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Vanessa P. (peetred) - Reviews

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The Mommy Docs' Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy and Birth
Review Date: 2/4/2012


You kind of expect a book that is written by a group of OBGYNs to downplay midwifery as an option or even to discourage it. However, the doctors and moms behind this book explain how they were trained by midwives while attending their very first births. They go into detail about their respect for midwives and agree that midwifery care at home, in a birth center, or in the hospital can be a great choice for low-risk moms.

The trio behind this book referred to as The Mommy Docs consists of obstetricians Yvonne Bohn, Allison Hill, and Alane Park, who are also the stars of the hit television show Deliver Me.

Even though they recognize alternate childbirth settings and choices, its clear that this book is written primarily for women who plan to give birth in a hospital with an OBGYN. Its full of information about common hospital procedures and practices.

A good portion of this book is dedicated to pregnancy complications and high risk pregnancy information, as well as what to expect in the weeks and months after you give birth, e.g. caring for your postpartum body, postpartum depression and emotions, and caring for your baby.

Though it remains a very mainstream pregnancy book, topics in this book are approached in a more personal manner than most, with all of the perspectives in the book stemming from a womans point of view. They include lots of real life examples and scenarios to give you an idea of the many ways in which women may experience pregnancy and birth.

The Mommy Docs attempt to bust some common myths about pregnancy and birth, such as what you should or should not eat and a few other old wives tales that may be floating around.

One gem, near the middle of this book, lends respect and encouragement for the use of a labor support person, for example a friend, family member, or professional doula. Its encouraging to hear a pregnancy book talk about this important choice in childbirth.

The information in this book is a little scattered, but a comprehensive glossary and index located in the back of the book make it easy to find what you are looking for.

The Mommy Docs Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy and Birth takes the unknown out of fertility issues, hospital birth, high risk pregnancy, complications, and what you may experience in the weeks and months after your baby is born. If you are facing any of these situations or are looking for a general mainstream guide to pregnancy and birth, this will suffice. If you are giving birth with a midwife or in an alternative location, this book is not the most suitable for you.

**Note: I received this book as a free review copy and was not compensated in any way for the writing of this review.


Review Date: 2/4/2012


Some doctors are mommies too. They go through the same experiences and have to make the same choices as you and I. So, what about a book that is full of tips and advice about pregnancy from more than 60 moms who are also doctors?

The Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy and Birth, written by Rallie McAllister and Jennifer Bright Reich, takes you step by step through your pregnancy, starting from the first week all the way to the birth of your baby. Organized in chronological order, you follow along by how many weeks pregnant you are. Its fun to sit down each week and read about your babys size, development, and what you may be going through.

Each week, youll read new and timely information that will help you along in your pregnancy, as well as health tips from author and doctor, Rallie McAllister. Rallie is well qualified to provide you with trustworthy pregnancy information. She is a board-certified family physician and has a weekly health column that is published in more than 30 newspapers.

Scattered throughout the book are quotes backing Rallies medical advice taken from 60 moms (who are also physicians) about their challenges, choices, and advice about pregnancy and birth. They offer an insight into the realities of motherhood, and had me saying, I guess Im not the only one!

There is something in this book for everyone. The medical information is not overly technical or biased, so while its not a book for in-depth research on medical choices, I appreciate that its something that every pregnant mother can read, whether you give birth with a midwife or with a doctor.

I especially like the recommended product and when to call your doctor or midwife features that correspond with each week of pregnancy. Rallie and Jennifer recommend products that you may consider purchasing and Rallie lets you know when to worry, and when you should contact your care provider.

This is a light and simple read during each stage of your pregnancy, without all the added medical drama and scary scenarios. This book easily replaces other week by week pregnancy books, and with more authority, since its full of real-life experiences and advice from Mommy MDs.

**Note: I received this book as a free review copy and was not compensated in any way for the writing of this review.

originally posted on naturalfamilytoday.com


Pacifi(her): What She's Thinking When She's Pregnant
Pacifi(her): What She's Thinking When She's Pregnant
Author: Hogan Hilling
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 2
Review Date: 2/4/2012


As a pregnancy writer, I come across very few options for reading material for new dads. Hogan Hilling, author and father of 3 sons, fills a need for information within the dad community. In this book, Hogan draws on his personal experience working with expecting fathers, and attempts to help men understand what their wives are going through during pregnancy, as well as the issues that they too are facing.

Hogan is exactly right when he describes the lack of attention that dads get from professionals, childbirth educators, and the lack of available information that exists for new dads. There are an endless number of resources available for expecting mothers, and little to none (depending on the area) for expecting dads.

There is a lot of information covered in this book, and its very well rounded. It breaks the social barriers about how men feel about pregnancy and becoming a dad, and touches on feelings and worries that dads experience, even some things that they themselves couldnt quite put into words, or hadnt realized was affecting them.

Pacifi(her) offers good advice for being involved with the pregnancy, bonding with the unborn baby, and preparing for life as a new dad. It encourages dads to be proactive protectors and parents, and to stand up and take on their new role with confidence. There is a great section about intimacy, as well as one that addresses dads fears about the upcoming birth.

Since Hogan is a father himself, this book is written from a perspective that dads can understand. Hogan uses lots of analogies that will help dads truly get it. With all of the advice and information geared toward women, men often feel at a loss of what to do during pregnancy. Hogan gives practical ways in which a dad can manage the pregnancy and prepare for life with a baby, in much more manly ways.

After all of the great advice in this book, I was sad to see some stereotyping of women. In a round about way, Hogan portrays men as the victims of pregnancy, enduring PMS-like mood swings, nesting frenzies, and spending sprees. Having been a pregnant mom, I didnt care for Hogans overtone about these matters. In one chapter, Hogan even suggests that men bypass communication with their wife by deferring to experts. Id like to see Hogan encourage communication more between husband and wife.

Overall, I think this is a good book for dads to read during their wifes pregnancy. Men, just try to overlook stereotypes. Not all women are an emotional nutcase throughout pregnancy, though we all have our moments. You have your moments, too.

originally posted on naturalfamilytoday.com

**Note: I received this book as a free review copy and was not compensated in any way for the writing of this review.


Real Moms
Real Moms
Author: Carol Kuykendall, Elisa Morgan
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 11
Review Date: 4/15/2008
Helpful Score: 1


This book lifted my spirits and made me laugh about my life as a mom. For anyone who feels as if they have to live up to some impossible standard as a mother, this book will expose the myths of motherhood and give you a laugh about the things that most all mothers go through.


Simply Romantic Dates on a Dime (Simply Romantic)
Review Date: 3/27/2012


I love this little idea book. True, some of the ideas are obvious, but when you need some quick ideas for how to have a fun little date on a small budget, this is the book for you. The ideas are also divided into price range, so you can choose from a list of ideas that fall within your budget.


What Your Pediatrician Doesn't Know Can Hurt Your Child: A More Natural Approach to Parenting
Review Date: 2/4/2012


The name of this book is a breath of fresh air among stacks of parenting books that say check with your healthcare provider.

Susan Markel, pediatrician, certified lactation consultant, and attachment parenting specialist, confirms in her book What Your Pediatrician Doesnt Know Can Hurt Your Child what millions of parents around the globe have learned through trial and error; Following the doctors orders is just as likely to be damaging to your childs health as it is to be beneficial.

From the beginning of the book, Susans emphasis is that you should seek to be as informed as possible about your choices and use your parental instincts rather than succumbing to cultural and authoritative pressures. This begins during pregnancy, when you make choices concerning the tests and procedures you will have and where you will give birth.

This is great to read before your baby is born; It starts off at the time of birth, mentioning the impact that birth has on your baby and briefly covers the common medical procedures that are done within the first hours and days of your babys life.

But this book isnt just about medical procedures and doctors appointments. Susan seeks to address the most crucial aspects of every baby and toddlers life including nutrition, bonding, sleep, and behavior.

She covers breastfeeding, baby-wearing, co-sleeping, communication, attachment, health, and natural remedies. She even guides you through the modern vaccination schedule and gives excellent advice on how to calmly speak to your doctor about delaying or even skipping vaccinations altogether.

What I really appreciate is Susans boldness on such controversial topics. Throughout the book, she doesnt bother trying to be politically correct; Instead, she lays out the truth about the real risks of formula feeding, medications, and vaccinations, and quotes research of the enormous benefits of breastfeeding and attachment parenting.

If youre looking for your doctors approval, this book is not for you. The concepts in this book are not the opinion of most doctors and pediatricians, and I can guarantee there will be plenty of raised eyebrows and shaking heads.

I find it amazing that Susan herself is a pediatrician. She spills a few secrets about the pediatric profession that may surprise you. One powerful quote by Susan rings true, A mothers instincts are worth more than a medical degree.

If you are looking for an empowering parenting book that speaks to you as an intelligent adult who can do your own research and make your own choices, You will be appreciative of the wealth of information that Dr. Susan Markel has presented in this book.

You can visit Susans website at www.AttachmentParentingDoctor.com

**Note: I received this book as a free review copy and was not compensated in any way for the writing of this review.

originally posted on naturalfamilytoday.com


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