Books

Pregnancy What to Expect When You're Expecting

by Heidi Murkoff, Sharon Mazel (With), Charles J. Lockwood
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company, Inc.
Pub. Date: April 2008
ISBN-13: 9780761148579
Sales Rank: 144
614pp
Edition Number: 4
Synopsis

Introducing a completely Revised & Updated Third Edition of America's bestselling pregnancy book, What to Expect When You're Expecting. Two years in the making, it's a cover-to-cover, chapter-by-chapter, line-by-line revision and update. Incorporating the most recent developments in medicine, and responding to the many queries and letters received from readers, the book contains both the most accurate information available, and the most reader-friendly. The Third Edition includes more information on working while pregnant. It offers more in-depth coverage of complementary and alternative birthing. Greater attention is paid to pre-conception, alternative families, second pregnancies, HMOs, the role of the father, and lifestyle. There's a completely new look at the Best-Odds diet, which is better suited to the needs of busier women with less time. An updated cover and all-new black-and-white illustrations give the classic a fresher look.

A month-by-month pregnancy guide.
Annotation
Publishers Weekly

This revised third edition of the popular pregnancy guide offers the authoritative yet reassuring advice that parents have come to rely on from all the titles in the What to Expect series. The book is arranged by month, from pregnancy test through labor and delivery. Each section offers answers to frequently asked questions, along with features such as "What You May Be Feeling" and "What You May Be Concerned About." Every imaginable issue is addressed, including the small but nagging subjects that women may not want to discuss with their doctors, such as how their bodies will look at seven months, or why some pregnant women "glow" while others have acne. While readers who already own this book won't have to rush to buy the new edition, the revised volume does offer a number of excellent expanded sections and illustrations, including a more detailed discussion of postpartum depression. There are also new illustrations and more text on breast-feeding, with diagrams showing different feeding positions. The travel section offers specific suggestions for "jettisoning jet lag" in addition to standard advice on traveling while pregnant. This book remains an indispensable guide for pregnant women and their partners. (Apr. 24) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

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I'm Pregnant!: A Week-by-Week Guide from Conception to Delivery
by Lesley Regan, Joe Leigh Simpson
Publisher: DK Publishing, Inc.
Pub. Date: September 2005
ISBN-13: 9780756609504
Sales Rank: 7,570
448pp
Synopsis

An invaluable guide on the journey from conception to birth, this user-friendly, chronologically arranged reference recognizes that women want full and accurate information at each stage of their pregnancy. Author Biography: Lesley Regan is Professor and Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London. She is a respected author, lecturer, and is the author the mother of twin girls.

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Great Expectations: Your All-in-One Resource for Pregnancy and Childbirth
by Sandy Jones, Marcie Jones, Claire Westdahl (With), Peter S. Bernstein
Publisher: Sterling Publishing
Pub. Date: November 2004
ISBN-13: 9780760741320
Sales Rank: 1,760
676pp
Synopsis

“Congratulations, you’re pregnant!”
Whether you’ve just heard these words, or saw the telltale blue lines on the pregnancy test, you’ve now just entered a world filled with ever-changing medical studies; conflicting nutritional advice; a myriad of birth options; and lists of products you’ve been told you must buy. With your active, hectic lifestyle, it’s important to get the information you need without having to wade through mounds of extraneous information. How can you be sure you’re doing all you can to have a happy and healthy baby?

Great Expectations: Your All-in-One Resource for Pregnancy and Childbirth is the most comprehensive and authoritative pregnancy and childbirth book available today, and the ultimate pregnancy guide for today’s intelligent, discerning parent. Neither an update, nor a revision, Great Expectations contains:

• the most current, evidence-based information medical information available today
• critical week-by-week timetable of mother and fetus development
• up-to-the minute guidelines for nutrition and exercise
• comprehensive baby gear information by the nation’s top expert
• the most detailed pregnancy dictionary ever produced in a pregnancy book

Designed with the accessibility and thoroughness of a field guide, Great Expectations organizes and delivers all the basic medical and lifestyle information pregnant women will need for these exciting months ahead. Sandy Jones is the author of six international best-selling parenting books including, Crying Baby, Sleepless Nights, Good Things for Babies, Learning for Little Kids: A Parent’s Sourcebook for the Years 3-8, and The Consumer Report’s Guide to Baby Products. She has written over 150 articles on pregnancy and parenting for such publications as Parents, American Baby and Fit Pregnancy and has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America and CNN. Her daughter, Marcie Jones, is a writer and editor and a professor of writing at The University of Baltimore and the mother of a three-year-old daughter.

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The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy
by Vicki Iovine
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
Pub. Date: January 2007
ISBN-13: 9781416524724
Sales Rank: 1,424
288pp
Synopsis
For expectant mothers in need of a good laugh, this realistic, refreshing, and utterly hilarious pregnancy book offers great tips on dealing with body changes, maternity clothes, talking with your doctor, what to buy for baby, and more.

Annotation
A delivery room veteran gives you the low-down as only the best friend can. From the top ten lies ("Maternity clothes are so much cuter now"), to the long-awaited birth, here are practical tips and hilarious takes on everything pregnant.

Publishers Weekly
For first-time mothers-to-be, this candid, funny and very reassuring guide to pregnancy is just what the doctor ordered-or would if he/she knew about it. Iovine, who has had four babies and who seemingly has girlfriends with many more, believes that women learn the really valuable things about pregnancy from other women. Since too few women in today's mobile society have a close circle of experienced female friends to turn to, Iovine's sharing of her own and her friends' experiences and knowledge fills a genuine need for comforting, straightforward, non-euphemistic woman-talk. Without stepping on any medical toes, and in language that is neither technical nor cutesy, she tackles morning sickness, swollen breasts, exercises, stretch marks, sex during and after pregnancy, delivery and just about everything else, from maternity clothing to bladder behavior. Iovine anticipates every conceivable question, and her responses are warm, wise and witty. (Oct.)

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Yoga for Pregnancy with DVD
by Theresa Jamieson
Publisher: Hinkler Books Ltd.
Pub. Date: September 2004
ISBN-13: 9781741216349
Sales Rank: 32,712
64pp
Synopsis
Pregnancy is a brief and very special time in a woman's life. Practising yoga during pregnancy is a safe and gentle way to enjoy light exercise and relaxation. Theresa Jamieson takes you through gentle yoga exercises, specifically designed for the needs of the pregnant woman, which will benefit the whole person physically, mentally and emotionally. They can be practised by all women, even if you've never done yoga before. All the necessary precautions are also detailed. Yoga means 'yoke' or 'union' - that is, the union between the body and the mind. The ancient yogic practices and teachings date back thousands of years incorporating exercise, breath control and meditation. A select few of these teachings are demonstrated for you. Yoga for Pregnancy recognises that pregnancy yoga is quite different from regular yoga, being much softer and less strenuous on the body. Theresa Jamieson takes you through the exercises, with the specialised needs of the pregnant woman foremost, and shows you how to establish and maintain flexibility, tone and strength throughout pregnancy while preparing for labour and childbirth.

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Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide
by Penny Simkin, Ann Keppler, Janet Whalley, Ann Keppler, Janet Whalley
Publisher: Meadowbrook Press
Pub. Date: January 2001
ISBN-13: 9780743212410
Sales Rank: 10,889
512pp
Synopsis
With over one million copies in print, this is one of the best-selling books about pregnancy on the market. More complete and up-to-date than any other pregnancy guide, this remarkable book is the "bible" for childbirth educators. Now revised with:
-a greatly expanded treatment of pregnancy tests, complications, and infections
-an expanded list of drugs and medications, plus advice for uses
-a brand-new chapter on creating a detailed birth plan
Called "excellent" by the American Journal of Nursing.

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Your Pregnancy for the Father-to-Be: Everything Dads Need to Know about Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Getting Ready for a New Baby
by Glade B. Curtis, Judith Schuler
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Pub. Date: July 2004
ISBN-13: 9780738210025
Sales Rank: 30,255
288pp
Synopsis
Written with an expectant father's needs, questions, and concerns in mind, Your Pregnancy for the Father-to-Be includes important information and valuable tips to help a man help his partner during pregnancy and the birth of their new baby. Topics include providing comfort as the mother-to-be experiences physical and emotional changes, interpreting the pregnancy tests and medical procedures, learning to be a great labor coach, and planning the family's financial future.

Your Pregnancy Quick Guide to Nutrition and Weight Management: Eveything You Need to Know about Eating Right and Staying Fit During Your Pregnancy
by Glade B. Curtis, Judith Schuler, Judith Schuler
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Pub. Date: June 2004
ISBN-13: 9780641897870
Sales Rank: 49,908
150pp
Synopsis
* Sample meal plans for pregnancy, as well as breastfeeding and bottle feeding mothers* Advice on managing special needs: from cravings to morning sickness* Cooking tips for safe and nutritious meals and snacks* Information on food groups, serving sizes, and suggestions for eating wisely

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Raising Baby Green: The Earth Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby Care
by Alan R. Greene, Val Lawton (Illustrator), Jeanette Pavini
Publisher: Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated
Pub. Date: September 2007
ISBN-13: 9780787996222
Sales Rank: 17,821
306pp
Synopsis
In this illustrated and easy-to-use guide, noted pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, a leading voice of the green baby movement, advises parents how to make healthy green choices for pregnancy, childbirth, and baby care—from feeding your baby the best food available to using medicines wisely. Consumer advocate Jeanette Pavini includes information for making smart choices and applying green principles to a whole new universe of products from zero-VOC paints for the nursery, to pure and gentle lotions for baby's delicate skin, to the eco-friendly diapers now in the marketplace, as well as specific recommendations for hundreds of other products.
People Are Talking About Raising Baby Green
"Every new mother and mother-to-be needs to read Raising Baby Green. This book will contribute immensely toward the future of our children and that of the planet."
—Anna Getty, mother and prenatal yoga teacher
"A very thoughtful, immensely practical book that offers sound advice on how to raise healthy children while treading lightly upon the earth."
—Philip J. Landrigan, M.D.; professor of pediatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
"A marvelous and much-needed book for pregnant women and new parents seeking information on ways to reduce their and their baby's exposure to harmful environmental chemicals."
—Shanna Swan, Ph.D.; professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester
"Dr. Alan Greene is the passionate voice for those just born and those not yet born. Listen to him."
—Walter Robb, president, Whole Foods Market
"By following Dr. Greene's suggestions, our children can have longer, healthier lives, asmaller environmental footprint, and a healthier planet to inhabit."
—Erica Frank, M.D., M.P.H.; mother and president-elect, Physicians for Social Responsibility; Canada Research Chair in Preventive Medicine and Population Health
"A lucid, helpful guide for parenting in the twenty-first century."
—Julius Richmond, M.D., Harvard Medical School; founding director, Project Head Start; former U.S. Surgeon General

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The Natural Pregnancy Book: Herbs, Nutrition and Other Holistic Choices
by Aviva Jill Romm, Ina May Gaskin
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Pub. Date: May 2003
ISBN-13: 9781587611780
Sales Rank: 60,715
336pp
Synopsis
Reading THE NATURAL PREGNANCY BOOK is like having your own personal herbalist and midwife at your side. Expertly written by Aviva Jill Romm, who has been providing family-centered natural health care for almost 20 years, it was one of the first books to explore botanical medicine and pregnancy. In this revised and updated edition, Ms. Romm thoughtfully follows the woman's journey from conception to birth, focusing on natural health. She describes herbs that can promote and maintain a healthy pregnancy (along with those you should avoid during your term) and the basics of a healthy diet, with an emphasis on natural foods. THE NATURAL PREGNANCY BOOK is a complete guide for the woman who envisions a safe pregnancy without technological intervention, as nature intended.

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Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way
by Susan McCutcheon, Erick Ingraham (Illustrator), Robin Y. Burningham
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Pub. Date: July 1996
ISBN-13: 9780452276598
Sales Rank: 11,623
254pp
Synopsis
Since the Bradley method was first introduced in 1970, a growing number of expectant parents have opted for natural childbirth, knowing that it's safer than medicated or surgical delivery. But where can parents-to-be go for information on how to have a successful Bradley birth? This book provides all the answers, offering sound advice on how to prepare physically for labor and what to expect during each of its stages. Photos & line drawings.

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Creating Your Birth Plan: The Definitive Guide to a Safe and Empowering Birth
by Marsden Wagner, Stephanie Gunning
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
Pub. Date: June 2006
ISBN-13: 9780399532573
Sales Rank: 134,443
288pp
Synopsis
Creating Your Birth Plan helps expectant mothers make informed decisions about the assistance they'll require for childbirth. Designed to encourage collaboration between pregnant women and their caregivers, it includes information on:
-What to expect when delivering in a hospital, in a birthing center, or at home
- How to select an advocate to ensure expectant mothers' wishes are honored by their caregiver
- The natural stages of labor in a problem-free birth
- Explanations of various medical or surgical interventions, and potential complications and benefits of each
- Natural alternatives to drugs, technology, and surgery

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From the Hips: A Comprehensive, Open-Minded, Uncensored, Totally Honest Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, and Becoming a Parent
by Rebecca Odes, Ceridwen Morris
Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
Pub. Date: May 2007
ISBN-13: 9780307237088
Sales Rank: 26,796
399pp
Synopsis
Drawing on the experiences of hundreds of real parents and the expertise of doctors, midwives and other birth and baby pros, this indispensable resource is filled with the most accurate and up-to-date information about having and caring for a baby, including: Decisions, Decisions:
A judgment-free breakdown of every major choice, including prenatal testing, natural vs. medical childbirth, circumcision, breast or bottle feeding, and work/life options
The Endless No:
What not to eat, take, and do when you’re pregnantÑget the real facts behind the prohibitions
I Want My Life Back:
Anxiety, regret, ambivalence, and other rarely discussed postpartum emotions
Parents and partners:
A look beyond the one-size-fits-all approach to family, with strategies for minimizing perfect-parent pressure and managing your real-life relationships through the changes
Sorting Through the Voices:
A user-friendly guide to the dueling gurus, trendy techniques, and conflicting theories that confuse new parents A forward-thinking book that includes a wide range of voices and approaches, From the Hips reflects the many ways of being pregnant and parenting without suggesting that there is one right way.
Publishers Weekly
Neither Odes nor Morris is a doctor, but as eager authors and recent mothers themselves, they aim, in this chick-friendly guide, to dish out Internet-accessible information and you-go-girl supportive advice. Their approach is to consider the authorities with a mere grain of salt, while seeking a supportive environment in which to nurture one's pregnancy and child-rearing. And while sorting through the opinions along the way, from choosing a health-care provider, coping with loss, birthing strategies, breastfeeding and sex, and baby-care basics, among other topics, the authors provide on most pages plentiful belly-shaped bubbles containing lively quotes from "anonymoms." Hear the mothers from the trenches express what they really feel, from one mom who enthuses, "The belly-I loved everything about it, and it makes people-strangers, even-feel enthralled with you") to the sadly modern refrain of another, "Sometimes I bury myself in work so I don't feel the sadness, fatigue and stress of having the baby waiting for me at home." The authors' are upbeat and well informed, and their useful back-of-the-book references address sensitive specific needs such as adoption and surrogacy, teen and older parents, and breastfeeding controversies. (May) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

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Easy Labor: Every Woman's Guide to Choosing Less Pain and More Joy during Childbirth
by William Camann
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Pub. Date: January 2006
ISBN-13: 9780345476630
Sales Rank: 29,693
311pp
Synopsis
THE FIRST COMPLETE, COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO PAIN RELIEF DURING LABOR AND DELIVERY
Far too many expectant mothers find themselves unprepared when labor begins and natural techniques don't effectively manage the pain. This indispensable guide provides reassuring, proven approaches to combining medical and natural techniques to ensure the most comfortable pain-free labor possible. In Easy Labor, you'll discover
• what to expect during labor, and key factors that affect your comfort
• the facts on epidurals, safety concerns, and how effectively they reduce pain
• the pros and cons of pain-relief medications
• complementary and alternative methods, including water immersion, acupuncture, hypnosis, massage, and birth balls
• how your choice of hospital or birth center affects your pain-management options
• techniques to calm and eliminate the specific fears and stresses associated with childbirth
So relax and enjoy your pregnancy, with this important book by your side!

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Childbirth Without Fear: The Principles and Practice of Natural Childbirth
by Grantly Dick-Read
Publisher: Pinter & Martin Limited
Pub. Date: July 2005
ISBN-13: 9780953096466
Sales Rank: 99,851
356pp
Synopsis
In an age where birth has often been overtaken by obstetrics, Dr Dick-Read's philosophy is still as fresh as it was when he originally wrote this book. He unpicks every possible root cause of western woman's fear and anxiety in pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding and does so with overwhelming heart and empathy. Essential reading for all mothers-to-be!

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Mothering Magazine's Having a Baby, Naturally: The Mothering Magazine Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth
by Peggy O'Mara, Jackie Facciolo (Illustrator), Wendy Ponte
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
Pub. Date: August 2003
ISBN-13: 9780743439633
Sales Rank: 130,700
368pp
Synopsis
For more than twenty-five years, Mothering magazine has captured an audience of educated women who appreciate its "we'll inform, you choose" approach to parenting. Having a Baby, Naturally reflects this spirit with straightforward, uncensored information about pregnancy and childbirth, addressing common concerns and questions in a compassionate, nonjudgmental style.
Written by Peggy O'Mara, the longtime publisher, editor, and owner of Mothering magazine, it synthesizes the best theories and safest practices used in natural childbirth, including recommendations from the World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Throughout, O'Mara reinforces her belief that each woman's pregnancy and birth experience is a one-of-a-kind event. She covers such topics as:
• Nutrition, diet, and exercise
• Emotional self-awareness during and after pregnancy
• A trimester-by-trimester guide to what is happening in your body and your child's
• Birth choices -- offering suggestions, not "rules"
• Pain medication alternatives
• Birth locations, from hospitals to home birth
• Relieving morning sickness with natural remedies
• Prenatal testing
• Breastfeeding
• Prematurity and multiple births
• Balancing work and family
• The father's role during pregnancy and beyond
• Difficult subjects, such as birth defects, miscarriages, and postpartum depression, are also treated with sensitivity and candor.
Finally, a book for the thinking woman who believes in her own inherent capacity to make smart, informed decisions about her pregnancy and birth, just as she makes in other areas of her life. Having a Baby, Naturally is a celebration of childbirth and an accurate and objective guide to helping women fortify their spirits, develop trust in their bodies, and make the best possible choices to protect their new baby's health.

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Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful: Experience the Natural Power of Pregnancy and Birth with Kundalini Yoga and Meditation
by Kaur Khalsa Gurmukh, Gurmukh, Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pub. Date: June 2004
ISBN-13: 9780312310882
Sales Rank: 84,390
256pp
Synopsis
From internationally renowned yoga teacher Gurmukh comes a book on pregnancy unlike any other. Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful is a treasury of wisdom, information, and inspiration for pregnancy and motherhood based on the spiritual and physical practices of Kundalini yoga, which Gurmukh has taught for the last thirty years.
With illustrated, step-by-step instructions, she teaches time-tested techniques, meditations, and exercises that will help you physically, mentally, and spiritually. In the timeless way that women have passed down wisdom surrounding birth and child rearing to one another for centuries, Gurmukh weaves folk stories and contemporary testimonials into a program designed to help you get profound results in the shortest possible time.
The sections in this book cover each trimester of pregnancy as well as delivery and life with the baby. In her wise, gentle, and comforting voice, Gurmukh suggests meditations, exercises, and yoga positions to respond to the various needs of expectant and new mothers as you undergo dramatic body changes. Gurmukh also helps you explore and, when necessary, heal your own history and unconscious attitudes about pregnancy, birth, and parenting.
In Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful, Gurmukh gives you all the tools you need to have a healthy and happy pregnancy while increasing your connection to your partner and building compassion and prosperity. The ancient practices of yoga can lead you back to your own power as a woman, capable of more than you ever dreamed. All you need is a belief in the possibility of change and a commitment of as little as three minutes a day. Gurmukh has helped thousands of women andtheir families find fulfillment through the healing movements and meditations of Kundalini yoga---and she can help you, too!

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Official Lamaze Guide: Giving Birth with Confidence
by Judith Lothian, Charlotte DeVries
Publisher: Meadowbrook Press
Pub. Date: October 2005
ISBN-13: 9780684031743
Sales Rank: 62,800
300pp
Synopsis
The Official Lamaze Guide helps expectant parents experience childbirth with confidence. In clear, easy-to-understand terms, this book dispels the myths that pregnancy and birth are fraught with risk. Lothian and DeVries offer solidly researched evidence to document that common medical interventions (such as pitocin, epidural block, c-sections, IV fluids, and electronic fetal monitoring) often have the effect of putting both mother and baby at greater risk than an intervention-free or "normal" childbirth. In collaboration with Lamaze International, the authors bring decades of professional and personal experience backed by strong research support their views on preparing women for childbirth.

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Preparation for Birth: The Complete Guide to the Lamaze Method
by Beverly Savage, Diana Simkin
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Pub. Date: January 1987
ISBN-13: 9780345312303
Sales Rank: 104,550
480pp
Synopsis
The first complete guide for couples to the most popular method of natural childbirth. Destined to become the standard book on Lamaze, covering everything from the moment of pregnancy to the difficulties of adjusting to parenthood.
Annotation
A leading expert on lamaze takes husbands and wives from pregnancy to post-partum while outlining all the options they need to know concerning doctors, medications, hospital and home delivery set-ups. Illustrated.
Library Journal, Beverly & Diana Simkin. Preparation for Birth: the complete guide to the Lamaze method. Ballantine. 1987. c.384p. photogs. by Mary M. Kennedy. illus. by Mary Motley. index. LC 85-90884. ISBN 0-345-31230-9. pap. $10.95. med These two guides advocate different methods of reaching the same goal natural childbirth. Jones discusses the use of mental imagery to reduce the fear and tension which make childbirth more difficult. He includes ``imagery exercises'' designed to help women at each stage of their labor. Jones downplays the role of the commonly accepted Lamaze method and displays skepticism about conventional medical practice. His new technique sounds good but is not yet time-tested. The book by Savage and Simkin is an excellent, comprehensive guide to the Lamaze method. While strongly advocating natural childbirth, this book is aimed at a wide audience. Even those who opt for or require medical intervention will benefit from it. ``Birth reports'' and quotes from hundreds of parents depict a wide range of experiences. Among the topics covered are Lamaze breathing techniques, the physical process of labor, choosing a doctor or midwife, exercise and relaxation, medication, the role of the partner, postpartum, and the second baby. Preparation for Birth is an essential guide and should be in all public libraries. Jones's book is recommended as a supplement for those committed to a natural birth. Barbara Carroll, M.L.S., Eau Claire, Wis.

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The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth
by Marshall H. Klaus, Phyllis H. Klaus, John H. Kennell, Phyllis H. Klaus, John H. Kennell
Publisher: Perseus Publishing
Pub. Date: January 2002
ISBN-13: 9780738206097
Sales Rank: 42,620
243pp
Synopsis
More and more parents-to-be all over the world are choosing the comfort and reassuring support of birth with a trained labor companion called a "doula." This warm, authoritative, and irreplaceable guide completely updates the authors' earlier book, Mothering the Mother, and adds much new and important research. In addition to basic advice on finding and working with a doula, the authors show how a doula reduces the need for cesarean section, shortens the length of labor, decreases the pain medication required, and enhances bonding and breast feeding. The authors, world-renowned authorities on childbirth with combined experience of over 100 years working with laboring women, have made their book indispensable to every woman who wants the healthiest, safest, and most joyful possible birth experience.A Merloyd Lawrence Book
Publishers Weekly
World-wide renowned authorities on birthing and bonding, Klaus and Kennell (Bonding) team up once again in this new work, focusing on the role of the doula, a Greek word that means "woman caregiver." Today, the authors explain, doula has come to mean an experienced labor companion who provides parents-to-be with emotional and physical support during labor, delivery and, to some extent, postpartum. The three authors (Phyllis Klaus teaches psychotherapy at the Erikson Institute in California) describe how a doula can help the birthing process, detailing studies that indicate doula-supported births result in a major reduction in the length of labor, a greater than 50% drop in cesarean sections, a decrease in a mother's need for pain medication and fewer feeding problems for babies after birth. Over the past decade, the authors claim, "evidence for the benefits of doula support has been accumulating dramatically." Expectant parents will find this exciting information, and it may impact their birthing plans. With appendixes and photos (many of which, unfortunately, seem to date from the 1970s) detailing a doula's training, relaxation and visualization techniques, the book will also be vital for women considering entering this field. As usual, the team of Klaus and Kennell presents its work in a clear, compassionate manner, offering new insights and ways to make birthing a safe and positive experience for all involved. (Nov.) Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

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Healthy Solutions
Organic Baby and Toddler Cookbook: Easy Recipes for Natural Food
by Lizzie Vann, Simon Brown
Publisher: Barnes & Noble
Pub. Date: March 2008
ISBN-13: 9781435105133
Sales Rank: 59,546
144pp
Synopsis
Fresh, additive-free natural foods are essential for the healthy development of all children. Now every parent can prepare tasty and nutritious meals with the Organic Baby & Toddler Cookbook.
Why choose organic food? Babies in the womb and young children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticides, additives and genetically modified ingredients in food. Lizzie Vann explains how to avoid these dangerous elements, including helpful tips on deciphering food labels and identifying the most harmful additives to avoid. She also gives advice on where to shop for organic products and what to buy for your organic pantry.
Recipes from birth to preschool: Easy and quick recipes and menu plans are carefully adapted for each stage of your child's development. Each section outlines essential superfoods for each age group and provides appetizing recipes for healthy, satisfying meals.
From fruity first purées for your baby to healthy snacks and independent food choices for the toddler, there is food here that the whole family will enjoy. Advice for vegetarians and children with special dietary needs is also featured. Organic Baby & Toddler Cookbook explains the benefits of organic food for you, your child and the environment.

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Tao of Fertility: A Healing Chinese Medicine Program to Prepare Body, Mind, and Spirit for New Life
by Daoshing Ni, Dana Herko, Dana Herko
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publishers Pub. Date: April 2008
ISBN-13: 9780061137853
Sales Rank: 19,589
277pp
Synopsis
An esteemed doctor who has helped countless women achieve their dream of having a child offers his program for enhancing fertility through traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Dr. Daoshing Ni, descended from more than 70 generations of Taoist masters, has achieved renown among high-tech infertility specialists, TCM practitioners, and his many devoted patients. The Tao of Fertility is the first book combining a practical plan for conceiving using TCM with empowering Taoist principles that can carry you through pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. Structured according to a woman’s journey to conception, The Tao of Fertility includes:
• A questionnaire assessing fertility potential
• A 28-day fertility enhancement program
• Simple meditations and acupressure points to improve reproductive circulation and relaxation
• Guidelines for mapping your fertility using Chinese methods of diagnosis
• Information on how herbs and acupuncture can increase fertility
• Eating plans for pregnancy, postpartum, and while breast-feeding.
• and much more
Enriched by moving stories of women who became pregnant using TCM, this is a compassionate, comprehensive handbook.

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Baby Minds: Brain-Building Games Your Baby Will Love - Birth to Age Three
by Linda Acredolo, Susan Goodwyn, Susan Goodwyn
Publisher: Bantam Books
Pub. Date: July 2000
ISBN-13: 9780553380309
Sales Rank: 13,118
214pp
Synopsis
BABY MINDS translates the most up-to-date scientific knowledge about infant brain development into novel techniques parents can use to nurture their babies' zest for learning.
Unlike the old "improve your baby" books that had parents anxiously trying to teach their toddlers to read, this delightful program builds on the things babies do naturally and enables parents to enjoy playtime even more.
Psychologists and child development experts Goodwyn and Acredolo show parents how to observe space and respond to their child's growing skills in seven key areas, from problem solving (at three months!) to memory (even before a baby can talk) and social communication. Features include:
• A family sign language to help babies express themselves and learn to talk
• The best read-aloud techniques and word games to foster later reading readiness
• Counting games and other ways to build on early number awareness
• Ways to use humor to foster creative thinking
Filled with adorable photographs of babies in action, BABY MINDS is an essential addition to every parent's bookshelf.
Library Journal
Acredolo and Goodwyn, child development psychologists and coauthors of the acclaimed Baby Signs, have teamed up again to assist parents in teaching their infants from birth to 36 months of age. Their goal is to take state-of-the-art research and translate it into pragmatic techniques for fostering child development in the areas of problem solving, talking, reading, and math preparation. The authors' philosophy is well articulated in their statement on baby education classes: "If your baby is not having fun, it's probably not worth doing." Their work differs from other baby-game books, such as Elaine Martin's Baby Games (1988), in that it is not simply a laundry list of nursery rhymes, recipes, and action plays. Rather, it addresses broader developmental concepts and provides more open-ended questions and activities to stimulate learning. However, they do include a brief yet useful "Tips Revisited" section that outlines age-appropriate techniques. Recommended for both public and academic libraries.--Lisa Williams, Moline P.L., IL Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

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Baby Sing and Sign: Communicate with Your Baby Early: Learning Signs the Fun Way Through Music and Play
by Anne Meeker Miller
Publisher: Da Capo Press
Pub. Date: November 2006
ISBN-13: 9781569242544
Sales Rank: 208,468
182pp
Synopsis
Not only does learning to sign help babies ask for what they need, but music and repetition are also among the best ways to build language skills. Now it’s easy and enjoyable to teach signs during your child’s daily routines. Developed as a popular workshop series by an award-winning music therapist, Baby Sing and Sign is the original book-and-CD guide to feature upbeat songs for learning basic words and American Sign Language, at home and on-the-go.
Baby Sing and Sign includes:
• A delightful 13-song music CD featuring “baby-friendly” tunes
• Music and lyrics for more than 35 key words and signs
• 100 black and white instructional adult and child photographs throughout
• Signing games and activities for the whole family
With creative songs and engaging playtime activities designed to appeal to young and old alike, Baby Sing and Sign is an ideal bonding experience for anyone involved in the first years of a child’s life.

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By the Ages: Behavior & Development of Children Prebirth through 8
by K. Eileen Allen, Lynn R. Marotz, Eileen K. Allen, Eileen K. Allen
Publisher: Cengage Delmar Learning
Pub. Date: April 2000
ISBN-13: 9780766820487
Sales Rank: 73,925 v 256pp
Synopsis
This book is a user-friendly, nontechnical guide to a child’s development, beginning before birth through age eight. This is an easy-to-use tool for evaluating developmental milestones, growth patterns, daily routines, and activities. These authors are both experienced in teaching, child care issues, and have authored professional references on the topic of child development.
Lynn R. Marotz, K. Eileen Allen Lynn R. Marotz, Ph.D., R.N., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Life at the University of Kansas. She also serves as the Associate Director of the university's Child Development Center. Ms. Marotz is co-chair of the Higher Education Consortium on Early Childhood Education. She is a member of the Stakeholder's Advisory Committee/Early Childhood Council, Kansas State Board of Education. She is also a member of the Kansas Early Care and Education Professional Development Initiative, as well as a member of the Early Childhood Professional Preparation Initiative. She is a council member for the Gateway's to Early Childhood Careers Project and serves as a board member for the Douglas County Child Development Association (NAEYC Affiliate). In 1998, she was a visiting scholar at Arizona State University and is a former finalist for University Employee of the Year (1997).

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