I promise not to make every post ever about pregnancy. But I've known for so long, and I've wanted to write about so much. Now is my time to ask for a suggestion.
When I first found out I was pregnant, I thought I should get a book. But then I started Googling questions that I had, and I found that my need for a book rather suddenly diminished. I could find answers to all my questions on the magical Internet. But, I'm not completely opposed to reading a book at some point. Perhaps a book on some method of delivery, particularly when I'm closer to delivery. Or a book about breast feeding. Or a book about baby sleeping methods. Or anything, really.
If you could suggest one book related to pregnancy/childbirth/and infant raising, what would it be? Are there any that you specifically wouldn't recommend? (A few details about what you liked and disliked about the books would be useful as well.)
14 comments:
I think any book/materials concerning birth may just freak you out too much :P
I don't have a book to recommend. I think getting answers to a specific question on the internet works. I've known some who read books on sleeping patterns, etc which I think actually made a bigger problem.
Remember your best source of information: Prayer - answers from The Source. Also, your own intuition, listen to and trust your heart and do what feels right and good to you. As a mother you are blessed with the Spirit to guide you in your most important calling.
When I was with child the first time my girl friend Sherry (yes your name sake) wrote me a 10 page letter of do's and don't. The very last statement was to not listen to anyone, just do what you feel is right for you.
When I was pregnant I read a book called Up the Duff by Kaz Cooke - I found it really good because she writes in a way that doesnt make anything sound scary - it made me feel quite relaxed about the whole pregnancy and especially the birth - and she's quite funny too!
What to expect when you're expecting is a handy tool, but may not be helpful. Loved Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. Babywise is helpful to a point. Hypnobirthing is helpful.
Oh and I took all my babies bar the youngest (cos they didn't have it anymore...?) to baby massage classes.
And - probably doesn't so much have advice on babies but Nigel Latta is great - very common sense and HILARIOUS - not sure if you got to see his "The politically incorrect parenting show" while you were here - you can do a search for it on tvnz.co.nz and it'll tell you how/where you can buy the show on dvd!
I'm with Alice AND Brianne on this one. If you want a point of reference, I think What to Expect When You're Expecting is a good read - just so that you can see the size the baby is and what some common pregnancy side effects may be at that stage. But like Alice says, the best thing I can recommend is to do what feels right for you - I read a lot here and there, and it sometimes it really helped...but I found it also helps to read more than one perspective - as I would get hung up on Plunket's (NZ free well child service) stand on something, and then learn there was an entire different school of thought (attachment) that sat so much better with me.
I was going to say almost the exact same thing as Ange. What to Expect When You're Expecting and What to Expect the First Year are good because they mostly present facts rather than a parenting philosophy. My advice would be (similar to others) you don't have to do it (pregnancy/birth/nursing/parenting/anything) a certain way, even if a book (or many books) say you should. If you like the idea, do it! If you don't, don't.
For sleeping helps I love babywise...just my own relaxed version. And I have to say...more helpful than any book was watching TLC's "A baby story". IF you don't have cable I bet you could watch it online. After watching about 50 other women give birth...going through it myself wasn't so surprising! I seriously can't tell you how excited I am for you and Eric.
What to Expect First Year - post baby and Happiest Baby on the Block pre and post baby. Also Mayo Clinic's pregnancy book.
Everyone keeps suggesting that I read Babywise. I've heard it's really helpful for moms who want to have their baby on a schedule.
The very day I found out I was pregnant, I went out and bought the Mayo Clinic's Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy book because I was just so excited, I had to get something. I also use the internet a great deal, but I still like having the book around to thumb through and learn about things that I wouldn't have thought to look up on the internet. I've also checked out several books from the library, but I still like the Mayo Clinic book the best because it has seemed the most comprehensive and organized of the ones I've browsed. I refused to buy What to Expect When You're Expecting because the tone of the book really bothered me. I have to say, the absolute best thing I've done so far is take a birthing class. I'm really loving the Bradley Method class I'm taking. It's very thorough (covers pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding/infant care) and my teacher (as I'm sure most do) has a wealth of additional resources to borrow if you just can't get enough.
I should have read this post first before I commented on your latest. Its funny reading everyones comments I never read a thing with any of my pregnancies I just went with the flow and I never went to antenatal classes. I relied on my doctor to tell me things and listened to my body. So really I'm no help what so ever. By the way you blog as much as you like about your pregnancy because its awesome to read back on in the future and it keeps me informed of whats up. Totally excited for you both xxxx.
I've enjoyed having What to Expect When You're Expecting as a reference. But I must force myself to look past the baby talk that creeps into the book: "little one", "your little prize", "you and baby".
Aside from the word choice, I thought the book was very informative. It is full of useful info about various pregnancy issues (solutions for heartburn, guidelines on exercise, when should you be worried about bleeding, etc).
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