Company released: 2003-10-16 ISBN: 0761129588 $10.85

We bought a whole host of books to help us be great parents to our first baby and this book was by far and away the best. It presents up-to-date research in a non-biased way. The explanations are detailed and interesting and not at all patronising.
I've read other reviews that find some of the conclusions drawn in this book unacceptable, e.g. that breastfeeding is best for the baby (proven by scientific research), so the conclusion is that most mothers will choose (and be able) to breastfeed, so there is a lot of information about breastfeeding. But there is equally enough information to make an informed decision on whether or not to breastfeed and the benefits and drawbacks of both formula and breastfeeding are listed.
I found the book to be open-minded and not too prescriptive. So, I read the information and chose to try some of the different methods mentioned. I didn't feel pushed to use or not use any of the methods, so for example, I used a mixture of formula and breast-feeding from 6 months to 1 year, which is one of the options presented in the book.
The research is documented in such a way that you feel well-informed about any choice that you make.
Those friends I know who have enjoyed this book are mostly intelligent, well educated and dedicated to providing the best care for their babies (the baby comes first!), without neglecting their own health or happiness and that of their husbands.

Wonderful book, great insights. Definitely helps us being first time parents of a 3 month old!

Bought book as gift, but returned it to Amazon. Person receiving book already had it. But Amazon's service was outstanding as usual.

The great is book and contains all info necessary for parents. More than 800 hundred pages with very well organized and presented info. My wife really liked. Content is provided month by month. Great price!

Answers all questions including the scary "Why does my brand new baby stop breathing for what seems like an eternity?"

(271 pages)

The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips and Advice for Dads-to-Be, Second Edition by: Armin A. Brott publisher: Abbeville Press released: 2001-05 ISBN: 0789205386 $9.56

This is my first and probably only Amazon review, but this book pushed me to it. As an upcoming first time dad, I was looking for books geared toward informing the father. Most books geared towards the soon-to-be dads tend to be humorous in nature, to varying degrees of success. This one was serious and quite informative. However, it suffers from a flawed sense of perspective that I found very distracting. It chronologically presents the journey of pregnancy and how it impacts the expectant father, but almost as if the male is agonizing more than the mom.

A perfect example comes from the chapter covering the 9th month of pregnancy: "Your partner's increased dependency is considered a "normal" part of pregnancy, But thanks to the ridiculous, gender-specific way we socialize people in this country, men are supposed to be independent, strong, supportive, and impervious to emotional needs - especially while their partners are pregnant. So just when you are feeling most vulnerable and least in control, your needs are swept under the rug, And what's worse, the one person you most depend on for sympathy and understanding may be too absorbed in what's going on with herself and the baby to do much for you".

This tone is pervasive throughout the book. If you relate to the above passage, you'll probably greatly enjoy this book. However, I was looking more for information about the experience of pregnancy and the father's role in it - not how to "cope" with the pressures and hassles. I think my wife had enough of those to deal with during these months, while I honestly didn't encounter any of the stresses the authors detail.

To summarize: Straightforward, and informative, but preoccupied with fatherly trials and travails that border on the unintentionally humorous.

My husband has really enjoyed this book. He likes to know what's going on with baby and me. I enjoy him sharing little tidbits with me also. This book also covers topics that Dads-to-be may feel anxious about such as money matters and the labor process. The only thing he has mentioned is that he'll read the section for the month I'm in so quick, that he'll have nothing else to read for another month. Overall, great buy!

This book was simply terrible from my perspective. However, if you don't really care to learn that much and want to appear to your partner that you are doing something then this is the book for you.

I guess if the couple is married it will work. Unfortunately for our daughter, her fiance left her a month after the baby was born, so we'll never know if the book did any good. He was there for the pregnancy and delivery and did a great job, but something didn't stick.

a little "stuffy" in places. very factual but little enjoyment in reading it fully

(208 pages)

The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night by: Elizabeth Pantley, William Sears publisher: The McGraw-Hill Companies released: 2002-03-28 ISBN: 0071381392 $10.85

A breakthrough approach that offers hope to exhausted parents looking for gentle ways to help their baby sleep without the heart-wrenching tears. Until now the only two ways to deal with sleepless nights were to let your baby cry herself to sleep or to become a sleep-deprived martyr and tough it out from dusk until dawn. The No-Cry Sleep Solution will show you how it is entirely possible and within your grasp to help your baby fall asleep peacefully--and stay asleep all night long.

I highly recommend this book! Not only for the amazing tips Elizabeth Pantley provides, but for the encouragement & affirmation she also gives!

I implemented her program only three days ago, which by the way is very flexible to your own child's needs, and I am already seeing results! My 8mo. old took a two hour nap this morning!! I know things may vary, but going from to 15 minutes here, and 15 minutes there, I am truly thankful!!

With this book you will no longer beat yourself up or wonder if you are doing things "the right way." She so lovingly encourages you every step. She also provides an extremely helpful nap & night time logs. Along with the logs she includes a step-by-step plan of attack, if you will, for how you will progress in the program!

There were answers for everything: how to transition your baby from a family bed to their own bed. This was something I wondered about for months - and her ideas are so basic, so thoughtful, and simple!

I also love the pictures that are shown in the book. She used "test mommies" when writing this book, and throughout her book she uses their quotes or pictures as an almost guide to help one read through. I found the quotes extremely encouraging!

I can go on and on about this book! If you are thinking about this book it is because you are as sleep deprived as I was - THIS BOOK WILL HELP YOU!!

I can remember not that long ago sitting in my daughter's room in the middle of the night thinking I must be the only mum in the world whose baby didn't sleep. I was lucky to get three hours sleep on any given night, and never three hours in a row. But thanks to Elizabeth Pantley and her book "the no-cry sleep solution" my little girl Milla has gone from a baby who breastfed 10 times a night to a gorgeous 18-month-old who sleeps between seven and ten hours straight!
Apart from being exhausted when Milla wasn't sleeping, I was miserable because of all the pressure being put on me to "do controlled crying" from extended family. One even said I was a "bad mother" for getting up at night for my girl and not teaching her to sleep by letting her "cry it out " for hours on end. Everything in my heart said controlled crying wasn't right for my Milla. She was a sensitive, gentle and caring girl who was very attached to her mummy. I loved my little girl too much to hear her cry because her mama wasn't there when she needed her.
After applying Pantley's gentle and practical tips, Milla is now sleeping peacefully - and knows that I am there for her when she needs me. I treasure every second with my little girl and am so glad I never abandoned her to cry. We have such a close and beautiful relationship. I feel like the luckiest mum in the world.
The first key point I learned from Pantley was that as long as Milla and I were getting enough sleep and we were happy - then we didn't have a problem - regardless of what anyone else thought. Milla now wakes once a night, between 5 and 6, and I give her early morning cuddles till get-up time. Controlled crying experts told me NEVER to cuddle my daughter back to sleep. I'm glad I ignored them because I treasure those mornings when I hold Milla in my arms and feel her soft breathing beside me. This is not a problem for us and a lovely start to our day.
Pantley's eight bedtime tips seemed rather simple and obvious at first - but once I put them into practice they actually worked. Milla no longer has a night light, has a long and quiet bedtime routine at the same time every night, no tv is allowed when Milla is in the room, she is now going to bed when her biological clock says is the right time for Milla (not what experts say) and while my husband calls me a "sleep Nazi", it works! And for those with sleep-log phobias, I still keep a meticulous sleep diary. It helps me notice subtle changes in Milla's sleep patterns as she grows older and her sleep needs change.
The final chapter in Pantley's book - Adult Sleep: Now It's Your Turn - was also a life saver. When Milla finally started sleeping well, I would lie awake for hours at night waiting for her to wake. I always tended to be a bit of an insomniac, and her tips for babies have actually also helped me!
I would strongly recommend this book to any mum who needs sleep and can't find it in her heart to do controlled crying. Pantley's approach might take a bit longer than controlled crying (though even controlled crying isn't guaranteed to fix sleep problems quickly and for life) but considering babies and toddlers grow up so quickly, it is worth the investment. My little girl goes to sleep with a sweet smile on her face, not tears!
Tanya from Australia.

I was so happy when I finished reading this book. It has so many ideas, things to try, and information on sleep patterns. I had no idea why my little DD would not sleep or not sleep for long, but this book has given me some great insights into the world of my daughter! I bought this book when she was two and a half months old, and I will be using some or all of the methods in the book until she is old enough to sleep on her own! Thank you so much Elizabeth, you are truly a life saver.
Challon

The Pantley No Cry Sleep Solution has been a GREAT sleep help companion for us ever since we bought it for baby #1. The support and encouragement in this book gave my husband and I the stradegies we needed to stick to our gut resolve to NOT ignore our child when he was crying at night! Now that we have 4 children, we have 2 copies of this MUST-HAVE sleep resource. One to refer to whenever a new strategy was needed for our latest child . . . and another to loan out to friends and family when they were sleep deprived and desparate for immediate help! They say ANY sleep-solution will help if you follow it and use consistancy. But THIS is the one that freed my hubby and I to help our child w/o compromising our instinctive need continue to be there when our children need us in the night.

Good luck to you!
Blessings,
Kaycee Farrell
[...]

I had really high hopes for this book, as it is so highly rated and seems to have helped a lot of parents deal with their childrens' sleep issues. My daughter, now 6 months old, has had trouble getting to sleep almost since birth. She was waking up 9 or 10 times every night and I was bringing her into bed with me just to get a couple of hours of unbroken sleep. By the time my daughter was 3 months old, I was tired, more tired than I've ever been in my life (my older child is a good sleeper), and desperate for a solution. Since I was terrified of the idea of my baby girl crying or being unhappy in any way, I bought Ms. Pantley's book.

Unfortunately, I was almost immediately put off by the author's tone and her approach to teaching her sleep method. She starts the book by basically selling her technique to the reader. The first chapter is peppered with scathing criticism of other sleep methods, glowing reviews from mothers who have successfully tried her method, and some very judgemental commentary about parents who use parenting techniques other than the ones the author herself is selling. As I'd already bought the book, I was a little confused by the author's apparent need to further justify her philosophies. But I was willing to disregard the negativity and try Ms. Pantley's sleep program.

The basic principles in the book are valid. The research outlines views shared by respected sleep experts including Drs. Sears and Ferber. Certain ideas in the book, especially the establishment of a concrete bedtime and a bedtime routine are very good, and are echoed by many other experts. However, the corrective measures that Ms. Pantley presents were impractical, overly passive and generally ineffective for my daughter.

I spent 3 months obsessively tracking the baby's sleep habits, making sleep plans, repeating my key words and phrases, and repeatedly attempting to progress from one phase to the next with no success. All the while my daytime life suffered immensely as I struggled to function on a few hours of broken sleep. Not only did I see no improvement, it seemed like my daughter's sleep problems actually got worse. Toward the end of my experience with the No-Cry Sleep Solution, she wouldn't stay in her crib more than 20 minutes at a time. She had learned that her cries would summon me promptly (the author insists that the parent must respond to the child's cries immediately) and that I would mommmy her back to sleep. My frustration was compounded by the fact that the author insists that any lack of progress can only be a result of some mistake or oversight on the part of the parent.

Ms. Pantley promises that there will be improvement, but constantly redefines what she means by "improvement," stating that "sleep through the night" simply means that the child will sleep for 5 consecutive hours sometime during the night. She frequently states that any positive change in the child's sleep habits, no matter how insignificant, should be taken as a great success. She constantly reminds the parent to be patient, but seems almost apologetic that her program is so lengthy. I have trouble putting faith in a so-called solution when its creator feels the need to constantly justify it.

I know some parents have had success with this program. I am very happy for them. Maybe my child is simply more stubborn than other children, or maybe she learns differently. Either way, the author's insistence that her methods will work on every child no matter what and that failure is always a result of the parents' wrongdoing finally put me off this book for good. I gave the program 3 months of my life and have nothing to show for it. I could not, in good conscience, continue to put my family through that nightmare. My baby needs her sleep even more than I do and it just wasn't healthy to continue to let her wake up 8 or more times during the night. I turned to another sleep program that, admittedly, involves some crying (though it is not a true "cry-it-out" method by any means) and am having great success.

I wish anyone who's considering trying this method the best of luck, but I would not recommend this book to anyone.

(704 pages)

The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two (Revised and Updated Edition) by: William Sears, Martha Sears, Robert Sears, James Sears publisher: Little, Brown and Company released: 2003-03 ISBN: 0316778001 $14.95

The BEST book to give a new mother: as a shower gift or a MUST READ after her delivery!

This is a great resource book for new parents and caregivers. It gives the basics on childcare and what to expect at different stages in your baby's life. Dr.William Sears and his wife, Marth, a nurse, have had many children themselves, 8!. A hands-on approach to parenting. I use my book all the time. .

...parents who have alienated their kids from themselves from the get-go.

Mothers are mothers, fathers are fathers, and anyone demanding that human biology now conform to societal trends is in need of some basic critical-thinking skills. Well-supported ideas that you don't like hearing are not the fault of the author. Neither is it an author's job to arrange their ideas such that you won't feel guilty.

Grown-ups (including Dr. Sears himself) know that life is full of choices, trade-offs, and most people will find their own way implementing his ideas as they can and are able.

I am a father and don't feel the least bit marginalized by Dr. Sears approach or tone. I'm honestly scratching my head at where people find that in his work.

His ideas are not a formula, something Dr. Sears himself points out repeatedly. But they are profound, and far more important to the health of your child (and the world) than, say, the current presidential election.

Honestly, want to make the world a better place? Read this book.

I passed on my copy. At first I was very impressed by the AP concept. Once I had the baby I realized that a rigid approach like this doesn't work. My baby slept better on his own than in our bed. And he hated being worn the first three months. I held on to the book for factual information about growth and illness but found it too cumbersome to use a reference. I prefer the month by month format which is easier to look up.

The Sears have done an amazing job with this book. It's well organized, easy to read and FULL of important information.

They have shared their invaluable knowledge and experiences gained from their personal and professional lives. After raising eight children they present many different approaches to everyday tasks and focus on how to make those tasks bonding experiences.

I think the book is a must have for any mom-to-be. (My husband and I have read parts together, but overall he would be happier reading more of a manual.)

(512 pages)

Taking Charge of Your Fertility, 10th Anniversary Edition: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health by: Toni Weschler publisher: Collins released: 2006-10-31 ISBN: 0060881909 $16.47

I have found this book very helpful in getting started with the FAM method to avoid conception as an alternative to hormonal birth control methods. The author very clearly describes the fertility process and the steps to observing and charting a woman's cycle. I especially enjoyed the tone of the book, which is gently humorous and devoid of religious ideology. It really convinced me that FAM is a good method of birth control as well as an aid to conception.

The downside is a few "over the top" moments in the book. After using this method I will agree that the process of taking a temperature every day and charting fertility signs is not as inconvenient as I had originally thought, but I will not go so far as to say that "charting is a privilidge".

Overall, this book is a good start. I recommend it.

My husband and I had been trying to conceive for 4 months without any luck so I decided to buy this book - we got pregnant the 1st month that I started charting. I am assuming that most people reading this review are trying to conceive so I will add that I also was taking an herb called Vitex which I would highly recommend as well. I believe that the combination of this book and Vitex helped me get pregnant.

Wow! A friend told me about this book, and I ordered it right away. I am so relieved and amazed to finally find a method of keeping track of my cycle, and avoiding pregnancy! Every gal should have this book!!

I learned how to read my body for signs to let me know when to "try". I knew exactly when we conceived, because I knew my body was ready. It took one month to chart and understand, and the second month we got pregnant. Good information, easy to read.

This was a wonderful and informative book. My husband and I were set on using natural birth control when we got married, and weren't quite sure of the specifics. Originally, we got a book on NFP (very similar to the FAM method described in this book). The information was very similar, but this book was so much easier to read and understand. We thought the charting and temperature taking would be too much, but we got used to it pretty quickly. The book also came with a computer program that I love, because it calculates everything for you, and even predicts your cycle (very accurately for me!). I would highly recommend this book to any couple who wants to avoid or achieve pregnancy. I have read many books and internet articles that have their information all wrong about your temperature and your fertile and infertile phases. Written by doctors none the less! Even more reason to READ THIS BOOK!

(624 pages)

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy by: Toni Weschler publisher: Collins released: 2004-04-13 ISBN: 0060746378 $13.57

This new Mayo Clinic book on pregnancy provides you with practical information and reassurance on pregnancy and childbirth. Compiled by Mayo Clinic experts in obstetrics, it offers a clear, thorough and reliable reference for this exciting and sometimes unpredictable journey. This comprehensive book includes:

• A month-by-month look at mom and baby


• In-depth "Decision Guides" to help you make informed decisions on topics such as how to select a health care provider, prenatal testing options, pain relief for childbirth, and many others


• An easy-to-use reference guide that covers topics such as morning sickness, heartburn, back pain, headaches and yeast infections, among others


• Information on pregnancy health concerns, including preterm labor, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, along with an overview on being pregnant when you have pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or hyperthyroidism

My wife and I really enjoy this book. It is plainly written in a relaxing and sometimes mildly comical way. The book is basically comprised of two pieces. The part we find most helpful is the survey of what is happening to the mothers body through the duration of the pregnancy. In this regard, the book is a blessing. My wife simply felt weird on many days - and it was great to know that she should be feeling weird, and that there was an explanation for why she felt weird. I suppose one can assume it is because of the pregnancy, but it seems satisfying to know exactly what is going on. Similarly, there is a large glossary that details specific side effects expectant mothers may endure (with explanations as to why) along with many tips for remedying or limiting the effects.

The second (smaller) piece to the book is a detail of the developing fetus/embryo. This could be satisfying to some. Those interested in specifics of prenatal development should look elsewhere. My suggestion would be to watch PBS "Lifes greatest miracle" for an excellent and beautiful account of the developing organism in the womb.

Overall, the Mayo clinic book is a great resource for mothers and fathers who want to know how to prepare and what to expect from a pregnancy.

I got this book when I was pregnant with my daughter. I also got Your Pregnancy Week By Week. Both were fabulous. I could read about what was going on and understand, with out the fear of What to expect, which I thought was a crappy book. I have talked with many friends and they too were frieghtened by what to expect, so I loaned out this book, and information without the fear. It is easy to understand, easy to find answers, and reassuring. Definitely worth your money! This is one that I want back for my second pregnancy!!

As a nursing student, I wanted a pregnancy book that went into a little more detail that what I could read about online or in my textbooks. I learned a lot in school, but I wanted a bit more detail about what my body would go through, not just how the baby should develop and this book was the perfect answer. It may seem like heavy reading, but if you read along with your pregnancy & symptoms, it's not at all boring. The 1st part of the book describes each week of pregnancy and includes actual size pics of how the baby should be progressing. It also goes into childbirth & postpartum care. The 2nd section of the book explores various decisions you may face during pregnancy & after the baby is born. The last section discusses common pregnancy problems, everywhere from diabetes to preterm labor to preeclampsia. Overall, the book is very straight forward, informative, and a great source for pregnancy (& after) information.

we like this book very much. We do have other books we look at but this is a good one to have

I read this entire book cover to cover just because it had so much interesting information! Far superior to the other pregnancy reference guides available, this book answered all of my questions and is very well organized. I found the sections at the end of the chapters especially useful that identify all of the warning signs and normal symptoms to expect during each part of your pregnancy. All of the advice in the book was consistent with my OB/GYN recommendations and even accurately predicted the premature delivery of my baby. This book was an essential element of my preparation for a new baby and I would have been lost during pregnancy without it. It answered all of the questions I didn't know I had!

(176 pages)

Toilet Training in Less Than A Day by: Nathan Azrin publisher: Pocket released: 1989-07-01 ISBN: 0671693808 $6.99

THE CLASSIC GUIDE USED BY MILLIONS OF PARENTS!

MAKE TOILET TRAINING A TOTAL SUCCESS -- IN ONLY A FEW HOURS!

From two noted learning specialists, here is the amazing, scientifically proved Azrin-Foxx method that teaches toilet training quickly -- in less than four hours for the average child. And after that rewarding learning period, he or she will willingly use the toilet without assistance or a reminder!

Also inside is a wealth of information on related topics, including:

• Unexpected benefits -- your child's newfound pride and independence can increase eagerness to feed and dress him- or herself, and improve responsiveness to parental instruction

• Pre-training techniques every parent should know• Bed-wetting problems -- and how this method can help end them

• Happy children, happy parents -- how mastering toilet training benefits the whole family, increasing parents' personal time and deepening the parent-child connection.

With more than 2 million copies sold, TOILET TRAINING IN LESS THAN A DAY is the one guide you'll need to make this significant transition a rewarding and pleasurable experience -- for both you and your toddler!

I used this method for all three of my boys many years ago and it worked great. All I can do is put it into the hands of my daughter in law and hope for my granddaughters sake she reads it. The "Secret" is waiting until the child is ready!

excellent. We trained out 2 year old in 1 day. By the end of the week he had only 4 accidents. I recommend this book to my patients.

Florida Physician

It's definately the most specific book I found in laying out a plan for training, and it might even work with some kids. But it had mine screaming and us more frustrated than if just winged it. And it made me buy a stupid leaking doll. this book is a year older than I am and even in reprint hasn't made up for societal changes in the last 30+ years. It left me with a few good ideas in the end, but no way can I do it their way with my kid.

The copywrite date is 1974 and this says alot about the book. I am an early childhood educator and can tell you that this does not align with current theories. It emphasises punishments for accidents and requires you stay in the kitchen with the child for the entire day pumping him/her full of liquids. I wish I hadn't wasted the money on this extremely outdated book!

This book is amazing! I was so NOT looking forward to teaching my son how to potty train since people say it is harder to train boys than girls. It turned out to be so easy, I was kickin myself that I hadn't done it sooner!(this was 8 yrs ago) Since then, I have successfully trained son #2 with the same results. Son #3 will be trained within the next couple of weeks and I can't wait to get rid of those diapers!

(368 pages)

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by: Ina May Gaskin publisher: Bantam released: 2003-03-04 ISBN: 0553381156 $11.56

What you need to know to have the best birth experience for you.

Drawing upon her thirty-plus years of experience, Ina May Gaskin, the nation’s leading midwife, shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth by showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for a healthy and fulfilling birthing experience. Based on the female-centered Midwifery Model of Care, Ina May’s Guide to Natural Childbirth gives expectant mothers comprehensive information on everything from the all-important mind-body connection to how to give birth without technological intervention.

Filled with inspiring birth stories and practical advice, this invaluable resource includes:• Reducing the pain of labor without drugs--and the miraculous roles touch and massage play

• What really happens during labor
• Orgasmic birth--making birth pleasurable
• Episiotomy--is it really necessary?
• Common methods of inducing labor--and which to avoid at all costs
• Tips for maximizing your chances of an unmedicated labor and birth
• How to avoid postpartum bleeding--and depression
• The risks of anesthesia and cesareans--what your doctor
doesn’t necessarily tell you
• The best ways to work with doctors and/or birth care providers
• How to create a safe, comfortable environment for
birth in any setting, including a hospital
• And much more

Ina May’s Guide to Natural Childbirth takes the fear out of childbirth by restoring women’s faith in their own natural power to give birth with more ease, less pain, and less medical intervention.

don't read the crap that OB's and doctors are handing out telling women that if their labor doesn't fit nicely into their schedule and goes according to a generic time limit they'll have to have a c-section. giving birth is an empowering experience that can be ENJOYED and NOT FEARED. ina may helps inform you of the possibilities in childbirth so you can explore your options and also know what to expect. fast, easy reading.

Even if giving birth outside a hospital just doesn't seem like you (or me), keep reading this book. Ina May's "Guide" is well written, with interesting history, and aware of today's trends. Every woman and birth is different, and every woman in this book is capable of more than you (or often she) can imagine. The first half of the book is birth stories- and the second half is Ina May's detailed explanation of the birth process and options. Now I know exactly why my own labor "failed to progress" -I was scared! And each of my secret fears were addressed in this book. Learn what a good midwife could do for you and what your body really could be capable of when you believe in yourself. I wish I had read this book during my first pregnancy!! Women centered birth makes so much sense- but change isn't going to come from the midwives- change can only happen when mothers make that choice. We mothers need to become aware that we always have options- knowledge overcomes fear. Ina May is an experienced and well-spoken midwife who reached through the pages to make a difference to me.

I read this book during my first pregnancy and it was the best of all the many books I read. I had always known that hositals often do many unneccessary interventions. But after reading this book and experiencing the beauty, peace and joy of a miracle birth at home I have become a zealous supporter of home birth and midwives. I only wish more woman would read this book and see that their bodies are capable of giving birth and breastfeeding. If you're a mother-to-be, please read this book and reconsider planned c-sections, epidurals, drugs and episiotomies.

Ina May has written another great book that makes childbirth seem so natural and empowering, as opposed to a common misconception that it is painful and women should not have to endure the pain. This book helps you realize how powerful the female body truly is. I have already recommended this book to many friends and family of the childbearing age. Whether or not you choose to go natural, I think the book is useful in shedding light on the unique ability our bodies have to birth a baby!

This was the most inspirational book I have ever read on childbirth. I highly recommend that any expecting parent should read this book. It brings a new meaning to childbirth. It's meant to inspire a woman not make her fear the happiest day of her life!

(306 pages)

Heading Home with Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality by: Laura A. Jana, Jennifer Shu publisher: American Academy Of Pediatrics released: 2005-06-01 ISBN: 1581101570 $10.85

For the price and quality, it is good for new moms or anyone feeding their baby. The only thing I would change is to have more cushion on the seat.

I read this about a week before having my baby, and found it to be very useful information since day one. It's easy to read and very reality based, they keep it to the basics.

This little book is great! My MIL gave it to me and at first glance, I thought it was too basic and not likely to be that helpful. To my surprise, I read it the week before I was due and was so glad I did. It really goes over all of the basics and tells you what you don't know, but also, it was oddly reassuring to me because I discovered all that I did know! I now give it as a gift. It is definitely worth buying/reading.

The title is a little cheesy- but for first time parents, this book gives an informative, and entertaining overview of their newborn. I have nieces and nephews, but have never taken care of a newborn, and this book covers a lot of things I would have never thought about. It takes away a lot of worry so that you're not calling other parents or your doctor every couple of days. It's good for both moms and dads.

I read half a dozen books before I had my first baby, and now that I'm expecting baby number two I realize that this is simply the only book I needed. Easy to read, very informative and it covers everything you need to know. It leaves you with a lot of confidence and enthusiasm about bringing your newborn home - it even approached the mysteries of breast feeding in a practical and non threatening way. GREAT BOOOK - super gift for someone expecting!