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Like a good obstetrician, The Unofficial Guide to Having a Baby respects the intelligence of the mother-to-be. This mammoth tome is probably the best reference book on the market, giving nonjudgmental and fairly exhaustive information on such hot-button topics as whether to drink coffee during pregnancy and the relative safety of birth centers. The book lays out as much information as possible and leaves the decision-making to the parents--a surprisingly rare gambit in the bossy world of pregnancy books, which all too often insult the mom-to-be with sweeping dicta unsupported by hard science. Also like a good doctor, the book knows its limits, referring to other sources well and often.
The book's tone can be impersonal, which seems natural considering that it was put together by two authors, a team of editors, and a panel of birth experts including a doctor, a nurse, and a nutritionist. For color commentary, 150 new parents were consulted, but their voices are not the book's strong point, offering such pallid advice as, "A good-quality stroller will see you through all your children, whereas a cheapie will cost you again and again." The book's "Unofficial" moniker seems to refer more to the guide's commitment to laying out all the alternatives than to an irreverent stance. (Those looking for in-the-trenches attitude and tried-and-true advice might turn instead to Vicki Iovine's superb The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy or Ariel Gore's The Hip Mama Survival Guide.) While the book's hesitance to pronounce on emotional topics is largely laudable, in some cases it backfires. In 818 pages, the authors devote just a few paragraphs to single-mother and lesbian pregnancies--though, to be fair, a resource directory is offered. Overall, though, this guide fills a much-needed information gap in the pregnancy book market.
Book Description
The inside scoop for when you want more than the official line
Having a baby is one of life’s most joyous–and overwhelming–events. The choices you make now will affect your baby’s health long after it is born. How should you change your lifestyle now that you are pregnant? How can you be sure that your baby is developing properly? What should you expect at each doctor’s visit? And how on earth will you survive labor?
Now thoroughly updated with more than 200 pages of new and completely revised material, including week-by-week pregnancy tips, The Unofficial GuideTM to Having a Baby gives savvy parents-to-be like you a foolproof appraisal of what works and what doesn’t–revealing things even your doctor won’t (or can’t) tell you, with unbiased recommendations that are not influenced by any company, product, or organization. Vital Information that other sources can’t or won’t reveal–including the very latest research on prenatal and genetic testing. Insider Secrets on how to weather the physical and emotional highs and lows of pregnancy, with tips on health, exercise, sex, and career management. Money-Saving Tips that help you save on baby gear and maternity wear. The Latest Trends in new childbirth methods, including Doula care, pain management, and alternative birthing options. Handy Checklists and Charts to track your baby’s development, identify potentially dangerous medications and drugs, and record the milestones in your pregnancy.
Download Description
The classic guide–now revised with week-by-week pregnancy information
Thoroughly updated with more than 200 pages of new or completely revised material, this new edition of The Unofficial Guide to Having a Baby provides authoritative, objective coverage of all the physical, emotional, and financial issues that come with a pregnancy. Now featuring an all-new section that takes women through pregnancy week-by-week, this updated edition also includes detailed information and advice on preconception planning, first-time motherhood over age 35, exercising and working during pregnancy, the role of the father, alternative birthing options, financial planning and career management for parents-to-be, and saving money on baby gear.
Ann Douglas (Peterborough, ON, Canada) is the author of 21 books, including numerous top-selling titles in the pregnancy and baby book category. She is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and is a much-sought-after speaker at health fairs and parenting shows. Ann's books include The Mother of All Pregnancy Books (Canadian edition and American edition), The Mother of All Baby Books (Canadian edition and American edition), The Mother of All Toddler Books (Canadian edition), and Trying Again: A Guide to Pregnancy After Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Death.
John R. Sussman M.D. (New Milford, CT) is Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at New Milford Hospital and an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. His other books include the bestselling Before You Conceive. Dr. Sussman has delivered more than 2,000 babies.
Book Info
Pocket-sized consumer text provides information on having a baby with week-by-week pregnancy tips as well as tips on health, exercise, sex, and career management. Explores the latest trends in childbirth methods and offers money-saving advice on baby gear and maternity wear. Also includes the latest on prenatal and genetic testing. Previous edition not cited. Softcover.
About the Author
ANN DOUGLAS is the author of twenty-one books, including numerous top-selling titles in the pregnancy and baby book categories. She is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and is a much-sought-after speaker at health fairs and on parenting shows. Her books include The Mother of All. . . series, The Unofficial Guide to Childcare, and Choosing Childcare For Dummies®, all from Wiley.
JOHN R. SUSSMAN, M.D., is Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at New Milford Hospital and an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. His other books include the bestselling Before You Conceive: The Complete Pregnancy Guide.
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