Editorial Review

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?. ... Read more

Reviews

The cute-ification of the writing upstages the value of the book, February 7, 2010
Pregnancy is an exciting time and it's good to have fun with it, but the 4th edition takes the most simple descriptions and turns them into terms 15 year olds use. Sperm is routinely referred to as "the guys", and the following is taken from page 8, "Knowing when the Big O (ovulation) occurs is key when doing the Baby Dance (aka trying to conceive). Here are a few ways to help you pin down the big day--and pin each other down for baby-making activities."
I will only use this until my new pregnancy book arrives at which point this is going to a book drive.

so condescending!, March 21, 2009
This book assumes that pregnant women are idiots, and talks to them accordingly. It's full of cutsey language, puns, and linguistic tics that drove this English major up a wall. In terms of content, it contributes to our culture's position of "better safe than sorry" when it comes to kids - kids and pregnant women must be protected from anything and everything that might be the slightest bit upsetting. It does not provide any information on the research behind their advice, assuming that the pregnant woman is too stupid or lacking in self-control to make an informed decision for herself upon being presented with the facts, relying instead on making across the board recommendations on all kinds of things for which there is no scientific basis. I also hated that the miscarriage section had a big disclaimer warning pregnant women not to read it unless they actually had had a miscarriage, because the knowledge alone that miscarriage could happen would be so emotionally devastating to her that she couldn't handle it. After doing some research on my own and finding out how inaccurate and unnecessary many of their claims are, I find I no longer trust the book at all. I would not recommend it.

As per our Midwife's advice: Throw it away... now!, July 21, 2010
This book is the worst book any newly pregnant woman can read. It is fear based to a degree that makes you wonder if Murkoff is intending to help you or to avoid a lawsuit. According to the book you are cursed if you do and if you don't. Diets are impossible to follow, and practically everything from green tea to vitamins can cause a birth defect. In terms of literary value, this book is filled with annoying and condescending cliches. Sadly, it becomes evident through the content that Heidi Murkoff has no formal training in these matters.

I followed my midwife's advice and decided to throw it away. Please, do not give it to your girlfriends as a gift. It may say that is the pregnancy bible, but it is in fact a misinformed alarming guide to complete freak out. My anxieties indeed stopped when I got rid of this book.

I would suggest "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide," by Penny Simkin. It is written by actual professionals in the field.

btw, I'm using my husband's account. This review comes from a pregnant woman :)

To All the Expecting Fathers ..., May 31, 2008
Guys ... consider this a warning; this will be the worst book that your significant other can read and will make your life utterly miserable for the next nine months. It's been over four years since I had to deal with this serie's 3rd edition and I still can't stand the sight of it.

It may have been intended as a self-help guide, but its alarmist tone and condescending attitude leads this to act more as a bible for every worst-case scenario imaginable. After spending a few hours perusing this book's contents, your wife, girlfriend, whomever will become so overworked and paranoid that every little ache, pain, and irritation will become a sign of the baby being born with a forked tongue and three heads. The diet your partner will be instructed to keep is impossible for any human being alive to follow. She will be told to try and avoid ... damn near everything it seems like.

I was also incensed that after reading up on the author, all of this "wonderful" information was being brought to me by someone with NO MEDICAL BACKGROUND. If I'm going to want advice on dealing with pregnancy issues, wouldn't I want to consult an expert (i.e. someone with a degree)? Murkoff is no more an expert then I am ...

I'll be blunt, WTEWYE seems to be an EXTREMELY popular gift for someone who's pregnant for the first time and it's probably unavoidable. I came into three copies without any effort at all. I'm not going to stand here and pretend I know of a better source for information either, because (outside of ... oh I don't know ... a doctor) I don't. All I know is that if THIS is the definitive volume on the pregnancy experience, then God help us all.

I absolutely guarantee you, someone your partner knows WILL buy this for her. Your mission is to "lose it." If you're already stuck with it and you can't hide it or burn it, at least do your best to temper its pages with as much perspective as you possibly can. Again, for a first-time mom-to-be, who, frankly, is probably a bit nervous anyway about all the changes her body is going through, all this volume is going to accomplish is completely freaking her out.

Batten down the hatches and break out the antacid my friends, it's gonna be a long nine months

Dry, bland, and uninformative, June 4, 2008
Unfortunately, this book wasn't really what I expected. If you are looking to be scared by you pregnancy, than I suggest this book to you. However, the offensive and judgmental tone of this book will do you no good. Try something else that won't make you feel bad while you read it.

The classic guide to pregnancy., April 16, 2009
A MUST have: If you are looking for a thorough pregnancy book, this has to be it. When I got it from my doctor (he gives one out to each new, expectant mom) I was suprised at how big it was. Wow! A lot of reading material. However, this one covers just about everything you want to know about pregnacny and then some. There was also some stuff in here that I particularily didn't want to know!! However, it's a good, solid read and one of the best. A classic. I also liked Really Pregnant! Confessions of a New Mom-To-Be or Why I Couldn't Stop Eating Brownies.

Not "alarmist" or "fear-mongering.", December 14, 2009
Luckily I purchased this book before reading the Amazon.com reviews. The reviewers that gave this book a poor rating, claiming it is "alarmist" and "fear-mongering," are using exactly the kind of hyperbolic language they accuse the authors of using. I am normally overly self-aware and concerned about every little pain or abnormal feeling I have; if anything, the book's month-to-month description of possible symptoms and conditions helped reassure me that all the things I went through were normal and easily explained. It made for a convenient reference to further research things that were pertinent to my situation. I didn't find the book frightening or agenda-pushing at all. In fact, I thought it was much less concerning than the book that the doctor's office gave me.

The section on birthing options seemed fairly diverse to me. It did not condone using medications or seem to favor hospital birthing in any way. It encourages you at around 7 months to start thinking about and preparing your birthing plan so you can make sure it is carried out in the way you want it to be.

There is a whole section, at the back of the book, SEPARATE from the month to month sections, which covers the various conditions that can potentially complicate pregnancies. I think this section is more for mothers who are pre-disposed to these conditions or have already been diagnosed with them. The book in no way made me feel like I was at risk for any and all complications or that I had to sleep with all eyes and ears open. I myself have been at-risk with a short cervix so I found that section, and the section on the signs of preterm labor, to be helpful, informative, and unbiased.

The best and first place you ought to go with a pregnancy concern is of course your doctor or midwife. But if you'd like some handy and concise information on the kinds of things you MAY encounter month-to-month, why these things happen, and some possible ways to deal with them, then this is a fine book. I did not find the tone threatening, condescending, or heavily prescriptive by any means. I'm not sure why anyone would give it one star.

Really unhelpful and alarmist, August 5, 2008
This book offers only one version of pregnancy and childbirth - a managed, highly medicalized version. Which is totally fine if this is what you want, but this book doesn't present it as, "Well, you have this option or this option." It is straight away one version of high-drama childbirth that totally discounts the ability of most women to have a healthy, normal birth and healthy normal baby. Granted, all birth books seem to have a slant, but why not err on the side of what is healthiest for mom and baby? Sure, if you feel like you cannot birth without drugs or you don't care about having an episiotomy, this is fine and good, but lots of people find that when they are not scared into these procedures, and scared by birth in general, things tend to go more easily. The Sears pregnancy and birth books acknowledge the need/option for fetal monitoring, ultra-sounds, c-sections, drugs, etc., but at least give you the information about them rather than assuming that they are routine and 100% without risk. More on the alternative side is Having a Baby, Naturally: The Mothering Magazine Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth, but even if you don't end up going that route, everything in the book is well documented by studies, so it is a great source of information. I'm not trying to be harsh on this book, but it really stinks at giving a balanced, comprehensive view of your options, or of portraying birth as a natural, normal process. Try to avoid it if you can - it just makes you feel more nervous and stressed.

scary!, July 23, 2009
DON'T READ THIS WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING!!!!!!! This book will only serve to scare you! Try "Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: the Complete Guide" by Simkin, Whalley & Keppler instead.

Read this if you like having meltdowns, November 7, 2008
To make a long story short, after getting about 120 pages into this book, I called my best friend nearly in tears. I told her I was reading the book, and before I could go into details, she said "oh for goodness sakes, don't read THAT! It's all about what you can't do and what can go wrong."

Turns out that three other friends of mine echoed the same sentiments with no prompting.

This book is a great way to make a (probably already nauseous) pregnant woman even more miserable. ... Read more

Editorial Review

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

Reviews

Superior to "What to Expect...", August 14, 2005
Back when babies were just daydreams, I recieved "What to Expect When You're Expecting" (3rd ed.) from a pregnant friend who had an extra copy. Not knowing any better, I was quite pleased. Once I became pregnant and actually needed a guide, however, that changed. I found the book to be poorly organized, overly conversational and condescending in tone (especially given my plans to be a stay-at-home mom), and generally useless for anything other than instilling fear and paranoia. Most exasperating, though, was the "organization." Symptoms that can arise during varying parts of pregnancy are scattered haphazardly amongst the monthly chapters. This means that the book must be read cover to cover and all material retained in memory if hunting through the index and flipping back and forth between sections doesn't sound appealing.

Enter the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy." Hallelujah! Not wanting to suffer through another mediocre guide to pregnancy, I looked through every book I could get my hands on, and this was the only one that satisfied my criteria. It is written by trustworthy professionals in clear yet -professional- language, it provides information on "pregnancy, childbirth and your newborn" in chronological order, and best of all, it contains separate sections entitled, appropriately, "decision guides for pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood," "pregnancy reference guide," and "complications of pregnancy and childbirth," each with a table of contents at the beginning of the section. Instead of having to take a wild guess at which chapter (or, more likely, chapters) cramping might have landed in in "What to Expect" or searching the entire index, I could find it, along with all the other things I might be wondering about, in the reference guide. Blessed simplicity!

The "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" was the only book I needed. Once I found it, "What to Expect When You're Expecting" went back on the shelf and stayed there.

Best pregnancy book ever, May 6, 2005
When we started trying, I bought a lot of pregnancy books. I am now towards the end of my first trimester and this book has been by far the best book I own on this topic.

This book is extremely well organized, very informative and objective, and covers a wide range of topics from pregnancy to birth to breastfeeding.

It is very easy to find what you are looking for. For each week, it explains what your body is going through, how your baby is growing and what emotional changes you could expect. In each month, there is a summary page that lists the problems you may have in that period and tells you when you should call your doctor. There are very nice drawings that show what your baby looks like and how big it is. (Some pictures are real size, for others the book tells what percentage of the real thing the picture is.)

This book had answers to all my questions so far - and I should say, being a very curious first time mom, I had a lot of questions.

Thanks and congratulations to Mayo Clinic.

Saved my Baby, October 10, 2005
This is the best book out there by far. I had 3 other pregnancy books in addition to this one. This book answered every question I had during pregancy. And I had lots of them. At the week 38, I wasn't feeling great but I wasn't dying either. Just not feeling too well. I was having some minor chills, and NO fever. No other symptom. I opened the book and it said to call my OBGYN right away. I did so and my OBGYN wasn't too sure that it was urgent. My OBGYN then changed her mind 5 min later called me back and told me to go to the hospital for a quick checkup. My babies heartrate was over 200/min. They managed to stabilize him and 15 min his heartrate dropped to 80/min. Needless to say, my OBGYN did and emergency C-section. Had I not had this book and been so persistent with my doctor, my baby might be not be alive. Well worth every penny it costs.

Better than "What to Expect When You're Expecting", May 4, 2005
This was the first book I got from the library when I found out that I was pregnant. Unfortunately, after numerous renewals, the library wants it back (the nerve!). I'm currently 15 weeks pregnant with my first child and so far this book has been great. It's from a trusted source and the week by week information on what's happening to the baby and possibly to me is more informative and detailed than other books that I have (i.e. "What to Expect...," "Your Pregnancy Week by Week," etc.) While this book has a lot of information dealing with specific circumstances, I just skipped the sections that didn't pertain to me. This book didn't scare the hell out of me like some of the others did. I am purchasing this book for my own "library."

The ONLY book you need, January 21, 2006
I had bought several pregnancy books, including the Mother of All Pregnancy books and a couple of others, shortly after finding out I was pregnant. I kept getting disappointed by them - either the tone of the book would be off, or the information wouldn't be complete enough, or the book would be too cutesy for me to stomach. I got a recommendation from someone for this book, and after I read it I was sorry that I had wasted any money on other books. This is the only pregnancy book I need.

It's hard to describe just how comprehensive the information is. If you, as a pregnant woman, need to know about something, it's discussed in this book. There's a large section on pregnancy discomforts and problems, but it's written in such a way that it's not depressing at all. The book is very straightforward about common pregnancy symptoms - if something hurts, they don't pussyfoot around, they say "this hurts" - but yet not negative about the experience of pregnancy either. The tone of the book is very straightforward, but yet upbeat at the same time. There are great week-by-week descriptions of what's happening with your baby, complete with illustrations, and in the week-by-week chapters there are also discussions of issues relevant to your pregnancy and suggestions about things you might want to think about or make some decisions about at that stage. There is VERY extensive information about prenatal testing, complete with great diagrams (this was the first book that showed me what really happens during CVS testing) and the information is presented in a neutral, nonbiased way that really aids decision-making when it comes to prenatal tests.

One of the most helpful features of this book are the "decision-making guides" in the middle. These are short articles about things like breastfeeding, deciding to have another child, etc. that present the pros and the cons in a very balanced and neutral way, so that you as a parent can make decisions for yourself. The book recommends breastfeeding and provides detailed instructions on breastfeeding, but also provides plenty of information on formula feeding, complete with instructions on how to formula feed, which is something I have not seen in many other books. I plan to breastfeed but if you are not planning to, or find you cannot, this book has some great information for you about formula feeding.

One other extremely helpful feature of the book are the charts for each trimester that help you decide when you should talk to your doctor about certain kinds of symptoms. I was surprised to find that some things I would think would be not that serious are actually things that warrant an immediate call to the doctor. I know I will be referring back to those tables over and over my entire pregnancy.

Overall, I can't recommend this book highly enough. Loads of information to help you make the best decisions you can in your pregnancy. Don't bother buying any other book. This is the one you will go back to for information and reassurance over and over throughout your pregnancy.

Real great book!, October 17, 2005
I borrowed many pregnancy books at the library and found this book from far the best and I decided to buy it! It is written by doctors and explains everything simply but also scientifically. Do not buy "what to expect when you are expecting" which is too alarmist and not as complete as the Mayo Clinic Guide.

Best of the bunch!, April 14, 2005
I wanted a book written for intelligent adults that provided all the necessary information without the hype that this pregnancy will be an event around which the universe will revolve. (I've got plenty of time after my child is born to believe that.) After staring down the dizzying array of books on pregnancy, this was my pick. Not only do I love it, but my husband thought it was great and not too "jr. high sex ed class" oriented like many of the picture-heavy books. It's packed with information presented in a no-nonsense format that really lays out all your options for every aspect of pregnancy without taking sides. The organization is terrific with charts, graphs, and sidebars on all the things you want to know. The decision guides make you feel like you can handle anything that comes up. And it lets you easily find what you want whether it's weekly updates on how you and your baby are doing, guides for the big decisions about breastfeeding and circumcision, or specialized advice based on medical difficulties or multiple pregnancies. Great book from the Mayo Clinic!

Finally...A book for First timers and repeat moms!!!, January 11, 2005
I am in my 3rd pregnancy, and bought the tried and true copy of 'What to expect when you're expecting.' Boy..was I dissapointed. It was so basic, missing so much info I wanted. AFter some research I heard about this book and went to take a look at my local store. All I can say is...WOW WOW WOW. It's not only a monthly guide to your body, emotions and baby..but a weekly. There is so much wonderful information..everything from snoring to in depth analysis of birth control for after delivery. They have a great section on dealing with depression before, during and after pregnancy. NOT JUST BABY BLUES. I was so impressed. I'd never read such great and easy to understand material. They have a huge reference guide for all the little and not so little aches and pains in pregnancy. Each month has a 'how soon to call your doctor' section for possible problems. It was nice that it didn't spend the whole time speaking only about working moms and prenancy (although it is covered) or insult my intelligence as a repeat mother. I highly recommend this to repeat and new moms alike. You will be so much more prepared than with the others I've read.

Very informative-not my favorite though, March 31, 2005
I really liked this book and I think it is a wonderful reference tool. I am glad I had the book on hand. However, my favorite book during pregnancy was "Pregnancy Week By Week". I think it went more into detail as each week passed. And being a first time mom, I wanted to know every detail that was going on developmentally with my baby.

This is the book to get!, November 30, 2005
During my last pregnancy, I bought "What To Expect When You're Expecting," but lent it to a friend afterwards. So, now, for this pregnancy I bought this book. I like this one much better! It is well-organized, easy to reference, and has consistent categories month-by-month. I would definitely recommend this as the book to get!!! ... Read more

Editorial Review

You are having a baby! Congratulations! Now the reality hits you: what the heck am I doing? What if you could bottle the wisdom of all those parents who've come before you and mix it with the solid medical advice from an nationally-renowned pediatrician? Baby 411 is the answer! Think of it as the ultimate FAQ for new parents.

Baby 411 hits today's hot-button issues head-on. Inside the revised and updated 3rd edition, you'll find info on: picking a pediatrician, with savvy questions to ask and insider tips; finding the best way to get your baby to sleep through the night; deciding what to do when baby gets sick, including when to worry and when not to; discovering secrets to soothing a fussy baby; breastfeeding your baby and introducing new, improved formulas and solid food, with detailed nutritional information and step-by-step guide. ... Read more

Reviews

Pediatrician recommended!, March 2, 2009
I am a pediatrician, and when I was pregnant with my daughter (my first) I was looking for a medical advice book for all those things they DON'T teach you in medical school. Also I like to read the books that my patients' parents are reading. I guess you could ask why a pediatrician would need to read an advice book.... and I will tell you that most of the parenting skills and ideas you need to survive everyday life with your child are not a part of medical training. This book is an excellent combination of the very latest medical evidence and practical parenting advice. I find myself turning to it each time we enter a new "phase" (sleeping training, introducing solids, etc.)

The book is not meant to be read cover to cover in one sitting, but I did read the entire book on a vacation to see if I agreed with Dr. Brown's medical advice. I find her approach to complex medical issues to be balanced and backed by scientific evidence which is lacking in many books.

Baby 411 is a modern-day "Dr. Spock" advice book that every parent should have on their shelf for middle of the night symptom searching and for everyday parenting questions.

My "go-to" book for minor baby health crises, September 21, 2007
This is my go-to book for basic health questions about my baby. Unlike a number of other baby books on my shelf, the information is presented in just enough detail to be helpful in a minor crisis (A whole chapter on poop and vomiting? Yay!) Most sections about common symptoms and illnesses are very reassuring, but contain a useful "Red Flags" list immediately following that lets you know when you need to push the speed-dial number for your pediatrician. I find the reference section really helpful, particularly when I don't feel the need to wake my pediatrician at 1A.M. to ask a basic question about medication or illness. The authors do express strong opinions about some controversial issues, like circumcision and vaccination, which will turn some readers off; and I've seen a few parents who susbscribe to the attachment-parenting theory complain that some of the behavioral advice (specifically regarding co-sleeping and sleep training) is harsh or closed-minded. If you have your own strong opinions about these issues, ignore these sections of the book--there's lots of other useful information here.

Excellent book, except form factor, April 4, 2009
This is a wonderful book for parents. It provides a lot of useful information to help put first time parents at ease. The sections on birth and the first few weeks of feeding helped us understand whether we were on track with quantities of breast milk.

The book continues with good information on hygine, pooping/peeing, vaccinations, and has become a frequently-accessed reference. Many sections are organized in a way that you can find information on your baby according to his/her current age, which is helpful.

I would give this book 5 stars except for one issue I consider significant - it's almost impossible to read while holding your baby! The book measures 10x5x1.5 inches, and if you try to keep it open with one hand, it slaps shut. And, it won't stay open by itself on a flat surface.

Ability to read the book while taking care of the baby would have been a huge plus.

Must Have Book for first time parents!!, July 18, 2008
I can't say enough good things about this book! It has helped me with so many questions since my son was born. I bought this book during pregnancy but didn't get around to reading it. Once I brought my baby home, I had a million questions and no time to read. The format of this book (Q&A style) made it possible to find the answers I needed quickly and with thorough but concise explanations. The authors are great at balancing info so that you feel assured and informed. As many other readers have said, I love that they give "red flags" so that you know when something is hands-down an emergency or time to call the doctor. This book is the only one my skeptical husband will read when he wants to find something out for the baby. If you buy only one baby book, make it this one. PS- Better than "Mother of All Baby Books"

Excellent, easily read advice and information, January 27, 2009
I am a new mom and an Emergency physician, and I bought this book after reading some other reviews on amazon. Well, I can't agree more with the positive reviews. This book is worded in simple and clear language and gives frank and detailed advice. After reading it cover to cover, ( I couldn't get enough), I thought, why didn't I think to get this before? So many of my patients ask these questions and I give the advice that is easily accessible for less than 20 dollars- in a book- while they are spending time and money to go to the ED to relieve their worries. I will definitely recommend this book to friends, family and patients.

Best baby guide out there!, December 11, 2007
I'm so glad that i had this as a reference guide when raising my first baby (now my toddler). It had the most information in the most condense format. It was wonderful to read through cover to cover and to also use just as a look-up reference when ear infections, bumps, illness, or diaper rashes cropped up. The authors are funny, sympathetic, informative, and realistic. They recognize that when they give the stock doctor's answer of "take your child to the pediatrian's office -- again", it's aggravating for parents b/c of all the co-pays and time involved, but they justify themselves. They guarantee that this book will pay for itself by saving you the co-pay of at least one doctor's visit, and it definitely did so for me. After seeing my daughter's diaper rash get progressively worse after airing it out, using Aquaphor, Balmex, and Triple paste, we looked it up and found she had a yeast infection type rash. OTC athlete's food ointment and (ta da!) no more rash. They saved me $25. I have the Baby 411 and the Toddler 411 and I just want to thank them again and again. The one wish I have is that they would detail their child development section more thoroughly since it is what EVERY parents seems to be most concerned about. I know I poured over it again and again.

Excellent advice for new parents!, May 5, 2008
I love this book. It's great for when we feel like we don't know what we're doing or what to expect. (We have 4 1/2 month old twin boys.) We often refer to this and even re-read sections. I purchased this copy as a gift for my cousin and his wife who are expecting their first baby next month.

Great for first-time parents!, August 22, 2007
This book is especially helpful for first time parents. The information is delivered in a clear and easy-to-understand format, with a little bit of humor thrown in. You almost feel like you are talking directly with the authors. Ever since this came out, I've made it a point to give the latest edition as a gift to new parents.

Informative, Well-Balanced, Straight to the Point, & Entertaining, June 3, 2008
I should have bought this book when I realized how incredible "Baby Bargains" was. I waited until my daughter was 4 months old before I bought this book and I wish that I had not waited so long. I will be giving this to everyone that I know that is expecting moving forward.

This is very well-written. There is a wide variety of information that is up-to-date and straight-forward. It offers balanced information on hot topics without getting caught up in emotion. Too often author's of baby books get caught up in the political hype. However, if you are ever in doubt with anything regarding your child- check with your pediatrician.

There is so much unnecessary "stuff" out there for new parents that it can be overwhelming. Marketers of baby items often times prey on the vulnerability of new parents. This author does not do that. In my opinion, the reviewers who thought that this author has a hidden agenda are clouded by their own agendas. This book offers parents easy to read information so that you can make the best decisions for you and your family.
This is a must have for any parent who wants straight forward advice. I can't wait to read the follow-up book.

Helpful for First Time Parents!, September 13, 2007
I received a promotional copy of this book for free from my OB/GYN's office while I was pregnant earlier this year. My husband and I have found it invaluable, especially for those first few weeks after bringing our first baby home! It is well written and easy to understand. We find ourselves referring to this book first when we have any questions, and have found that the baby's pediatrician has agreed with all the advice in here so far! Highly recommended and I'll be giving this as a gift at baby showers from now on. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Celebrating 10 years of helping hundreds of thousands of women achieve pregnancy, avoid pregnancy naturally, and gain better control of their health and lives, the 10th Anniversary Edition of the classic bestseller will include:

•New 'Preface to the 10th Anniversary Edition"

•Updates on new fertility technologies

•Natural approaches to conception

•Updated Resources and Books

For any woman unhappy with her current method of birth control; demoralized by her quest to have a baby; or experiencing confusing symptoms in her cycle, this book provides answers to all these questions, plus amazing insights into a woman's body. Weschler thoroughly explains the empowering Fertility Awareness Method, which in only a couple minutes a day allows a woman to:

•Enjoy highly effective, scientifically proven birth control without chemicals or devices

•Maximize her chances of conception or expedite fertility treatment by identifying impediments to conception

•Increase the likelihood of choosing the gender of her baby

•Gain control of her sexual and gynecological health

Reviews

Required reading for EVERY woman!, May 4, 2003
I honestly thought that just being a woman ~ I knew all I needed to know to get pregnant. I am 35 now and ready to have a baby, so I stopped taking the pill and waited 2 cycles and thought all I had to do was plan our night of fun close to Ovulation "Day 14". Was I ever wrong!!

After trying unsuccessfully on my own for 5 months, I started to question my fertility. I purchased ovulation test strips and they wouldn't show a peak ovulation. I found others online who were trying to conceive and recommended this book. Once I received the book, I couldn't put it down! I was amazed at what little information I actually knew about my cycle ~ my own body and what it had been telling me all along. I just didn't understand it.

I learned not everyone ovulates on "Day 14", for me it is actually "Day 23". I assumed I wasn't ovulating and got frustrated at day 20-21 and would stop testing. I now know to look for signals to show when I'm ovulating and now test in the correct window.

By reading this book I now have a clear understanding of my cycle. At my age, I want to have a baby sooner than later, so I plan on taking a more aggressive approach to my fertilization. I talked with my doctor after 6 months, rather than 1 year. With the help of this book and charting, I was able to explain my cycle and show my doctor all my charts. I was able to provide all the information needed to show I have a short luteal phase. By providing this information to the doctor, we will be able to treat the ovulation problem that much quicker. My doctor commented that I was extremely organized and it really helped things along.

This book is very easy to read and understand. You will be able to clearly read your own body signals during your cycle, and have a better understanding of your fertilization ~ whether you want to become pregnant - or not.

I will share this book with other women and would recommend it for every woman!

Excellent, excellent, excellent, October 8, 2002
I consider myself to be a reasonably intelligent, college-educated woman with a pretty darn firm grasp on How Babies Are Made, so when my husband and I decided to start a family, I thought it would be as easy as tossing the birth control pills aside and Let The Fun Begin! After almost a year with NO baby, followed by a miscarriage, I was starting to question my fertility. (After all, how hard can this be?) I went to the OBGYN, who immediately recommended Clomid and sex on the 14th day of my "cycle." I wasn't comfortable with the fertility pill concept, and saw a recommendation for this book instead. So, I picked it up.

WOW! Why don't they teach THIS in Sex Ed?? I wish I'd known this stuff when I was 13! I sure knew the mechanics of sex, alright, but not the mechanics of my own body. I was amazed at what I didn't know; while I had observed the various signs that are talked about, I didn't have the slightest clue what they meant. They never worried me, but they never gave me any insight, either. I started charting, figured out what day of the cycle I REALLY ovulated, and on the third try -SURPRISE!- we were pregnant! While the OB said to try on day 14, we REALLY needed to try on day 19. Sperm only live for 5 days max, so we would have missed our window of opportunity every time. :(

I have recommended this book to complete strangers whose friends were "trying to get pregnant," and lent it to my best friend when she mentioned going off the pill. She's due in December!

Now that my cycle is back, I've reclaimed the book back again to avoid another baby until we're ready. We're still breastfeeding, and using this as a birth control method doesn't come with the risk of drying up my milk supply. (I know, Micronor (mini-pill) is breastfeeding-friendly, but I don't think I'm ready for that yet.)

I am SO pleased with this book and the knowledge I gained from it; I can't believe I didn't know all this before my mid-twenties!

Brilliantly enlightening!, August 18, 1999
I bought this book after 4 unsuccessful months of trying, which was after 3 months of waiting after having 2 miscarriages. Since I'd gotten pregnant right away with my first child, I figured there might be something I needed to learn and I couldn't have been more right. This book is an absolute must for anyone, whether you're trying to get pregnant or not. I learned more about my body in the day and a half it took me to read the book than I ever did in any of the sex ed classes in school. After 4 months of what we thought was perfect timing and no success, we thought there might be a problem. I bought the book to learn about detecting ovulation and potential fertility problems. I got pregnant the first cycle I charted because of the knowledge I gained about ovulation and its signals. I learned through charting that I ovulated on Day 21 rather than Day 14. I was also able to determine I was pregnant without even taking a test! I'm so thrilled about the knowledge I've gained by reading this book and I feel much more in tune with my body now that I am pregnant. I urge any woman to get this book if you are at all interested in your body, pregnancy achievement, or pregnancy avoidance. This book is very well written in plain English that is easy to understand. The illustrations, color photographs, and numerous charting patterns were especially helpful to me. I can't say enough about this book!

An invaluable resource, but skepticism prevents heartache, January 27, 2002
'TCOYF,' as it is known in pre-conception communities, is definitely an invaluable resource for any woman or couple wanting a child (it is often referred to as the 'bible' of pre-conception). It arms you with the knowledge necessary to maximize chances of conception (or lower the risks of pregnancy in those who do not wish to conceive) and does so in an enjoyable, easy-to-read manner that does not belittle or overwhelm its audience. The wealth of information in this book about a woman's cycle and how to chart it are absolutely fantastic, and one is left with a sense of 'how could I not have known all this was going on in my body before?' Although I highly recommend this book, I would also like to offer a much-needed word of warning about it: page after page after page of success stories are presented, leaving the general impression that the whole process of conception is MUCH easier than it is. The author repeatedly presents 'case studies' of women who conceived after only ONE MONTH of using the methods in this book. The overall effect is one of effortless and immediate conception if the guidelines provided by the author are followed religiously. Although I do not believe it is intentional, I have to say I feel the book is deceptive in this regard. It also promotes methods of determining pregnancy that absolutely are NOT definite and that, if taken to heart by the reader, can leave one devestated at the end of a cycle, when the feeling of 'but I don't understand, the book said I must be pregnant' take over. I have seen too many women experience these disappointments to consider any honest review of this book complete without mentioning these things. The reader should use a healthy dose of skepticism about some of her more controversial ideas and use the book mainly as a guide to getting to know one's body and learn how to determine ovulation. It truly is invaluable in that regard. But don't let all those case studies get you overexcited or build up unrealistic expectations. Conception still is not an exact science, no matter how much knowledge you have at your disposal, and you still may be in for a wait, no matter how faithfully you follow these guidelines.

You've got to have this book - and recommend it to friends!!, May 4, 1999
After over 4 months of trying to get pregnant, a good friend of mine recommended this book. She told me that if nothing else I would feel more knowledgeable about my body, its cycles, and what it was telling me when. So I ordered it. It is so well written that I found myself looking forward to reading it. It is incredibly informative and easy to understand. And I immediately knew from reading it what my husband and I were doing wrong (we were a little late in my cycle each month). Thanks to the charting I knew that having a mild flu with fever delayed my cycle's ovulation date *and* I knew when to keep going before ovulation. I'm happy to write that thanks to my first cycle of charting I'm now 3 weeks pregnant. I very very highly recommend this book. It helped me to relax and, literally, go with my body's flow. (I wish there were one this good for during pregnancy!!) THANKS TONI!!!!

Essential for every woman, especially teens, June 19, 2000
This is not just a guide to getting pregnant. It is about knowing your body without being embarassed. It is quite liberating to read this book and then be able to recognize exactly where you are in your fertility cycle. Too often, women are made to feel guilty or shamed about even looking at our bodies. It's beyond imagination for some women to examine themselves or to ask questions about what exactly their bodies do. Weschler helps break this barrier and shows us why it's critical to overcome the societal embarassment or reluctance.

She makes a very good point: why is it that men are fertile all of the time, that women are fertile for just 5 days a month, yet the majority of birth control involves a woman taking a drug 30 days a month, or inserting a contraceptive device before every sexual encounter? Forget about the burden being placed on women (as long as we bear the children we will be ultimately responsible). Think about the ridiculousness of taking powerful hormonal drugs every day or having to use contraception when you're not even fertile! The drug and contraceptive industries are having a field day!

This book has three very distinct values:

1. An essential part of every adolescent girl's education about her changing body. This book will do more than almost anything else in preparing her for responsible sexual encounters, and will help her self esteem by getting rid of her trepidation about her body.

2. Tool for avoiding pregnancy.

3. Tool for achieving pregnancy.

It boils down to three basic fertility signs: basal temperature, cervical fluid, and height of cervix. Once you read the book and become accomplished at tracking each of the three signs, you can put away the thermometer. Weschler urges you to track the basal temperature faithfully for several months. But, especially if you're using the method as birth control, you can judge by the other two signs and safely avoid pregnancy. And it takes absolutely no extra effort or monitoring.

Most of us have heard the jokes about natural family planning. Weschler discusses those criticisms and shows why this book is different and reliable.

"Taking Charge of Your Fertility" will ease your mind and give you the confidence of being certain when you are fertile or not fertile.

Excellent information - but take with a grain of salt, February 22, 2005
If you are anything like me, you were about 12 years old when you learned everything you know about the female body. Of course back then we were more concerned about guessing who had gotten their period so far and too busy avoiding eye contact with the boys in the room to really pay much attention.

Now, both as an adult and as a woman actively trying to achieve pregnancy, this is invaluable information that I wish I had known all along. Through Ms. Weschler's clear and easy to understand writing, you'll learn to fill in those blanks: how everything works, what exactly goes on during your cycle, how best to time sex for conception (I learned within the first month of charting that we were off by about 10 days - no wonder our first attempts didn't work!) and so much more...including how HIS parts work (700 million sperm at any given time? OH MY!).

However, I would also take Ms. Weschler's blatant distain for the medical community with a grain of salt. YES, her methods provide invaluable knowledge for women and YES this is information I believe each woman should be armed with, but I do bristle at her constant dismissal of all doctors and her negative portrayal of them. Especially alarming was her description of colonoscopy as "demoralizing." No, this procedure isn't as fun as trip to Disneyland, but it has indisputably saved thousands of lives despite the stigma many would place on it. My hope is that women read this to learn more about themselves...but not shy away from seeking medical help when and if they need it.

An Amazing Learning Experience for Every Woman!, October 22, 2000
This book is absolutely wonderful. My sister sent it to me. I stopped birth control pills in March and with the charting of my cycles, purposely avoided conceiving. July was the first month I actually tried to get pregnant and I did...on the first month! I knew I was pregnant before I "missed my period" and before I took a test. My sister read it before me, and while off the pill, avoided pregnancy for over a year. The first month she decided to try to achieve pregnancy, she too, conceived...first month! We are both expecting in the spring...2 1/2 weeks apart.

I have sent this book to several friends and recommend it to everyone. It is such an important learning tool for all women, whether they are thinking of pregnancy or not. I learned so much about my body. It is just an incredible book and method. It is such a shame that doctors do not recommend fertility awareness to women. BUY THIS BOOK...you will LOVE it!!!

A terrific guide to understanding our bodies!, October 11, 1999
My husband and I had been trying to get pregnant for six months when I heard about this book through a website. I purchased the book on amazon.com and started charting my cycles right away. Within two months my husband and I realized our fertility problems were nothing more than timing. We got pregnant on the second month of charting. Our son's due date is in December. I have recommended this book to so many people. There is so much information in it that you just never learned in school. Above everything else I realized it is normal not to be "normal". This book saved us the agony of fertility testing and unnecessary stress. For the first time we felt in control! I showed my charts to my doctor and he was extremely impressed with accuracy and teachings of the book. My sister-in-law is now using the book as a guide for her fertility problems. She is currently taking Clomid to overcome a medical condition. "Taking Charge" is helping her to keep track of her cycles and gives her a guideline to help deal with the unsympathetic doctors!

Irregular periods? Save valuable time, read this book NOW!, January 6, 2000
If your cycles are irregular, read this book NOW. I went to my gynecologist a FULL YEAR before I wanted to start trying for pregnancy (because I'm older and wanted to speed things up when the time came), said: What do I read/do now to get ready because I'm very irregular and my cycles are unpredictable? She talked about genetic compatability screenings, but never mentioned cervical fluid or going off the pill right away to determine what my non-pill-controlled cycles were like. She sent me off to "try for 6 cycles" (which in my case took nearly a year due to long cycles during which, I now know, thanks to Toni's wonderful book, I wasn't even ovulating!) What a waste of a 35-year-old woman's precious time! I haven't conceived instantaneously like many of the other woman testifying here, but I'm confident I'm now finally truly on my way. Even though there are almost 200 reviews posted about this book at the time of this writing, I felt I must add my comments (and endorsement), in the hopes they will push one more woman to order this book NOW and truly get educated about our body's awe-inspiring ability to tell us what we need to know to get pregnant. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Everything new parents need to know about the care (and feeding) of an infant, from the authors of What to Expect® When You're Expecting. Covers monthly growth and development, feeding for every age and stage, sleep strategies that really work.

Filled with the most practical tips (how to give a bath, decode your baby's crying, what to buy for baby, and when to return to work) and the most up-to-date medical advice (the latest on vaccines, vitamins, illnesses, SIDS, safety, and more).

Reassuring Answers to Hundreds of Questions:

• What's the best kind of car seat for my newborn?
• How do I know if my baby's getting enough to eat?
• How can I tell if my baby is really sick? When should I call the doctor?
• Should I sign my baby up for classes?
• Should I be worried that my baby isn't crawling yet?
• How do I cope with my colicky baby?

Reviews

I was suprised, May 24, 2003
I was suprised how much I liked this book, since I didn't like the What to Expect pregnancy guide. I consider myself a fairly intelligent person, with three sibilings I helped take care of and a I was a Red Cross certified babysitter for years. But, when I had my own baby, I realized how much I had forgotten or simply didn't know. What is the normal body temperature for an infant? How many times a day should he have a bowel movement or a wet diaper, and why is that something important to know to keep track of baby's health? When is it okay to begin feeding your baby rice cereal? When is it okay to start on solids? When can you begin giving him those "risk of allergy" foods, such as strawberries, nuts and wheat? I found this book a wonderful resource of imformation, since the doctor's office is not open at 3 a.m., but I'm up taking care of the baby, wondering these things.
There are some very sensitive childraising issues which they present in this book. One of which is breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding. This book presents a non-biased view of the reasons behind each choice. If you are bottlefeeding, it contains information on how to do it safely and with love. If you are breastfeeding, you will need more information than is presented here, and I suggest you read up on books specifically covering breastfeeding and join the la leche league for support and to answer your questions.
The other huge issue in this book, is laying your baby down to "cry it out" and training your baby to sleep through the night. If you are a supporter of the family bed, just ignore the information on sleeping through the night and make use of the rest of the advice in the book.
This book DOES NOT accuse your baby of being manipulative, or accuse you of spoiling your baby by picking him up and holding him. This book also does not demand that you put your baby on a rigid schedule to supress their little will. A matter of fact, the book states specifically that you cannot spoil a baby by holding them, and tells you that it is medically necessary for the baby to wake you up in the middle of the night to eat during the first three months of life. What the authors are talking about when they talk about "crying it out" is that, babies will cry because they are tired or overstimulated, in which case they NEED to just lay down for 10 to 15 minutes so that he/she can go to sleep. If you believe differently, fine. You should raise your baby how you believe is right, not how ANY book tells you to. But, dismissing this book in entirety means missing out on a very useful informative source.

Great Resource, July 16, 2001
First, I would like to tell that despite one objection I have against this book, I loved it and my husband loves it and we use it frequently.

This book will give you insight about various child-care issues (from first bath, through first feeding of solids, to the home safety issues parents of a baby need to be aware of), it will answer numerous questions new mothers have (sometimes even those you might be ashamed to ask because they seem like something you should know without asking), it will show you basics of baby CPR, help you decide when to call doctor (and how to select one). You will find there overview of basic baby illnesses as well as various recipes for your baby's newly found taste for solids. It will show you how to stimulate your baby's development and how to make the time you spend with your baby the "quality time". It will encourage you to hug and cuddle with your baby as well as gently teach your baby some basic behavioral lessons. The best thing is that it never makes a pressure (or guilt) on you as to which course of action to take when raising your baby; it leaves the decision up to you.

Readers should remember though, that they need to read the authors' notes about the book and they should also check on any information they disagree with (in any book, website, or flier) instead of blindly taking for granted everything that's on the paper. This would ease the frustration of many readers that doubted the worth of this book.

I've read the Sear's Baby Book that many readers liked so much, and I must say that it is not really reasonable to follow for a family with average income and average work-schedule. I tried to follow advice in Sear's book and only ended up exhausted, guilt-ridden (I could never do enough) with fussy baby. Then I switched to "What to expect..." and I'm still with this book. It's great resource. My only one objection about this book as well as explanation why some readers might not have enjoyed it too much follows.

My only dislike about this book is the opinion that breastfeeding should be stopped at nine months. Few years ago, APA recommended that mothers should try breastfeed at least one year. This book needs new reviewed edition that reflects this recommendation.

About people's comments: * First, realize that this book is not and can not be the "know-it-all-be-always-right" book about babies. The topic here is so broad that that you will for sure find yourself disagreeing on some items while liking other ones. Authors themselves say that there is not one "right" parenting style; you have to decide which parenting style you like and which one is therefore right for you. The style described in this book works for me great though -- I spend lots of time with my baby, but I still manage the household tasks and help my husband pay the bills with my part-time job.

*Second, read and remember authors' notes saying that babies develop in their own pace and the monthly-development guidelines are only approximate. I found this especially true. One big lesson parents get is that babies do new things when THEY are ready (gosh, it was hard to master concept though); you can help them, but at the end, it's them who decides that it's the right time. This book tries to teach you that. Therefore, do not get influenced by those readers that complain about the month-to-month develompment guidelines, they probably missed the note under those guidelines. Also, the books advises you to check with pediatrician when you are uncertain about your baby's development -- great advice that can save you lots of worries (and unfortunatelly, many baby books do not really try to work with pediatricians).

*Third, the question/answer format of references is great WHEN you use index in the back of the book (as is logical for book that offers such an amount of information about such wide topic). I easily found answer for most of my questions in this book and it saved me numerous trips to my doctor.

*Fourth, the "crying it out" concept is an option/suggestion from authors of the book. They do not say you have to do that, it is advice for somebody who is interested in opinion. If you are not interested in opinion, or if it frustrates you, do not read it and do not follow it. There can't be right answer for everyone. As authors mention, there are many parenting styles and almost none of them are wrong. It's up to you which one you choose. And whatever you choose, it's right. Many critical comments about this book failed to see this principle and failed to be tolerant to other people's parenting styles.

*Fifth, you should not taky any book as you exclusive source of information. Always talk to your pediatrition about your concerns, search the internet, talk to other mothers. Pick what you think is best. It may be something else than this or other book says, but hey, if you think it's the best, it probably is.

Overall, this book is great resource and I recommend it to everybody.

I like it, but it has some flaws, January 9, 2007
I absolutely hated What to Expect When You're Expecting. Hated it. So when a friend gave me this book as a gift when I was pregnant, I kind of put it to the side, never expecting to use it.

Well, I surprised myself. I actually refer to this book a lot in caring for my now almost-6-month-old son.

What I like about the book is that the questions that it addresses are very much like real-life questions people ask about their babies. Some of the questions are word-for-word questions my husband and I have asked each other. That makes the information very accessible and I think, reassuring. You get a sense that "Oh good, my five-month-old is not the only one in the world who seems to be coughing just to get my attention."

There's a really comprehensive amount of information about nearly every parenting topic you can think of. In particular, the section about infant illness is invaluable. Great charts of symptoms and treatments for those symptoms, explanations about how to do home treatments, etc. My son has gotten a couple of colds, one of which brought on a croupy cough, and the book's advice about steam treatments and a quick trip outside helping were right-on, and exactly what my mom and grandma had told me worked to help croup. Without the book's specific description of what croup and stridor sound like, and how to treat it, I probably would have ended up in the emergency room with my son.

That being said, here are the things I don't like about this book.
- The information is supposedly unbiased, but the author comes down firmly on the pro or con side of an issue and there's not a lot of doubt about what the author feels you "should" or "should not" do. The author is against pacifiers, against co-sleeping, is much too cautionary about babywearing, and advocates CIO as a way to get a baby to sleep - there's a whole section about how to do CIO in the six-month chapter. The book is also very, VERY pro-breastfeeding. I breastfeed, so it didn't "bother" me, per se, but if a mom has to or chooses to formula feed, the constant references to breastfeeding and questions about breastfeeding that are found over and over and OVER in the book's pages would probably be a big turnoff. There's some lip service paid to "well, formula feeding is an OK choice" but there's a VERY clear and VERY strong message that you should breastfeed until your child is a year old, period. I know a lot of women who tried valiantly to breastfeed and just could not, and I have had my own challenges with it. I am all for breastfeeding advocacy and I consider myself an advocate for breastfeeding, but the tone and the repeated admonishments to breastfeed for a year were over-the-top even for me.
- The aforementioned section about CIO was pretty terrible. There were no discussions about ways to avoid CIO other than extended family bedsharing (which the author was lukewarm about recommending, at best), and there is a middle ground between the two. There was also no discussion about the fact that CIO doesn't work for all children - some kids are crying escalators, they don't calm down after crying for an extended period but instead get more upset, and trying CIO with a baby like that is going to be traumatizing for all involved. There's a pretty terrifying section that talks about how to deal with the noise of CIO, by notifying your neighbors, trying to muffle sound, etc. I just have to say, if your baby is crying that loud, that piercingly, and that long when you try CIO, you should consider the possibility that CIO is not working and is actually scaring or harming your child. CIO is a great tool for some kids, but not for all kids, and the book treats CIO like it is the cure-all for sleep problems. You get a sense, reading that section, that there really is no alternative to CIO other than having your baby sleep with you until they're 10, and there are other options (the No Cry Sleep Solution has some great suggestions about the sleep issue). There's also no discussion of the idea that nightwaking, especially for breastfed babies, is a developmentally normal and appropriate thing and will get better with time even without resorting to sleep training measures.
- The developmental milestones are treated as gospel truth and there is some alarmist information about "if your kid doesn't do X by Y month there could be a BIG PROBLEM." There's no discussion about what developmental milestones really mean in terms of development or the idea that babies can have developmental strengths in one area and weaknesses in another. My baby has always been WAY ahead in his gross motor development and lagging in his fine motor, which is a totally normal thing. But there's really no allowance for that, or explanation for why that would happen, in this book.

Overall I think this book is good and I don't think it's nearly as guilt- or panic-inducing as the Expecting book, or the Sears Baby Book (which is a whole other review). I think it's a worthwhile addition to the library of any new parent, if you can take some of the information in it with a grain of salt.

There are much better books than this one., February 27, 2007
I wholeheartedly agree with the reviewers who found this book alarmist and overly one-sided on many issues. My pediatrician agrees, and instead recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics' CARING FOR YOUR BABY AND YOUNG CHILD, REVISED EDITION, BIRTH TO AGE 5. What to Expect is a great book as long as your child does everything exactly as the authors prescribe. Otherwise, you're up a creek. Today's example: My 8-month-old isn't incredibly interested in finger foods yet, and this book makes it sound like she's doomed to eat Gerber purees for the rest of her life as a result. It also suggested that I was setting her up for a childhood of poor eating habits. A new mom, of course I called my pediatrician and he said I had nothing to worry about! Go with the other book instead. Rather than month-to-month guidelines which make you feel like your child is "behind" if he doesn't do something "on time," the AAP book wisely speaks about 4-7 month-olds, 8-12 month-olds, etc., at once. The authors recognize that every baby proceeds at her own pace. (What to Expect puts in its disclaimer that every baby is different, but its tone on many topics suggests otherwise).

Poor organization & dated material, May 22, 2000
This book, unfortunately, is not the same quality as "What to Expect when You're Expecting". The information is okay but it has not been thoroughly updated. (Example: the current breastfeeding recommendation is 12 months, but the book says 6 months.) Moreover, it uses the month-by-month organization that the previous "What to Expect" book did. The month-by-month organization does not work when following baby's development. There is too much variability. For example, some babies will start crawling by the 4th or 5th month. Mine was almost 8 months old before she started. Example #2: Solids are covered in the 4th month chapter, however, you can start as late as 6 months.

As a result, I had to consult several chapters to get all the information on a particular subject (sleeping problems, for example). Then I had to mark the pages so I could find it again later. Sometimes I could not find what I was looking for until after a lengthy search. (Let's see, would that be in the 2nd month or the 4th? Hmmm...not here...which chapter could it be?)

It wasn't long before I looked for a new baby book. I've found "The Baby Book" by Sears & Sears to be excellent. The information is well-organized, quite current, and quite thorough. It is organized more by subject than by month, but it still has a list of suggested milestones for each month. There's also plenty of suggestions and real-life examples as experienced by the Sears and by their patients. I use it all the time and I haven't gone back to the "What to Expect the First Year" book even once!

Mostly helpful--use some common sense!!!, August 9, 1999
Good Grief! After reading some of the other reviews of this book, you would think the authors are advocating child abuse or something. I just reviewed the section on diapers and I don't get where the reviewer is coming from who says the authors think cloth is the "worst thing you can do for your child." Looks to me like they are offering pros/cons of BOTH cloth and disposable (yes, disposables have some advantages!) and letting parents make an INFORMED decision. Yes, they discuss weaning from the breast at one year--guess what, some mothers are ready to wean by then and don't need a guilt trip for their choice! If you're not ready to wean by then, don't. Its that simple. I appreciated the way they gave BOTH sides of issues, acknowledging that every child/parent is different and what works for one may not work for another. Unlike Dr. Sears, who implies that if you let your child sleep in a crib, alone (gasp!) you must be a cold, unfeeling parent. Bottom line--take what you find useful from this book, ignore the rest. USE YOUR COMMON SENSE!!!!

Handy reference, October 26, 2003
This book has great monthly "what to expect" lists that tell you what most babies at that age are doing, or learning. It covers the typical issues for a certain month of age and gives lots of tips. The index is complete so you can find what you're looking for. One warning! If you are a breastfeeding, co-sleeping, slinging type of family you'll need to read this with caution as much of the advice is not supportive of these things. I'd recommend you also look at Gentle Baby Care by Elizabeth Pantley for a more supportive read in these areas.

Invaluable Reference Book, November 17, 1998
I too was absolutely flabbergasted at the number of people (or is it one person posting several times?) who dismissed this 800 page encyclopedia because of two small and unimportant sections on breast-feeding and "cry-it-out." You're not going to agree with everything in here. But the authors never intend that. Instead, they offer an invaluable reference book for parents. Want to know what that red blotch on your kid's arm is? This is the only book that will tell you. (It's probably a strawberry birthmark, very common, rarely lasts beyond age 10, etc.) The Q&A style is great, it leaves you feeling that you're not the only one who has these questions. And 99% of the book's content is pretty straightforward (why is my baby fascinated by mirrors? why are her eyes that weird bluish-brown color?)We found the authors' pregnancy book invaluable for the same reason-- it was a bit too treacly about pregnancy (e.g. "If you're feeling nauseous knit a sweater") but provided a wonderful, factual guide to what was going on with both fetus and mother.Parenting is 99% instinct. You can't rely on a book to tell you WHAT to do. This book is great in that it explains WHY things are happening.We find the Sears to be unrealistic and believe that people who fanatically follow their advice run the risk of losing any sense of self, which is way more harmful than the occasional bottle of formula, since babies rarely thrive with parents who resent them.A good supplement to this book (What to Expect) is Vicki Iovine's "Girlfriend's Guide To The First Year." It's hilarious and guaranteed to make you feel that you're a pretty good parent after all.Use this book to answer all the "why" questions you have. It'll cut down on the number of calls you make to the pediatrician (or at the very least make you feel a little more knowledgeable when you do.)

A Great Reference Guide.. give it a chance, January 28, 2000
A very good book for quick reference. It seems like every question that my husband and I have had, has been found pretty quickly in the book. A lot of the following give terrible reviews especially when it comes to breastfeeding. I certainly don't agree with them. I breastfed my first for 1 year and I'm planning on breastfeeding by 10 1/2 month old for another couple of months. Believe me, I agree whole-heartedly that breastfeeding is the absolute best for your baby, and I did not find this book opposed to it at all. Don't read this book from cover to cover while your pregnant.. it will scare you.. but read it month by month as your baby grows. Or, just get it off the shelf when a question comes up.. you're sure to find the answer. This book is not a bible, but it sure is a helpful guide. I would highly recommend it for any new mother! Have fun and welcome to the most precious honor ever to be given.. motherhood!

Buy the Sears' book instead, February 2, 2000
I really didn't like the parts in this book about baby carriers, crying it out and co sleeping. Some of the medical advice conflicts what is given in other books written by doctors. I also found this with "What to Expect when You're Expecting." The Q&A format was not easy for me to follow at all. There is some good stuff in this book but after reading their comments about the above things, I wondered whether their advice was accurate or not. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The acclaimed national bestseller-a no-holds-barred account of what you can really expect when you're expecting

Oh, the joys of pregnancy! There's the gassiness, constipation, queasiness, and exhaustion, the forgetfulness, crankiness, and the constant worry. Of course, no woman is spared the discomforts and humiliations of pregnancy, but most are too polite to complain or too embarrassed to talk about them. Not Jenny McCarthy!

In the New York Times best-selling Belly Laughs, actress and new mother Jenny McCarthy reveals the naked truth about the tremendous joys, the excruciating pains, and the unseemly disfigurement that go along with pregnancy. Never shy, frequently crude, and always laugh-out-loud funny, McCarthy covers it all in the grittiest of girlfriend detail. From morning sickness and hormonal rage, to hemorrhoids, pregnant sex, and the torture and sweet relief that is delivery, Belly Laughs is must-read comic relief for anyone who is pregnant, who has ever been pregnant, is trying to get pregnant, or indeed, has ever been born! ... Read more

Reviews

Funny!!!, June 30, 2009
There are a lot of pregnancy books out there that just, in my option, want to just give you the facts, overlooking the fact that pregnant women need to laugh a little, too. Well, thankfully, there is Belly Laughs and while it is filled with the trials and tribulations of pregnancy, Ms. Mccarthy never fails to poke a little fun at it, too, and at herself. It's just a great read all pregnant women should read. I also liked and would suggest Really Pregnant! Confessions of a New Mom-To-Be or Why I Couldn't Stop Eating Brownies.

Refreshing!, December 1, 2004
I thought this book was truely hilarious, and like many others read it in one sitting.

This book is the antithesis to the matronly and patronising "What to Expect" books. The purpose of this book was not to be educational in this style (she doesn't pretend to be a medical professional) but to be frank about the things most of us are reluctant to discuss.

I for one am so sick of celebrities giving interviews about how wonderful, miraculous and perfect their pregnancies and births are (not to mention the hallmark-card motherhood sentiments). Sure, we all can appreciate just how wonderful the whole process is, but this is written about ad nauseum. It makes us 'real mothers' feel ashamed about our less-than-perfect experiences and feelings. Its time pregnancy/birth/motherhood was represented more realistically in the media.

I think for too long it has been 'taboo' for mothers to complain at all, or admit that things are not always wonderful (perhaps this is contributing to the worrying rates of PND?) I see this open and honest book as a step in the right direction for demystifying the whole process. It tells you the things other books either don't or gloss over, and I applaud her for her courage.

Can't wait to see what she comes up with for the second installment..I hope she is able to be open and honest about more than just her bodily functions but also the mixed feelings that sometimes go along with motherhood.

This book is hilarious!!!!, April 6, 2005
I'm not expecting, but one of my best friends is expecting her first child. My coworker brought this book into work, and she said we had to read this book. I had tears running down my face. This book is a quick read and you can finish it easy in 1 - 2 days. This book takes a light hearted look at pregnancy. Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, but it was fun to read her frank and funny views on gas, the belly expanding, and the all so quiet topic of pooping on the delivery table. There were so many moments when I laughed out loud and had to look around to make sure no one was looking at me all strange.

Some of her other funny stories includes; craving mustard, when she hated mustard. Jenny liking mumus because nothing else fit. Jenny having strange dreams while pregnant. Dealing with hemorrhoids, weighing her breast. Her trying to keep her boobs from hanging off the sides of the mattress due to their size. Surrender to the maternity bra. A pregnant woman's fart can truly bring a man to his knees. I had to find tissue after reading that line. I had so many laughing tears running down my face. The different changes the body go through. Crying for no reason due to hormonal changes, and pregnancy stupids. Skin changes, pregnant head, bad headaches and wanting to saw the head off. Premature labor. Hating skinny women. How she panicked when the epidural wore off and her concerns was still "Am I pooping on the table." Don't make a pregnant woman want to pee.

This book is not meant to be a pregnancy guide, it's meant to take a light hearted comical look at going through the pregnancy experience. I mean the book is after all called Belly Laughs. If you are expecting this book to have some new insight on pregnancy then you will be mistaken. If you have a great sense of humor you will find yourself enjoying this book a lot.

This book will make you laugh and laugh some more. I bought a copy for my best friend, and she loved it. This book is hilarious!!!!!!!!

It's ok to think about yourself when pregnant!, April 11, 2006
So, for the most part the reviews are either 'OMG, this book is so funny' or 'OMG this book is so offensive!'
It's funny, no questioning that. It's crude, no questioning that either. If you find the "F" word offensive, don't buy it. If you find referring to your privates in "crude" language offensive, don't buy it. For those of us who have conquered the world of adult language and realize that words are just words there are no real problems.

Don't buy this book if you are looking to be educated about pregnancy. It's entitled "Belly Laughs". These are Jenny's anecdotal stories that we all ge to laugh about.

If you are one of those people who is horrified if you hear a pregnant woman call herself fat, say she isn't going to breastfeed or is more concerned with her own image than this "perfect beautifu life inside her" don't buy. For those of us who have actually been through pregnancy without sugar coating it, some days you do feel fat, sometimes you DO want to have sex without jr. kicking you and every once in a while we want to think more about ourselves than being pregnant. It's good that there is a book in the mainstream that validates that feeling instead of saying "all you should think about is this life inside you". Sometimes us pregnant girls want to think about our OWN lives.

Jenny tells it like it is!, May 20, 2004
If you are tired of people telling you what a beautiful experience pregnancy is, this is the book for you! Sure, it is crude, but she tells it like it is. I was shocked at what happened to me during me first pregnancy and would have appreciated Jenny's frank talk, as I didn't hear about these things from anyone else. I thought that I was a freak of nature. At least now I know there were at least two of us! Belly laughs indeed!

Tales from the trenches...Funny, reassuring & right on!, June 3, 2004
Candid, often hysterical "up close and personal" accounts of some of the most embarrassing, annoying, confusing experiences a mother-to-be (or in my case a mother pregnant with her second child) is faced with. It was pure joy and instant relief!...It's as if I was talking to a close girlfriend over a cup of coffee only too happy to discover that I am truly not alone in the occasional feelings of anxiety, guilt, envy, paranoia and general frustration the hormones seem to stir up during this otherwise blessed 9 month period. Humor is indeed therapeutic, an essential tool for successful parenting. Another book that I highly recommend for the same reasons is called "The Pocket Parent." This book is loaded with humor, compassion and hundreds of sanity saving suggestions written exclusively for parents of toddlers. The many short true annecdotes included from the true experts--moms and dads in the trenches of parenthood--continue to help me keep in mind that I am not alone in my hair-raising experiences, thoughts and feelings especially on a really bad day! Both books are excellent additions to your home library that will make you laugh while replenishing your spirit as a more confident parent!

Short, not sweet, but totally HONEST!, October 28, 2004
Pregnancy BBS's are riddled with the abbreviation "TMI," meaning "too much information," which drives me crazy. Posters use it when they're about to timidly discuss the really horrible aspects of pregnancy, usually involving orifices or bodily fluids.

Well, you won't find the abbreviation in Jenny McCarthy's book, and that's 'cuz there's apparently no such thing as "TMI" in her world. Orifices & fluids aplenty: what a refreshing approach!

I read this book, then passed it along to my husband so he can see that even glamourous, beautiful celebrities suffer from hemmorrhoids and other afflictions.

This book is down to earth. I didn't find it laugh-out-loud funny, but it is realistic and cheerful, and that's exactly what I look for in a "middle-trimester-doldrums" kind of book. Enjoy!

Crude, honest, and funny, August 5, 2004
Say what you will about Jenny McCarthy, the girl is funny, and she tells it like it is. I had seen her talking about her pregnancy on tv, so that sparked my interest in this book. For any woman going through a tough pregnancy who needs a pick-me-up, this is definitely it. It is difficult to get the honest truth about pregnancy from women, but Jenny McCarthy is not one of those women. She bares all, but, in the end, all the pain and suffering was worth it. And that's what we want to hear, isn't it?

McCarthy's sense of humor can sometimes be like a 7th-grade boy's, which will suit her well as a mother to a young boy. Most of what she says is painfully true, and you will find yourself smiling through the short chapters.

Extremely Disappointed In This Book, August 29, 2009
I expected to love this book, given all of the great reviews. Turns out I hated it. I originally planned to get this from the library, but based on the great reviews ended up deciding to just buy it -big mistake. The book wasn't very entertaining or funny at ALL! I am pregnant now, and have an 11 year old son. Maybe if I'd never had a baby before I would have found it more interesting, but really all this book turned out to be is one exaggeration or one cliche comment after another. Not to mention it's skinny with big print which means it took me all of maybe 2 hours to read. I'd give anything to get those two hours (and my money) back, what a waste! Usually if I take the time to write a review it's because I LOVE a given product, but this time I figured I'd better warn other pregnant women who are reading all of the glowing reviews, maybe I can save someone else a few bucks and wasted time. Sorry, but can't recommend this one.

Funny; not informative, February 22, 2006
Good if you are just looking for laughs and a non-educational view of pregnancy. Very funnny in some parts. ... Read more

Editorial Review

This indispensable book explores the emotional, financial, and even physical changes the father-to-be may experience during his partner's pregnancy. Written in an easy-to-absorb format and filled with sound advice and practical tips for men on such topics as, how to make sense of your conflicting emotions, how pregnancy affects your sex life, and how to start a college fund. This volume reassures, commiserates, and informs. It also incorporates the wisdom of top experts in the field, from obstetricians and birth-class instructors to psychologists and sociologists. This new edition features the latest research on many topics (and there's a ton of it), from expanding sections on overcoming infertility, in vitro, artificial insemination, and other tech-assisted pregnancies, especially where dad is not the biological parent, to updating the sections on childbirth to reflect the fact that about 80 per cent of deliveries are now done with epidurals and new information on c-sections as well. Sections on prenatal communication and education are also be expanded.There will be an overall, top-to-bottom review of the content to make sure all the information is relevant to today's young and senior dads. ... Read more

Reviews

My Book About Me, April 19, 2003
A quick Amazon search reveals 3,523 pregnancy books on the market. How many of these are written for the mother? About 3,510. A dozen others use sarcasm and exaggerated humor -- often at the expense of the pregnant mother -- rather than useful information to draw the heathen male into the future world of parenting. There has got to be a better way for a father-to-be to learn what he has gotten himself into.

Fortunately there is. The Expectant Father is that 3,523rd book. It is a well-written, month-by-month explanation of what is going on both emotionally and physically with the mother, the baby, and you the father. At 250 pages plus references, it is packed with information while still being portable. It doesn't necessarily go into a great amount of detail on each subject, but it mentions most important things at least in passing, and you can always refer to the Internet or What to Expect... (which your partner will undoubtedly have on her nightstand) for more details.

Be forewarned: this book is slightly new-agey at points. But hey, Brott is just offering suggestions that the reader is free to ignore. Overall this is a useful reference written with the father-to-be in mind as a principal reader, not an afterthought.

Good information; a lot to think about, March 13, 2000
My wife bought this book for me during our fourth pregnancy. We both enjoyed reading it - I to read the perspective of another father and her to see if I was doing things the way I was supposed to. All in all, the book provides a broad spectrum of information for fathers-to-be - including everything from the physical and emotional changes occurring to the mother to how to plan for your financial future as a dad. The Expectant Father got me to thinking on many occasions and served as a starting point for many pregnancy-related conversations with my wife. Two other books I highly recommend are: A Child is Born which contains outstanding pictures and explanations of the development of the baby, and We're Pregnant!, a great book to read together because it was written by an expecting couple and provides a true-to-life rendition of the ever-changing life of expecting parents.

The best book on pregnancy for guys that I've read, December 31, 1999
The author has the idea that the sooner dads get involved in being parents the better they'll be and that the best time to get involved is during pregnancy. I know this is true for me. I know it sounds funny but I felt like I was a real participant in the pregnancy. Yeah, my wife was carrying the baby but I was going through a lot of psychological stuff too and this is the only book out there that dealt with what my issues at all.

I read this book twice--the first time when my wife and I were expecting our son and then again during the months before the daughter we'd adopted from Korea arrive. Both times I was amazed at how calming and educational and really funny this book was. I'd never been a dad before. Never even held a baby before my wife got pregnant and I wasn't too sure about what to do. Of course it's all pretty natural, but this book really made me realize that all the worries I was having were normal and it gave me lots of great ideas of ways to be more involved in the process. It also got me thinking about the kind of father I wanted to be and whether I wanted to be the kind of dad my dad was or some other kind.

Being a father is really important for me and this book has made me a much better dad. I've been reading the next books in the series and they're just as reassuring and helpful.

Thanks, Mr. Brott!

PS I've caught my wife looking through the book and she's told me that it helped her understand me a lot better and made her see how important it is to me to be a good parent.

This is the ONLY book to buy for expectant dads, October 1, 2001
My wife just had our first child a few months ago. While she was pregnant two of our friends gave me copies of The Expectant Father, which they recommended highly. I have to agree. I'd been reading my wife's pregnancy books, which were absolutely useless--they barely mentioned dads at all except to say that I should be sensitive to my wife's needs, which I already knew. And I'd checked out a few of the other pregnancy books for dads but they were so condescending and insulting that I practically gave up reading altogether.

This book is completely different. It deals with men's concers in a straightforward, sensitive, funny way. It's filled with very insightful information that helped me make sense of the feelings I was having during my wife's pregnancy and activities that I could do to stay involved. It's not always easy to take the stand to be an involved dad and this book helped me realize that I wasn't alone in what I was going through. I know that this book has helped me be a better father than I ever would have before. I'll be giving it to all my buddies whose wives are expectant. AND, I've already started the next book in the series, The New Father: A Dad's Guide to the First Year. It's great too!

The best book I've seen for new fathers., January 11, 2002
My appreciation for "The Expectant Father" grows as I read more fatherhood books. Most authors spend 90% of their book trying to convince new fathers that fatherhood really isn't so bad, that we should be nice to the mother and perhaps show up for a doctor's appointment once in a while. For those of us who are already excited about the prospect of having a child, this tact doesn't cut it.

Brott certainly advocates being involved during the pregnancy, but he spends much more time explaining how to be involved. Topics from when to tell your friends about the pregnancy to financial planning are covered. More unusually for fatherhood books, Brott describes what the mother is experiencing and how the baby is developing. This has been extremely helpful as my wife's pregnancy has progressed.

I keep this book handy, and refer to it at least monthly.

For dads-to-be to participate in expecting, January 12, 2000
A wonderful way for men to begin the process of becoming expectant fathers. This book has sound advice on medical and psychological aspects of pregnancy and birth for both mom and dad. It maintains a sense of humor, and a supportive tone that both involves dads in the pregnancy and addresses their hopes and fears about becoming a parent. This is not the most exhaustive book on pregnancy or parenting, but it's not meant to be. The sections on "what she might be feeling" and "what you might be feeling" are tremendously valuable as both reference points and as a basis for communication. It works well as a resource for expectant parents, and a good conversation starter on sometimes sensitive issues of fatherhood.

New Dad's to be MUST buy this book!, June 26, 1997
This is a must buy for a brand new dad. Of all the books that I have bought on having a new baby, this proved to be the most informative and the book that I return to on a regular basis as a reference. It not only addresses the development of the baby, but the development of the new family. I found that it's insight into the emotional changes that my wife and I were experiencing were remarkably synchopated with our actual experience. I also found it to be very easy to read and follow. I would describe it as an ideal companion book to 'the girlfriends guide to pregnancy', and would recommend both new parents to read both books to get the male and female perspective of the experience. If you have to buy one book as a new daddy, have this be the one. I have just purchased the follow-on book, 'the new father' with the hopes that it equally illuminates the first year of the newborn.

Pregnant? Get this for your husband NOW!!, October 1, 2001
My husband wasn't interested at all in reading anything about my pregnancy. I marked passages out of some of the books I have but I have to admit I'm not surprised that he didn't read them--not a lot there. But when my mom got him this book he changed completely. He'd sit over there on his side of the bed and read and chuckle and not and then we'd have these really amazing conversations about what he was feeling about becoming a dad. Knowing that he cared so much really helped me to be able to talk to him about what I was feeling too.

What was really interesting was that he seemed to be having so much fun that I started reading this book too. I learned so much about him and about what men are thinking about as they become fathers.

I credit this book not only for bringing out the great dad in my husband (I knew it was there all along) but for making our marriage better too. Sounds like a lot but it's totally true.

Easy to read, entertaining, informative, March 24, 2003
My husband and I have a pile of books on pregnancy. Most of the books written for women dwell on the many problems that can arise (both serious and mundane) during pregnancy. Dreary. Not a single one of the others contains word one about planning for college or any financial issue. In fact, one of my books advises me not to worry about finances because "that's the father's department." Pretty ridiculous since he will be staying at home and I (the mother) will be working full time.

This book, unlike those, does address this issue very competently. It is, I think, one of the best pregnancy books we have (i.e. I can't stand the supremely pedantic "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and think "Your Pregnancy Week by Week," while not pedantic, has no information the other does not.)

This book contains many useful facts for the father to be and is written in such a way as to be helpful to mother and father. My husband has absorbed more dos and don't during pregnancy from this one book than I have in reading 5 other books. It contains an excellent list of questions to ask your obstetrician. Things everyone needs to know but may never think to ask.

Bottom line - we love this book and would recommend it to anyone expecting a baby. It is easy reading while being informative and doesn't overdo the medical lingo (or the whole medical issue).

Some good thoughts, some a little obvious, November 3, 1999
As an expectant father for the fourth time, I read this book wondering what it would tell me that I didn't already know. For the most part, I felt I had instinctively done many of the things that The Expectant Father seemed to feel I needed to be told to do. In a way, it was reassuring to hear that I was actually a politically correct dad - at times though, I felt like the authors were stating the obvious. Bottom line, I think the idea behind The Expectant Father is great and if men read this book with the thought that it might provide them with some additional good ideas to try while their wife is pregnant, then it can be a very worthwhile book. A book I read right after finishing The Expectant Father was We're Pregnant!, a realistic and often funny look at life as expectant parents from both the father and the mother's perspective. The father-to-be's comments weren't always politically correct but speaking from experience, they were honest. Both books are good resources for father's and father's-to-be. When my first child was born eight years ago, it was hard to find any resources for men and now there are several. Read them and enjoy. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Your Girlfriends, of course -- at least, the ones who've been through the exhilaration and exhaustion, the agony and ecstasy of pregnancy. Four-time delivery room veteran Vicki Iovine, "the Carrie Bradshaw of pregnancy" (Wall Street Journal), talks to you the way only a best friend can -- in the book that will go the whole nine months for every mother-to-be. Now, in this newly revised and updated edition, get the lowdown on all those little things that are too strange or embarrassing to ask, practical tips, and hilarious takes on everything pregnant.

What Really Happens to Your Body -- from morning sickness and gas to eating everything in sight -- and what it's like to go from being a babe to having one.

The Many Moods of Pregnancy -- why you're so irritable/distracted/ tired/light-headed (or at least more than usual).

Plus, the latest scoop on . . .

Staying Stylish -- You may be pregnant, but you can still be the fashionista you've always been (or at least you don't have to look like a walking beach ball) --wearing the hippest designers and proudly showing off your bump.

Pregnancy Is Down to a Science -- from in vitro fertilization to scheduled C-section, the latest technology provides so many options, alternatives, and tests, it can all be downright confusing.

. . . and much more! For a reassuring voice or just a few good belly laughs, turn to this straight-talking guide on what to really expect when you're expecting. ... Read more

Reviews

Fun and Frustrating, October 5, 2006
"The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy" is a difficult book to rate. Vicki Iovine's honesty and sense of humor about pregnancy deserves 5 stars. If you find pregnancy difficult for even a moment, this book will be a great comfort to you. It is a delightful antidote to the dry, frightening pregnancy books that flood the market.

But I found myself angry with a couple of the positions Vicki takes and how she presents them, especially regarding natural childbirth. This is why I knocked my rating down to 3 stars. She seems to take it quite personally that some women make birth choices different from her own, and she goes out of her way to be quite rude and petty about it.

The Good Stuff
* Vicki Iovine really and truly understands how traumatic pregnancy weight gain can be. We live in a society where we are taught to hate and fear getting fat, and we cannot just turn that lesson off when we get pregnant. It is HARD to go to the doctor and get weighed all the time, and be judged on if our gain is "acceptable" or not. Vicki gets this, she genuinely does, and it is such a joy to read her rants about it. You're not alone in being scared to step on the scale.

* The Guide includes a realistic, down-to-Earth discussion of what you really need to buy for your new baby, and what you can skip. A huge blessing for new moms!

* Much of Vicki's advice is wonderfully specific. For instance, she doesn't just tell you that you need to bring an outfit to the hospital for the baby to wear home - she tells you exactly what kind of outfit will work the best. She does honestly seem to remember what it's like to be a first-time mom and just not know these things.

* Vicki points out her own way of doing things, but she often describes the different choices her own girlfriends made. It is helpful to have realistic options and know that one way doesn't always work for everybody.

The Bad Stuff
* This book is downright hostile toward mothers who do not have epidurals. Vicki actively discourages women from considering unmedicated birth. She tells her readers that no matter how they feel about epidurals before they go into labor, they will ALL want one as soon as they get to the hospital, anyway, so they should just get used to the idea of having one. She also makes the highly unlikely claim that, even though she seems to have an endless list of girlfriends, she doesn't know a single woman who refused an epidural (except for medical reasons). She stoops so low as to claim that women who birth naturally have uglier faces after delivery. I don't know why she is so aggressive about this, but it is really off-putting. Even if you're not considering natural childbirth yourself, her tone is just downright catty and mean.

* Similarly, she chastises women who are disappointed to end up with c-sections. While she is totally supportive of a mother's turbulent emotions in just about everything else, she states that regretting a c-section is a sign of "self-centeredness." Even though she admits that a few of her girlfriends struggle with this problem. She suddently becomes very cold and uncaring when she covers this topic. Again, she seems to take it personally that some women regret c-sections, simply because she had one. I wish she could be a little more objective.

* Vicki contradicts herself frequently. She is happy to encourage women to embrace the natural process when it comes to weight gain, for instance. But she has no use for the natural process when it comes to birth - she thinks everyone should induce labor at a convenient moment.

* She is sympathetic and understanding about weight gain, but admits that she started out, pre-pregnancy, a size 4. Her definition of getting "big" is pushing a size 10. Most women can't relate to that.

* Vicki does actually suggest that if you don't have sex with your husband during pregnancy, he will get anxious and cheat on you. She has a very narrow and unfair opinion of men.

* She does not tell women not to exercise at all, but she does discourage *vigorous* exercise. This did not bother me. However, her approach did bother me. She goes to great lengths to tell you that if something goes wrong with the baby, and you have been exercising, you will blame yourself. This is true, but it's also true if you don't exercise at all. Mothers always blame themselves - if, God forbid, something happens to your baby and all you did was go to the grocery store that day, you will blame yourself for going to the store. A pregnant woman cannot insulate herself from guilt. Vicki seems to be aware of this, except when it comes to the things she takes personally. And exercise is one of those things. She is annoyed with women who try and "control" their pregnancies by exercising a lot. But she has no proof that this is actually a bad thing. It seems to bother her merely because it is not what she chose to do. Again, her tendency to be dismissive toward women who make other choices is very annoying.

* If you read the 1995 version of this book, the chapter on maternity clothing is hopelessly outdated. But this may be remedied in the second edition that is currently in the works.


Overall, this book is refreshing, fun, and comforting. It will make you feel better about being pregnant. But take Vicki Iovine's rants about epidurals, exercise, and c-sections with a large grain of salt.

A funny and informative guide., August 10, 2009
I have to admit I was a bit reticent to get this one as there was some negativity about it. However, I am SO glad I listened to my gut instead of these others. It is one of the best books on pregnancy ever. I found out so much that I needed to know, that even my own doctor will not tell me, that I came away feeling better about the whole thing. So, if you are looking for a guide to pregnancy that will really, really tell you like it is, get this one. Another good one is: Really Pregnant! Confessions of a New Mom-To-Be or Why I Couldn't Stop Eating Brownies.

Humorous --- relax, everybody!, December 13, 1999
I thought this book was great! How refreshing to hear that it's ok if you eat refined sugar a few times while you're pregnant! What a plus to know you're not the only one who feels fat and unattractive because you're bloated, etc!

A couple of things I disagree with other reviewers about:

1) Some reviewers felt that Vicki hated being pregnant. I didn't get that feeling at all. I just felt she was being realistic that pregnancy is sometimes very hard on your body. It probably won't be the nine months of your life when you feel the healthiest and most relaxed.

2) She never said not to exercise! Folks, if you actually read the whole book (unlike some people who read one or two paragraphs), you'll realize that she does recommend walking and things like water aerobics. What she doesn't recommend (and which she felt may have endangered two of her own pregnancies) is strenuous weight lifting. Based on what I've read, many ob's agree with that.

I feel that alot of the reviewers may be basing negative comments on a couple of paragraphs read in a bookstore (some even say as much), which isn't quite fair.

Overall, I thought it was a great book, and while I may not agree with her on every little point, Vicki has certainly provided me with alot of laughs and alot of starting points for discussions with my obstetrician, my husband, etc.

Short on science, long on babble, January 10, 2007
First, I think it's worth stating the (nearly) obvious: that every woman's pregnancy is a bit different. That said, this book is just out of date and--while apparently funny to some--tiresome in its "I can tell you what the medical community won't" schtick. Most problematic, I think, is the long diatribe against exercise, especially the way Iovine couches the whole discussion in terms of appearance and the American woman's need to look good and her inability to let go and do what nature is telling her to do. She says "Exercise will not help you in labor or delivery in any way." (98) This is simply untrue based on MANY studies (two are: Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1995, May;27(5):634-40; Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1990 Dec;163(6 Pt 1):1799-805). It's just irresponsible for Iovine to suggest that "you might engander the pregnancy" and then to further manipulate the reader emotionally with "even if you don't endanger the pregnancy, if something goes wrong, you will forever wonder if you're exercising caused it." (100)

This section alone is reason to avoid the book. Ms. Iovine is speaking authoritatively based on little more than anecdote and what amounts to folk-wisdom. In writing for mothers-to-be, one would hope for a modicum of science would enter the dialogue. To ignore it is to do the readership a disservice.

The most condescending, ignorant, untrue pregnancy book out there, February 19, 2006
I really hated this book. Because I did spend money on it, I did read it all the way through, although very grudgingly. I have a FANTASTIC sense of humor and hardly anything offends me, but this woman managed to do it. Her whiny, self-important, condescending attitude actually made me hurl the book at a wall...and that wasn't just pregnancy hormones. It was THAT bad.

Ms. Iovine, a former Playboy playmate, would like you to believe that she is on YOUR side - she and her bevy of what I'm convinced are imaginary girlfriends. However, she goes on about what an evil thing pregnancy is and that it will rob you of your body and good looks...FOREVER. She clearly states numerous times that after having a baby you will be fat, overweight, unattractive, and have saggy breasts. This was one of the first books I bought after finding out I was pregnant and didn't know what to expect. I literally cried after reading it thinking my life was over. I was surprised Ms. Iovine doesn't have a Smith & Wesson ad in the back of her book. The "you might as well die" tone just unsettled me.

She is obviously unhappy with herself and her life and is looking to bring others down with her. She's like the girl who claims to be your "friend" but gives you backhanded comments every chance she gets (eg. "Oh, wow...those pants really make your butt not look as huge as it really is!"). In reality, I think SHE was probably too lazy to exercise after pregnancy and expects you to throw in the towel, too, and be just as miserable as she is.

For anyone else depressed after reading this, I had my baby and lost all the weight and now have six-pack abs and my breasts don't sag even after six months of breastfeeding. My husband DOES still find me attractive and my life didn't end. Thank you for nothing, Vicki Iovine and your fellow whiny, former size 4 girlfriends.

If you want the "I've been there" assurance from a non-catty girlfriend who is looking out for YOU with laugh-out-loud humor, buy 'Belly Laughs' by Jenny McCarthy or 'Pregnancy Sucks' by Joanne Kimes. Where I wouldn't have a cup of decaf and discuss my burgeoning belly with Ms. Iovine, I'd glady do so with McCarthy and Kimes.

An expectant dad's perspective, January 7, 2004
I'm fully aware that as a expectant dad, I'm not in the "girlfriends" club this book is aimed at; however, I've read all the "What to expect..." type books that my wife has bought or have been given to us, and this was the worst of the lot and the only one I actually found offensive. I thought it might give some insight into what my wife is going through, but instead it told me that I'm an insensitive clod who doesn't really care what she's going through. And that men are just lying when they compliment their wives' changing bodies (not true!) among other absurd stereotypes. This book is a great way to plant the seeds of doubt in a pregngant women's mind and create division between expectant parents. If that's what you want, go for it.

WARNING!!!, November 17, 2002
If you are overweight, or even sensitive about your weight, don't read this book! Iovine can't resist saying "fat" without adding "and ugly" and she states in the beginning that overweight couch potatoes are not welcome in her circle of "girlfriends." Towards the end of the book, she discusses the pregnant waddle, and reasons that all fat people waddle a bit anyway. She sympathizes with her husband for not being attracted to her. After all, you wouldn't want to sleep with someone as fat as you, right? And she confides that her maternity wardrobe ran all the way up to a (gasp) size ten! The horror!
Although this book was very entertaining and had some good information, I got tired of being slapped every couple of pages. The author simply can't resist seperating her temporarily round self from those of us who struggle with our weight all the time. Does she not realize that the average American woman is a size 14? I really felt like I was reading this book as an outsider, so I waited until a skinny friend got pregnant and gave it to her.
And by the way, Ms. Iovine, I am a size 16 and my husband can't keep his hands off me. It would take a lot more than pregnancy and dark roots to push him away. If your husband is that picky about your looks, I feel sorry for you.

The essential pregnancy companion, February 7, 2000
A friend sent me this book early in my pregnancy, and I read it cover to cover immediately. Then it resided on my night table (where I revisited newly relevant passages) until it was supplanted by "The Girlfriend's Guide To The First Year." I found it to be very comical, in a warm,reassuring and friendly way. While Vicky is definitely a little too preoccupied with her size 4 body, who among us is not a bit insecure in our body image, no matter what size we are? The point is, this is not a serious reference book.There are many of those available and you should have at least one. This book instead will make you realize that you are not alone; that the wonderful and yet utterly strange things you are experiencing are not unique. At the same time you feel that your complete absorbtion with your own little world is validated-Vicki tells you-"we've all been there!" If you are the first among your sisters and friends to be pregnant, you need this book! If you are not the first, well, its always nice to have new friends.

Not for everyone - not for me!, May 29, 2003
I have never written an Amazon review before, but I was so annoyed by this book that I just had to write one. The book was recommended to me by several people, so maybe I'm in the minority. I'm an avid reader with a good sense of humor, but I failed to see what's so funny or insightful about the "Girlfriends' Guide." I found it to be poorly written, sloppily edited and more irritating than amusing. Vicki Iovine bears no resemblance to my girlfriends. Her viewpoint strikes me as very west-coast-white-upper-middle-class, and much in her book seems dated (leggings with stirrups are her number one fashion tip!). "Girlfriends' Guide" reads like a slightly lewd "Cathy" comic strip without the pictures. She reinforces all sorts of stereotypes of women in general (vain, self-centered) and pregnant women in particular (irrational, grotesquely bloated) that I don't find to be true, much less funny. While I do think there's a market out there for a light-hearted, non-scientific "tell it like it is" book about pregnancy, this isn't the one for me. If you consider yourself smart and literary, you might be disappointed too. I suggest you read a chapter or two in a bookstore before you buy. That's what I should have done.

1st Time Mom was reassured by this book, August 31, 1999
I'm amazed at the lack of humor the people who rated this low have. I was relieved to read this book, that told me that not everything was as pastel and beautiful like in a tampon commercial. I think this book was valuable in not expecting women to live up to a ridiculous television peaches and cream standard, and not to expect your husbands to handle it like some understanding guy on a pregnancy test commercial. Vicki's attitude did not strike me as cynical, it struck me as realistic! Sorry to bust your bubble all you "beautiful pregnancy" girls, but throwing up in the morning, having sciatic nerve pressure, and worrying about the amnio (that I eventually refused) was NOT beautiful. Vicki made me feel OK to feel this way. I really got the idea that she loved pregnancy, but would have appreciated someone tell her what was really gonna happen. Plus, I read the "what to expect" books as well. You use both and glean your own perspective from both. Vicki's was the only perspective on the market that socked it to you real, instead of those new-age-music, "oh what a gentle wonderful time" -- and she could laugh at the same time. Same attitude I want to raise my kids with! ... Read more

Editorial Review

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. ... Read more

Reviews

Also Good for Fathers-To-Be, August 31, 2006
One of the very few stipulations my wife made after we learned we were going to have a child is that I read this book by the doyenne of natural childbirth in the U.S. While the tone of the book is much too touchy-feely/hippyish for me, I have to admit that it is well worth reading regardless of whether you're planning a natural childbirth or a fully tech'ed out hospital one. That said, it would be very easy to read it as gospel and get swept up in its giddy repudiation of modern medicine, so one should approach it with, if not a skeptical eye, at least with one's critical faculties fully engaged. There is also the potential that readers who are fully committed to a hospital birth may come away from this book feeling scolded, or as if their decision is somehow "wrong".

The author is a superstar in the field of natural childbirth, largely as a result of her 35+ years work at "The Farm", a kind of birthing commune in Tennessee. The first half of the book is a compilation of natural childbirth stories written by mothers who've either done it at The Farm, or somehow in conjunction with the author. While these are certainly useful as illustrative examples of how it all goes down, they tend to get rather repetitive and could certainly stand to be scaled back a bit. And for those who know little about the birthing process, some of the terminology can be unclear. Finally, for those who might want to read this book on the subway (like me), be forewarned that there are some pretty graphic photos of childbirthing in this section.

The second half of the book walks the reader through the entire process, mostly with the aim of explaining why modern medical childbirthing procedures are not based on the mother's health and needs, but are designed for convenience of the medical establishment. Stuff like epidurals, amnios, fetal monitoring, pitocin, forceps, vacuum extractors, etc. all come under sustained assault. Gaskin makes a convincing case for most of her criticism, with plenty of good examples from historical texts and anthropological research. Perhaps the most striking and compelling examples come from studies of childbirthing in modern Scandinavia. Sometimes Gaskin stretches a little to far in her attempt to debunk every single medical procedure and doesn't always have the most current data. For example, Rhogham does not have any mercury whatsoever any more, and the danger from amniocentesis is vastly overstated. However, simply in terms of the debate over natural childbirth vs. hospital birth, it's awfully hard to argue with the data she's gathered from thousands of natural childbirths.

Ultimately the reality is that every mother's experience is different, and there's no technique, approach, or solution that works for everyone. That said, the book did a pretty good job of convincing me that the mother's mental approach to childbirthing and expectations for the experience are the single most important indicator of how it will all go.

Changed How I Viewed Giving Birth, May 8, 2003
I'm 17 weeks pregnant, and while I'm overjoyed to be pregnant...I've always been afraid of the pain I'll experience during childbirth. Reading Ina May's book, and the birth stories of the women in it, has changed all of that. I feel that I can handle labor now...and am even toying with the idea of not using drugs. (Prior to this, I used to say that I'd like an epidural plus any other drug they'd give me.) Even if I end up using some pain meds, I know I'll be entering the labor process without the level of fear I had before. That is priceless. This is a must-read for any pregnant woman and her husband...whether or not she wants to have a medicated or non-medicated birth. Bravo Ina May! Just wish I lived closer to TN so that I could use her services.

Exactly the book that's needed in this Epidural Age, April 29, 2003
Anyone associated with the childbirth genre knows of Ina May, and her many devotees have been waiting a long time for this book. It couldn't have come at a better time, as legions of today's women voluntarily turn to the tricks of modern obstetrics, notably epidemic epidurals.
I'm a retired midwife (and author of Baby Catcher, a modern midwifery memoir), and feel I learned a good bit of my craft by listening to Gaskin speak, visiting The Farm a bazillion years ago, and reading and rereading and rereading Spiritual Midwifery. But much in obstetrics has changed since Spir. Mid. was published; at that time, natural childbirth was all the vogue, and Ina May was sort of preaching to the choir. Now, oh lordy, now things are very, very different. Cesarean rates hover around 25-30% in some hospitals, and the epidural rate is twice that. What are these women thinking??
It was by studying Ina May's 'style' that I realized the power of teaching by parable: the power of story-telling. Women's eyes glaze over when they're lectured to, but their attention is rivited by birth stories. In this Guide to Childbirth, Gaskin deals with the changes in modern OB and offers ways to get around the routines. But she once again relies on her story-telling techniques for getting across her central message: If you're surrounded by people who believe you can do it and who support your own belief that you can do it, then guess what? You can do it.

All Parents-To-Be: BUY THIS BOOK AND MEMORIZE IT!, February 7, 2004
I am related by marriage to a midwife, so I have heard the gospel of homebirth for years. But the books she lent me had publication dates from my grade school and junior high years, so I often sneakily wondered--is it still really that bad? Then I started prenatal visits for my own first baby, and yes, it pretty much is. I am going to a doctor to keep an eye out for conditions that would call for the resources of a hospital--but if there aren't any, I'm staying home to have this baby. Read this book and you may decide the same thing.

Without scare tactics, and with plenty of solid data to back her up, Ina May provides a timely antidote for the overly mechanical, overly pharmaceutical way of childbirth that is still the conventional wisdom in most U.S. hospitals. She makes the chilling point that a lot of so-called necessary medical procedures--procedures that can increase the stress and dangers of childbirth--are based on modern physicians' ignorance of how birth really works. Ina May quotes from medical texts written before many of the drugs and procedures now used in "routine" hospital births were invented. The doctors who wrote those old books did something most modern obstetricians have never done: they observed normal births, over and over and over. They took for granted things that have been forgotten by modern medical schools. Ina May combines this old medical model of childbirth with her own vast experience in midwifery to guide you through what really happens during labor and what you (you plural--Mom *and* Dad) really can and should do.

Ina May will steer you safely between the artificial terrors of modern obstetrics and the artificial transcendentalism of many pregnancy handbooks. Her common-sense advice will help you sleep at night and click on a lot of light bulbs over your head. You will close the book feeling the truth of Ina May's pungent closing line: "Your body is not a lemon!"

UPDATE--JULY 2006: I've given birth twice since I wrote the above review and I still stand by every word. Whether you plan to give birth at home, in a birthing center, or at a hospital, take a childbirth education class for the basic details of the birth process--but read this book to fill in the inevitable gaps.

from c-section to VBAC home birth, March 9, 2006
This book helped me change my life.

After the necessary c-section birth of my son 5 years ago (I had pre-eclampsia), our new insurance company labled me as "high risk" and refused me maternity coverage. Since my husband and I wanted more children, I started considering a home birth with a midwife as a viable alternative. Needless to say my first birth experience put me emotionally on guard about my body's capability.

As I was researching the safety of VABCs (vaginal birth after cesarean) and home-births, I came across Gaskin's 1970s book, Spiritual Midwifery. Its language was amusingly "hippy-ish," but the inclusion of positive birth stories was refreshing and inspiring. After reading most of it, I went in search of similar, more updated books.

I found Ina May's Guide to Childbirth at a mainstream bookstore (being suprised at the lack of variety of birth experience offered on the shelf - is she the only person writing about homebirth nowadays?) Buying and reading this book new was one of the best emotional investments I have ever made in my life.

The experience and knowledge I gained reading this book is similar to many of the sentiments expressed in these other reviews. It really gave me courage to welcome and joyfully (if a little nervously) anticipate the birth of my daughter in March of 2005.

As for my labor, I would not call the sensations of the contractions "pain," I would call them "very heavy pressure." I credit this perspective to this book. Ina May (and her clients) helped me put contractions, transition, etc., into perspective. For example: Yes, I felt contractions every two minutes lasting about two minutes. No, it wasn't comfortable, and I had to concentrate and breathe through them with my eyes closed, hanging on to a door jamb. After two minutes the pressure went away for a while, during which I could laugh at my husband's jokes. Nature is pretty smart, giving women short "rest periods," as this book tells (reminds) us!

Reading about other women's experiences of physical sensations during their labors gave me a range of ideas as to what to expect, so as my own birth story was unfolding, it wasn't so scary or mysterious.

I am so grateful for the VBAC home-birth experience I had - thanks in many ways to this book's writer and contributors - I was beaming for days afterward! It was the hardest, most challenging thing I've ever done (notice I did NOT say "painful" or "scary"), and I was so proud of the outcome. My husband is still in awe of the power of my body!

An armload of gratitude to Ina May and her colleagues, the work they do, and the brave women who seek her out and share their experiences. I look forward someday to the home birth of my third child, knowing I am as strong and capable as the women who share their stories and wisdom in this book.

Not what I expected, May 25, 2009
I bought this book based on all the glowing reviews. Since I plan to give birth naturally, I was looking for a book that would help me manage the labor and childbirth process in whatever environment I plan to give birth in. Needless to say, I was very disappointed in this book. I'll just do the review section by section to make this easier to follow.

Part 1: Birth Stories- Most of the birth stories are from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. There were about 4 or 5 from this decade. I think childbirth has changed a lot since the 70s and would have preferred to read more up to date stories. All the stories are from people who have given birth on "The Farm". This gives the book a myopic view and makes many of the stories hard to relate to. I am sure they're intended to be empowering but firstly, giving birth on "The Farm" is not an option for me and many other women. In Georgia, midwives can only deliver babies in hospitals and I am not comfortable with the idea of an unassisted home birth. So, a hospital birth with a midwife is essentially my best option.

Secondly, I am not the type of person that needs external validation or empowerment. I really felt that dedicating so much of the book (pages 3 through 125) to birth stories- especially birth stories that only reflected one type of birth experience- was a waste of space. A few varied birth stories would have been a lot more helpful and relevant.

Part 2: The Essentials of Birth- This was probably the most disappointing part of the book. Ina May starts the chapter by trying to make the birth stories relevant to any birth situation without ever really saying HOW you can do that. She falls back on the experiences of women who give birth at the "Farm" as her proof that the same birth experience is possible in every environment. She also compares the "Farm's" birth statistics to those of the medical community at large. Again, if you're not giving birth at the "Farm", how is this relevant?

There is a too short chapter on labor where the only advice she really gives on managing the pain of labor is the "mind/body" connection and how certain mental blocks can keep labor from progressing. While this may be true, this is not practical advice on how to cope with labor especially for a first time mother who has never been through labor before. She dedicates a full 7 pages to "What Happens in Labor". This is the whole reason why I bought the book and all I get is 7 pages of things that I already know. Not to mention the inordinate amount of space spent explaining the functions of the related body parts and what they do. If you didn't know what the uterus or the cervix was before reading this chapter, you'll get an overly-detailed description.

The chapter called "The Pain/Pleasure Riddle" is essentially a lecture on how society has trained us to view the pain of childbirth. No practical advice...just quoting studies and comparing the birth experience of American women to those from other countries. We also learn in this chapter that women perceive pain differently (gasp!). Then she went on to discuss painless birth and orgasmic birth..all of which is apparently controlled by our minds. So, essentially, it hurts because we think it hurts. She then goes on to contradict herself by saying in the very next chapter that "the women from the Farm know that birth usually hurts--at least the first time you do it..." She follows with the most useful advice in the book by saying that despite the pain, the best thing to do is to relax into the pain rather than resist it. Finally, something I can use while I'm giving birth. The chapter on relaxing the sphincter muscles was also somewhat helpful.

There is a chapter that attempts to explain the different screenings a pregnant woman may encounter during her prenatal care. I really think this kind of information is too little too late in a book that is supposed to be about the actual childbirth. The chapter entitled "Going into Labor" (19 pages) is essentially a comparison of how the midwives at the "Farm" handle labor and how hospitals handle labor. It tells you what procedures to refuse at the hospital (pubic shave, enema, routine IVs, etc...) Other than how necessary it is to eat and drink during labor to keep your energy up, there is no practical advice in this chapter either. The next few chapters briefly discuss pain medications traditionally given in hospitals during labor and some alternatives to those medications as well as episiotomies. The next chapters are basically more lectures, quoted studies, a 10 page section on VBACs, and very little practical advice.

I honestly wanted to like this book but realized by the time I got to the end that it just was not written for the typical woman who is about to give birth. Ina May touts the virtues of giving birth on the "Farm" so much that by the end, I honestly felt that was the only way to have the birth experience she describes. I think one chapter dedicated to discussing the "Farm" would have been much more appropriate than mentioning it in just about every chapter. I also think the book would be better as a reference for midwives than as a book offering advice to mothers-to-be. There just is not a lot of practical advice for the person that actual has to go through the laboring process. I don't necessarily disagree with much of what Ina May wrote and I appreciate her efforts to back up her positions with factual information but it is pure overkill. She digresses way too much and comes off as though she has an ax to grind.

Better than the girlfriends by a landslide, March 8, 2003
I have known Ina May for a long time, and I have been waiting for this book for years. Now that I have my copy in hand, I am not disappointed. First off, she starts the book with 100 plus pages of birth stories. Wonderful birth stories, scary birth stories, maddening birth stories, and even second generation birth stories. I loved reading the story of the birth of Mariahna, and then several pages later the story of how Mariahna herself gave birth. There is a special bonus in the birth story of two obstetricians (a married couple) giving birth. The book would be worth the investment if only for the birth stories.
Part two of the book includes well written and researched information on pregnancy, birth, midwifery, and obstetrics. It includes a historical perspective that is fascinating and imformative. Statistics and research are covered in a way that is neither dry nor boring.
I highly recommend that anyone pregnant, contemplating pregnancy, or involved with pregnant women should read this book. While one may disagree with some of the conclusions and recommendations, the data is compelling and the recommendations both evidence based and cost effective.
When the wealthiest country in the world has criminally high infant and maternal mortality and morbidity rates, it is time for some change. Read the last chapter (first if you like) for a vision of how that change might be brought about.

All I can do is echo the other reviews!!!, September 2, 2003
I'm currently 29 weeks pregnant with my first child, and I've read a lot of the "bestselling" pregnancy and labor books on the market (i.e. "What to Expect", the Dr. Sears books, etc) but this one blew the rest out of the water when it comes to labor and delivery! Ina May's book explains the importance of psychological readiness for labor and delivery, as well as awesome techniques to overcome the "obstacles" of labor naturally. The first half of the book consists of very inspirational natural birth stories which made me feel prepared and even EXCITED about natural childbirth before I even read the second half of the book.

After reading this book, I decided to switch from using my OBGYN to a midwife instead. My OBGYN is supportive of my decision to try a "natural" childbirth, but her definition of the concept doesn't go beyond "patient doesn't want an epidural". She is totally untrained and unprepared to help me naturally deal with stalled labor, avoiding an episiotomy, delivering a "stuck" baby, etc. I know she would give me drugs or wheel me in for a C-section long before a midwife despite her "supportiveness".

You CAN try the ideas in Ina May's book on your own during labor, without the doctor knowing a thing about natural childbirth, as long as the OB isn't going to argue with what you want to try in the middle of delivery! For example, if baby's shoulders are stuck, most OB's will want to do an immediate C-section; Ina May's book tells you that if you simply turn over on your hands and knees, the baby will most likely slide right out!

Empowering and Informative, March 11, 2003
Ina May's informal approach to the topic of natural childbirth enables the reader to access detailed and empowering information about the physical, mental, and emotional process of giving birth. The first half of the book includes birth stories from many women who have experienced both medical and natural births. Their personal stories help the reader understand the impact of both approaches and make a more informed decision. This section of the book would be especially helpful to women with few friends/family from which to seek advice, or those who have heard primarily "horror stories" about birth. The second half of the book is a guide to achieving a natural birth in many different settings, from home to hospital. The book is easy to read, informative and empowering because you come away with so much knowledge. I also appreciated the fact that the author avoids using "hippy speak", or a dialect that everyone can understand. Some natural childbirth guides use more slang. Definitely read this book if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant!

A must for every mom-to-be, January 2, 2006
Finding myself unexpectantly pregnant, I was terrified of labor and delivery. I was scared of what everyone always said was overwhelming pain, and of the hospital process itself. Every hospital experience I have had in the past (due to my mother's battle with illness) has been overwhelmingly negative.

However, after reading this book I feel much more confident about the birth process. I know what I want and what I don't want, I have articulated my birthing preferences to my midwives (who will convey it to the hospital staff). I feel ready and almost excited about the process. Thanks to Ina May's book, I now feel that this is a challenge that not only can I handle, but a challenge in which I can take joy. I cannot express how much this book has calmed my fears. I highly recommend this book to any mom and/or dad to be.

EPILOUGE: Giving birth was the most exhilerating experience of my life (although I will admit that it hurt and wasn't the most fun I've ever had). I kept the stories from and principles in Ina May's book in mind and it really helped. I was also able to keep in mind that chldbirth is a natural process and nothing to be scared of. I did wind up getting an epidural after 24 hours of labor (total time: 33 hours) and can still confidently recommend this book to women who plan to have pain relieving drugs because the I was still able to keep Ina May's principles in mind and also because it truly did relieve my fear of childbirth.

I highly, highly, highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Announcing Eating Well When You're Expecting, providing moms-to-be with a realistic approach to navigating healthily and deliciously through the nine months of pregnancy—at home, in the office, over the holidays, in restaurants. Thorough chapters are devoted to nutrition, weight gain, food safety, the postpartum diet, and how to eat when trying to conceive again. And, very exciting, the book comes with 150 contemporary, tasty, and healthy recipes that feed mom and baby well, take little time to prepare, and are gentle on queasy tummies.

A departure from its predecessor, What to Eat When You’re Expecting, which has 976,000 copies in print, Eating Well loses the whole-wheatier-than-thou attitude, and comes with a light, reader-friendly tone while delivering the most up-to-date information. At the heart of the book are hundreds of pressing questions every mother-to-be has: Is it true I shouldn’t eat any food cooked with alcohol? Will the caffeine in coffee cross into my baby’s bloodstream? Help!—I’m entering my second trimester, and I’m losing weight, not gaining. Is all sushi off limits? How do I get enough calcium if I’m lactose intolerant? I keep dreaming about a hot fudge sundae—can I indulge? Guess what: the answer is yes. ... Read more

Reviews

Amazing recipes, packed with info on eating healthy --without being guilt-inducing, June 27, 2005
Wow -- what a great book!!! I'm newly pregnant and I really want to make sure I'm eating good food for my baby, especailly since I'm so nauseous all the time. I saw this book in the bookstore and bought it... and am I glad I did. It's packed with info about nutrition during pregnancy. It's funny and it's a really easy to read book -- plus it doesn't make you feel bad if you miss a few days of eating healthy or if you eat some unhealthy food every once in a while.

The first chapter tells you why it's important to eat nutritious food. The second chapter is so great because it goes through all the pregnancy symptoms and gives advice on exactly what to do for them in terms of food. Too nauseaous to eat (my problem) -- here are some tips. What to do about the food cravings (especially when you're craving something totally unhealthy). But the best thing is that it doesn't make you feel guilty if you do crave ice cream or cake or whatever. It recognizes that sometimes the only thing I can eat is potato chips, and it doesn't make me feel like I'm hurting my baby! But it still gives you the ideal of what you should eat (there's a really funny section later on called "ideal...get real" that totally gets this point across. Plus it makes you realize you probably are eating healthy for the most aprt anyway). I love that.

The next chapter goes through weight gain and the pregnancy diet telling you what you should be eating each day. The best thing is that the book has tons of lists of different foods -- and the serving amounts -- so figuring out how much to eat is no big deal. Then there's a great chapter on being an expectant gourmet. It goes through all the different types of food that you can eat while you're pregnant. I learned so much from that chapter. Who knew there were so many different types of lettuces!

There's also stuff on what foods to avoid when you're pregnant, and how to keep your food safe. Also sections on eating while you're working with great tips on eating when you're sick, when you're traveling, and what you can eat when you're in a restuarant.

Then the best part is the recipes -- it's half the book! Totally yummy. I already made the ginger and carrot muffins (they say ginger is good for morning sickness) and the Chicken Burgers with Mango relish. The recipes are all healthy -- but so good and they totally don't taste like health food stuff-- even my husband (mr. very picky eater) thought the muffins were great. And what's great is that I was able to eat them too even with my nausea! There are so many good looking recipes, I don't know which ones to try first (I think I'm going to try the Pork Medallions with arugula and Tomatoes next).

Totally get this book if you're pregnant and want to eat healthy and eat good food. I highly recommend it and am telling all my friends to get it too! Even the non pregnant ones!

Excellent basic nutrition guide w/ GREAT recipes!, July 12, 2006
I took this book out of the library, but decided to buy it because I wanted to own the recipes. There is a great variety of recipes for all meals of the day and snacks. Most of the recipes are lower fat and sugar and higher fiber and protein versions of your favs. They don't elimate the bad things, but they do limit it and work in more whole grains and veggies then I normally do in my cooking.

As for the other reviewers comment about the grapes on page 82 - I can see how she got confused, but they actually say: "...;a slice of whole wheat bread, an ounce of cheddar cheese, and a half cup of grapes equals 200 calories." They are talking about how to get the most variety of vitamins in your snacks.

Many who buy this book may find the info rather simplistic, which it is. Eat a variety of highly nutritious foods. But, buy it for the recipes.

Informative, January 31, 2006
Excellent book to become familiar with eating habits during pregnancy. Most of the time, I eat healthy enough, but this gave me the opportunity to see what I might be missing and how it would effect the health and development of my growing child. Highly recommended, as are all of the "What to expect" books.

Good basic health tips, but not for vegetarians or pescetarians, March 21, 2010
I recently learned I was pregnant, and wanted to make sure I was eating right for the baby so bought a few books to do some research. I'm not sure this one will get much use - I may donate it to a local library, in case someone else finds it helpful.

In my opinion, the original "What to Expect When You're Expecting" is preferable to this book, as this doesn't give a lot of new info if you know have a basic knowledge of how to eat healthy anyway. The one big exception is the recipes that are included here, and the detailed breakdown of what different food options are available to meet each specific nutritional recommendation/requirement for pregnancy. Otherwise it's mainly just basic nutritional advice.

The second issue I had with the book is that there is very little information available for vegetarians, or even for those who only eat fish/shellfish. It would have been nice if there had been more vegetarian dishes, or even vegetarian options listed for the meat recipes.

A Definite Must-Have for Expectant Moms, July 21, 2007
I wish I would have had this during my first pregnancy. I had asked all of my health care professionals what I should eat and how I should take care of myself during that crucial time, but the standard reply was always, "Eat healthy and exercise." This book defines what eating healthy and taking care of yourself during pregnancy involves. It includes tips on weight gain, pre-pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, information on low carb and vegetarian diets as well as family-friendly recipes.

Good Information, But Recipes Are Complicated, June 10, 2010
This is a great resource for the first time pregnant woman. There is a wealth of nutrition information and answers to many questions. In some areas, I felt the book could be a little alarmist. Overall, your OB doctor is still the best source of information.

Also, I felt some of the recipes had long (and depending on where you live, possibly hard to find) lists of ingredients. As a pregnant woman, I am not sure I would have the time to prepare these dishes. I did like the smoothie recipes and the muffin recipes, those seemed a little easier.

Overall, for the price not a bad resource.

great book, March 14, 2006
This book has great info. and great recipes. I have made a few and My family really likes them. I'm greatful for a book that has info and recipes that are easy to use.

Good Menu, but Very Expensive Ingredients, July 22, 2007
Buying 2 days of food using this cookbook cost over $90 in our local grocer. So while the recipes are good, we are using them in extreme moderation as many of the main ingredients are hard to come by and expensive.

A good resource, August 1, 2006
I really liked the What to Eat when You're Expecting (an older edition of this book). This new edition has more recipes than the old book (and few, if any, repeats). I prefer the format of the old book for the nitty-gritty nutrition info. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Finally—A Pregnancy Book That Won't Put Men to Sleep
My Boys Can Swim! tells real men everything they really want to know about pregnancy, such as: How much is it going to cost? Why does your wife primp before seeing her doctor when she hasn't put a stitch of make-up on for you in months? And, most important, what's it going to do to your sex life?
This rollicking, laugh-out-loud book is for expectant dads in search of bottom-line pregnancy information, without all that boring touchy-feely stuff you find in those books written for women. Inside you'll discover helpful—and hilarious—information and insights on such topics as:
The Maternity Wardrobe: "A key part of the maternity wardrobe is maternity underwear—parachute-like undies big enough to fit an NFL defensive lineman."
Baby Names: "Don't give your kids mockable names like Thaddeus, which is Greek for 'I'm a dork and should be beaten up.'"
The Birth: "No one told me it's normal that babies' heads can be misshapen at birth. I was convinced that my wife gave birth to Veldar, the conehead." ... Read more

Reviews

An ideal gift for the pregnant dad, June 25, 2002
As a practicing OB, I'm often struck at just how disengaged men can be when their wives are pregnant. I've always encouraged my patients to have their husbands join them on visits, and after over 10 years in practice, I've had mixed results. But my track record has improved significantly since this very funny book appeared in my office several months ago. What I like about the author's approach is how he conveys useful information through humorous anecdotes, which allows men to digest the normally mundane and boring aspects of pregnancy in a manner that is fun and interesting. At first I was reluctant to recommend a humor book, since pregnancy is serious business. But the reaction of my patients has been nearly universally positive - they love this book. It is honest yet irreverant, and not contrived or corny like so many other books for Dads. I've bought several copies for patients myself, and on this latest trip to Amazon.com, I thought it would be worth passing on the good word to others out there seeking something for men to read (and enjoy) so they can become a more involved partner during their wives pregnancy.

He knows more than I thought..., August 19, 2006
A few weeks ago, my husband turned to me out of the blue and remarked smugly, "I can't believe how some guys don't know anything about pregnancy."

I wasn't sure how to respond. I hadn't been very impressed with his knowledge to date. I was 3 months along and I had read several of the books designed for women.

But his cousin had given him this book, and the guy who wouldn't look sideways at "What to Expect..." was making his way through "My Boys Can Swim."

Soon he started coming up with some good stuff. When I discovered my favorite jeans uncomfortably tight, he gave me a hug and promised that I'm going to look great with the big belly. When he caught me examining myself sideways in the mirror, trying in vain to suck in my growing pouch, he said, "Enjoy your pregnant body." When my emotions got the best of me and I dove in for an argument, he gracefully disengaged me.

And the real kicker came yesterday. As I was directing him to steer clear of an area of foul smelling air, I admitted to having what seemed to be an extra supply of gas lately. "Oh, the book said that would happen!" he responded cheerfully as he quickly scurried by.

Buy it, and leave it in his favorite bathroom.

This is the only book I could get my husband to read, November 18, 2002
This is the only book I could get my husband to read about pregnancy. But this is written in a style that kept him interested, and I even heard him lauging several times. Very well written!

Dont waste your time - this book is worthless!!!, June 30, 2006
I don't know what everyone loves about this book?! Yeah, I thought the title was funny, but boy was I wrong about its contents! As an expectant father who has read quite a few books meant specifically for fathers, I was expecting a bit more from this one. What I came to find out was that unfortunately, the title of this book is its only redeeming feature.

This book is neither informational nor funny. Its brevity in actually providing useful information was appalling. Do they think we are Neanderthals who aren't interested in having a positive and interactive child birth experience with our wives? Beyond this, the book is completely chauvinistic towards women in every way possible. It does not teach men to enjoy and learn with their partners during the pregnancy, it tells them how to "deal" with their hormonal wives and ways to avoid getting themselves involved.

After reading this book, I was actually offended to think that anyone would consider men in this light. As a man who is interested in his wife and in learning about his yet unborn child, this all too common outlook about men and pregnancy is exactly what we do not need on our bookshelves.

Forget this book altogether and check out one that will actually be funny, informative, and teach you a thing or two! My favorite book is one in the series by Armin Brott. He is a great writer with lots of great resources and insight into what it is to be an expecting father. Try starting with The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips and Advice for Dads-To-Be. You will not be disappointed!

Book Review - Rottentomatoes.com, June 5, 2002
Pregnancy books generally cater to women -- but what about the father-to-be? Author Ian Davis remembers telling his wife one day during her pregnancy that he'd rather get root canal surgery than read one more excruciating page of what to Expect When You're Expecting. For him, like most men, the only interesting part of pregnancy is what happens before the egg is fertilized. With that in mind, he wrote My Boys Can Swim, a wry, witty, endlessly entertaining book that address the concerns of every dad-to-be. Inside are unique guy insights you'll never find in those other pregnancy books, such as: -- You'll lose count of the number of strangers that will see your wife naked. Okay, it's medical and all. Still, you'll swear there were guys coming in and out of the room just to catch a peek. -- Lamaze is just some fancy French word that doesn't mean much of anything. If the class was called "Coping with the Excruciating Pains of Childbirth, " who would go? -- If you're worried about your wife gaining too much weight during pregnancy, don't sweat it. Fat and happy is always better than thin and cranky. -- And many more!

Hilarious and Refreshingly Honest!, November 20, 1999
I was so tired of reading pregnancy books about how wonderful pregnancy is. Yes, we all know that in the end it's worth it. But during those nine months of waiting, things happen to your body and mind that you (and no doubt your spouse) never could have imagined. The way that Ian Davis describes his wife's pregnancy and the experience that they shared, reminds us all that we need a sense of humor. My husband and I were laughing so hard as I read him some highlights that I had to put the book down at some points just to breathe! A great gift for any expecting couple or any couple just thinking about it.

Great little read for future mommies and daddies, January 1, 2005
Both my boyfriend and I loved this book. It is very entertaining and showed him that everything that has been happening to us is normal. It wasn't overly educational, but who buys a book with this title to be informed? I would recommend it for any dad-to-be with a sense of humor.

Definitely Read this around your wife..., July 30, 2001
I read this book when I was pregnant...and promptly gave it to every one of my girlfriends, who promptly gave it to their husbands...they ALL LOVED IT!! You will laugh out load, guaranteed! This is a Humor book, with a capital "h." And it's for couples, not just "the men." It is not a medical book, not a substitute for your doctor's advice (can't believe, in a review for a humor book, that I have to include that disclaimer, but alas...), and not a definitive guide to all things baby. But if you're a soon-to-be dad (and mom), you'll recognize the simple truism that in all good humor lies a grain (sometimes a whole shaker!) of truth. When pregnancy blues get you down, this will pick you up. Buy this book--you won't regret it!

Disclaimer #2: If you were born without a funny bone and healthy sense of irony, don't bother. Hopefully there's a comedian or two contributing to your family gene pool!

This book is a blast, but not for the politically correct!!!, April 2, 2002
One of the nurses in my OB's practice recommended this book to my husband and I. She warned me not to read it in a public place, unless I wouldn't mind the embarrassment of laughing out loud spontaneously in front of total strangers. My husband read it on the train ride home from work. He said the nurse was right...this book was hilarious and kept him laughing, sometimes out loud, for the full ride home. He actually read the book cover to cover in about an hour, which the author notes is about all the time men will dedicate to reading about pregnancy. Sad but true! Even though this was a guy's guide, since I could fill a section at a library with the books I have read on pregnancy in preparation for my first, I figured I might as well read just one more. So I did...and I loved it. Now, I must admit some of the cartoons are a bit over the edge and I found myself asking my husband repeatedly "is this how you think?" (to which he answered on most occasions, "yes"). But as long as you have a sense of humor, you'll really enjoy this unusual treatment of the subject of pregnancy. I'd highly recommend it.

Can't believe I actually read a book on pregnancy, December 16, 2002
And I've never written a review on Amazon.com before. But when my wife gave this book to me, and told me that the author wrote it for the typical guy who "won't spend more than four extended trips to the john reading about pregnancy," I thought I'd have a look. Truth be told, it took a bit longer for me to read than the author predicted, but it is a GREAT bathroom book. I kept reading a few pages at a time, which worked out perfectly since there really is something to laugh at on just about every page. No one is more cynical than I am about Lamaze classes, baby books and other general baby stuff, so it really surprised me that I not only read this entire book, but I actually enjoyed it...and even learned a few things in the process. So, if you're profile is "anxious husband wanting to be helpful but no time or inclination spend hours reading hundreds of pages pregnancy material," this book is worth picking up. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Let's hear it for the boy!!, August 19, 2009
YAY!! Finally, a book devoted entirely to helping moms of boys that are potty training!! This book is fabulous! It's a quick, easy read pointing out practical solutions and common sense approaches to potty training boys. I would recommend it to everyone!! I read 15 books in preparation and this was stellar! It's a must-read and a must-have. It suggests teaching boys in "Sessions" rather than the Potty-Training-In-One-Day idea that RARELY works for boys. The 'Sessions' idea was definitely the key to teaching my son in a happy, relaxed environment. I am SO SO SO SO happy I read this book and am telling everyone about it!! (I would also recommend The Stress-Free Potty Training by Sara Au. It's also FABULOUS!!!)

Great practical book!, November 7, 2009
I read several books on potty training (incl. potty training in a day) and this one was by far the best one: easy to read, practical tips throughout. I just love the approach of training in sessions, it totally worked for my little guy! And it was easy to accomplish, no power struggle at all -- I did wait until he was not only ready but also interested and motivated!

This book really helped us, April 27, 2010
We had gotten very frustrated with our 3 1/2 year old who seemed completely uninterested in potty training. He was obviously ready in all respects except motivation. It just wasn't as hard with his two older sisters who were potty trained easily at about 2 1/2. But after following the guidance in this book, he was completely independently going on the toilet in week. With the exception of a night-time pull-up, we are diaper free!

Love this book!, August 15, 2010
My almost 3 and a half year old son has been impossible to train. We had tried everything. Leaving him naked for a week and a half, sticker charts, candy, timers, The Potty Boot Camp (which worked for a couple of my friends), you name it we tried it, and our son just simply would not potty train, and ended up holding #2 in the process, which is so miserable on everyone. Finally, I found this book and in less than 2 weeks, our son is potty trained. I read the book and thought "really this is all we have to do" and sure enough. It worked on the child I was certain would be in diapers or pull ups for the rest of his life!

This book is AMAZING!, November 16, 2010
I started the potty training process shortly after my son turned two. Two weeks before his third birthday, he was STILL in diapers. I had read several potty training books, including "The No Cry Potty Training Solution." I took advice from several family members and even tried the "cold turkey" method, which involved just putting my son in big boy underwear and hoping he would eventually come to realize when he had to go. No such luck. Not only was my son uninterested in using the potty, it didn't even bother him when his diapers or underwear were wet. I tried giving him stickers and chocolates to use the potty, but he would just yell "I don't want to use the potty!" I came across "Potty Training Boys the Easy Way" while searching on Amazon. The great reviews quickly prompted me to order the book and give it a try. I read the book from cover to cover, then decided to implement the process. The day I put my son in regular underwear, he used the potty on his own. There he was, sitting in the living room, watching his favorite movie, when he stood up and announced "I need to pee." He walked over to the potty, pulled down his underwear, and did his business. It was like the clouds parted and angels began to sing. I was floored. From then on, the underwear "sessions" got longer and longer. He had a couple of accidents, but that was to be expected. Soon, he was wearing nothing but underwear at home. No more diapers or pull-ups, except at night. Finally, I decided it was time for him to go to preschool in underwear. The first day, I packed six extra outfits and underwear for him, certain he would have an accident while at school. I was shocked when I picked him up and saw him in the same outfit I had dressed him in that morning. Success! That was a month ago. Since then, my son has built more confidence and is a potty pro. He still wears a diaper at night, but that doesn't bother me. I'm just amazed at how quickly the training process went along. I wish I had found this book months ago. It certainly would have saved me many headaches!

Great, January 21, 2010
I'm a new Mom with a 25 month old boy and was truly fretting about the subject. Some boys are already "trained" so I wasn't sure if I was lagging behind. Great information. Although my boy is still to young for it, I applied some of the tips immediately and now he proudly uses the potty before his night bath, and sometimes asks for it at other times. I'll take it easy, like a game. Great book.Potty Training Boys the Easy Way: Helping Your Son Learn Quickly--Even If He's a Late Starter

Offensive from the start, December 27, 2010
WOW, I was offended right from the start. The first sentence states: "...[boys lack] some of the common sense that little girls seem to be born with." While there may be differences in behavior between genders, there are also differences in approaches to training; it does not mean boys lack common sense.

Yay, Three boys and no more diapers, October 13, 2010
It doesn't matter how educated you are, once you have kids all of that knowledge goes out the window and you find yourslef looking for help. My wife and I are both doctors and we have three boys. Some are easy to train and others are more stubborn. This book can help you with any personality and will definitely get you out of those diapers.

Shawn Tassone, MD author of Hands Off My Belly: The Pregnant Woman's Survival Guide to Myths, Mothers, and Moods

Good ideas, June 10, 2010
this was a fast read-thank goodness. useful ideas that took a lot of stress out of the process. my 34 mo.old is wearing underwear for 3-4 hours at a time and it has been a very laid back process. just having this book to glance back at is reassuring. ... Read more

Editorial Review

If you want to learn how best to help an expectant mother have a happy and healthy childbirth, The Birth Partner, Third Edition is the only book you'll need. For almost 20 years, husbands, partners, friends, relatives, and doulas have turned to this book for guidance on being a supportive partner in the delivery room.The expanded third edition includes the most up-to-date information about techniques, devices, and medications for easing labor pain; tests and treatments of the fetus and newborn; strategies to help labor progress; potential medical procedures and interventions; and how best to help the mother during the early days after the birth. And, with its easy-to-use format and new illustrations, the The Birth Partner is the essential guide have on hand in the delivery room. ... Read more

Reviews

A Mental Lifesaver, June 20, 2008
For first-time parents, giving birth to your little bundle of joy can be nerve-wracking. There is so much you don't know! And not-knowing can be a nasty breeding ground for fear. My wife and I are first-time parents, and while we weren't scared to death, we certainly wanted to know what we were headed towards. Knowing is half the battle, right? Because of how much there is to know, we even thought about hiring a doula (birth coach). Luckily, we found this book...373 pages of confidence-building.

THE BIRTH PARTNER is broken into 4 parts:

1) Before the Birth

This section is largely just introduction to the concept of pregnancy. It contains some good lists to remind you what to prepare to take to the hospital. Probably the most important stuff was on Kegel exercises and the Perineal massage. Oh yeah, and make sure to compile a list of friends and family to call or have someone call.

2) Labor and Birth

This section has crucial information about the pre-labor process, the signs of labor, the "bag of waters" breaking, false vs. true labor, timing contractions (there's a great chart to make copies of), and breeched babies. Her breakdown of the 3 stages of labor is especially helpful.

For those parents attempting a natural birth, she details the 5-1-1 rule for contractions, so you know when to head to the hospital. She walks you through a ton of strategic labor positions to use to relieve pain and allow gravity to do its work toward birthing the baby (these assume you haven't had an epidural...there's a whole section on epidurals and anesthesia).

She gives advice for the birth partner's role -- from leading her through breathing routines and rituals to knowing how to work with and sometimes against the doctors, depending on what they're saying. Fast labors, slow labors, irregular labors...they're all in here.

3) The Medical Side of Childbirth

Medicine, drugs, shots, tests, interventions and all that good stuff. To epidural or not to epidural? And what about Cesarean sections? It's all in here. Helpful information to keep you sane and in the loop. It's amazing what the doctors won't tell you unless you ask. Remember, it's a business.

4) After the Birth

Cleaning the baby, shots, warming, breastfeeding, postpartum depression and how to deal with it...what happens after the birth is almost nearly as important as the before and the during.

THE FINAL TAKE

This book is a mental lifesaver. Whether you're heading into the birth with complete trust of the doctors and the medical system or with a healthy (or unhealthy) bit of logical skepticism, there is a wealth of essential knowledge in here about what to look for, what to know, and what to ask about. You won't regret reading this book. It's concise and detailed in the all the right places and is clear enough that you know exactly what she's talking about. I'm a first-time, thinking-man's father-to-be, and I sure feel more prepared after reading it. After all, it's just my baby we're talking about here.

--- Reviewed by Jonathan Stephens

Very helpful for dads and others, January 31, 2008
Penny Simkin's first edition of this book was really helpful to me in my last pregnancy, and this edition is even better. Updated with modern information, my husband is finding it a great tool as I prepare for my third birth and he gets ready for his first homebirth... his daughter was born in a horrible hospital birth so he's really having to adjust his thinking.

He was worried that this book was going to be dry and boring but he hasn't put it down yet. :-) It has enough technical information to keep his "science mind" occupied, and the writing tone is friendly and accessible. He is realizing with the help of this book that he can be an active participant in this birth and that he can really help me by protecting me and making conditions ideal for me to do the work of birthing... this is in stark contrast to the very passive role that he was encouraged to take last time, and how helpless he felt in terms of being able to help his ex-wife as she struggled to birth despite lots of hospital-staff-ordered interventions.

We are also using the book together to identify the things I'd like to have for our birth in terms of people who are there, the atmosphere of the room, and procedures we want/don't want our midwife to do.

We're going through the interventions chapter together and identifying the things that would be 100% fine with us if the midwife thought them necessary, the things we'd tolerate after a risk/benefit discussion, and the things I'd never consent to unless my midwife (who I do trust with my life, and who attended my last birth too) says I'll die or the baby will die without.

We'll certainly have this book around with some tape flags in it during our birth.

Comprehensive guide to labor and childbirth, June 9, 2008
If you or someone you know is planning to have a baby, and you plan to be there, read this book. It will help you have a birth that is less painful, stressful, and physician-directed than you will have if you do not read it. It covers the normal course of labor and birth, complications in labor, comfort measures for the woman and the role of the birth partner and/or doula, explanations of the many possible interventions and drugs available during labor/birth/postpartum, breastfeeding basics, and care of the mother when she returns home. If you are the partner, this will help you feel that you know what's going on during birth, especially if complications arise, and it will give you lots of ideas for how to help your partner during labor and afterwards.

This book is pretty objective and not biased far towards the "no intervention for any reason/trust birth" camp, nor towards the "birth is a emergency, and babies can DIE!!!!" camp. It will help you clarify YOUR personal preferences and needs for your birth by providing you with knowledge needed to make informed choices based on your medical particulars, pain tolerance, philosophy about childbirth, attitude towards medications and interventions, and your birth setting.

There is a great questionnaire in the book about pain and medication preferences that will really help you decide what medications you might or might not want and at what point in labor you will want them, and a comprehensive list of all the medications, their effects and side-effects on mother and baby, when in the course of labor it is appropriate to receive them, and how they might interact with other drugs offered during labor.

A tutorial, not a reference, June 10, 2008
After getting bogged down in several reference-style books about birth, this was exactly what I needed. The book takes you step by step through the birthing process in an accessible and encouraging way, telling specifically you how to help the mother. The fact that the authors base their recommendations not only on physical, but also on emotional needs the partner and the mother is very helpful.

This book is far from complete, so a separate pregnancy reference will probably be useful. Also, as reasonable and reassuring as the advice sounds, I have not yet tested it in practice.

Only My Partner Didn't Read It, November 20, 2008
I bought this book thinking my husband would read, but I ended up doing the reading. This book is incredibly thorough and covered everything I felt I needed to know about the birthing process, labor, possible complications, the choice to involve drugs, the types of tests performed on the baby, and so much more. It supports natural birth, but not overly so and gives you good information from which to make informed decisions. Despite my intentions to have a natural birth, it just didn't work out. But I felt I had the information I needed when things didn't go as planned and I had to change course. I wasn't too into the parts that were addressed specifically to the partner, and what the partner could do, so I just skipped over those. But if you actually were the partner reading the book, I can see how they might be helpful.

Practical/Logical Guide to Child Birth, August 10, 2008
I bought this book for my husband and ended up reading it myself. It was my favorite pregnancy/birth book! It has a *slight* lean towards natural childbirth (it is NOT preachy at all) but fairly covers drugs in depth and even includes a chart with the drug name and it's side effects. It's the only book I have found that does that. It also shows techniques for coping with pain and relaxation techniques...which is what I was looking for my husband and I to both learn. I think this book really prepares you what to expect on the big day. I will recommend this book to all my pregnant friends from now on. If you are a logical, practical person who is looking for tangible techniques and information then this book is for you.

I'm Not Sick; I'm Just Pregnant, February 21, 2010
One of the first things I said to my loved ones when I told them I was expecting my first child was, "Please, don't get me any pregnancy books". I did receive Your Pregnancy Week by Week". It's great if you want a big list of Don'ts and want to be informed of everything that could go wrong in the next 9 months. I decided early on thta I wanted a completely natural birth. (Yeah, I guess I am a bit "granola" but part of the decision was entirely selfish. I just wanted to be able to brag about it.) My "BabyDaddy" and I interviewed a doula and she recommended this book. We immediately checked it out from the library (and renewed multiple times before purchasing). The book is directed toward the "birth partner" and I like the fact that it treats the reader as an intelligent individual capable of making their own decisions. Even if you don't plan on having a drug-free birth, this book provides clear/non-biased information on typical mother/baby procedures and pros and cons of each. It covers the most common methods of pain-relief (natural and chemical) and (cheesy) visuals with a handy chart for which works best when. It covers all of the tests you may have and what they are for. It's just a great source of information about the whole process and always keeps in mind that you're not sick, you're just pregnant. (P.S. Mission accomplished; me (with my sole birth partner, the "BD") had a successful all-natural birth and are now the happy parents of a 7 month old baby girl).

A must read for dads, August 26, 2009
I wanted a natural birth, so I purchased this book for my birthing partner. It really helped my husband (first time dad) understand the birth process and have knowledge of what would take place. It is a great tool as well with tons of techniques for your birthing partner to assist you. I would recommend this book along with the book Active Birth, if you are planning a natural birth. Without such a great birthing partner, I don't know that I would of had such a natural, wonderful birthing experience.

best for moms too, August 24, 2009
This was the best book for me as a mom. I was so confident going into labor and not freaked out at all mostly because of the knowledge of what was coming, recognizing stages, remembering options learned from this book. No judging like other books written to the mother. Just the truth written really well and quick reference sections to go back to when you need a refresher or are feeling anxious when you just know labor will be any day now. Really my favorite book, and I had a lot of them. If I was an ob. I would hand this out at the first prenatal visit.

The Birth Partner, February 16, 2009
I am a Birth Doula and I wish all pregnant women and partners would read this wonderful book. The highlighted sections for quick reference in the previous printing were easier to locate, but you can always stick on your own tabs if necessary. Overall, an amazing book and priceless tool. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The classic is back! Fully revised with the latest medical information on both mom's health and baby's development, this best-selling journal is packed with daily entries that feature tips, advice, and plenty of room for personal reflection. Beautifully repackaged with a fresh design, this one-of-a-kind journal established both as a self-purchase and gift of choice is the ultimate resource for today's expecting mother. ... Read more

Reviews

Tons of Information, With Room for Your Own Observations!, June 24, 2000
I LOVE THIS BOOK! When I first discovered I was pregnant I purchased the book: "What to Expect When You Are Expecting". I wish I had purchased this book first. It is so much more helpful and supportive.

Like many books written about pregnancy, it breaks information down into the 9 lunar months of pregnancy. The difference is that it offers information about each day of your pregnancy. Fascinating tidbits about how your baby is growing, what is taking place in your body and important facts about nutrition and health. It also includes quotes about children that are sometimes humorous, sometimes philosophical, and always uplifting. Also included, trivia about childbirth in other cultures. On each page, there is room to write your thoughts about the baby and your pregnancy. Each month you can chart your waist size and weight. This will make a great keepsake that your son or daughter can enjoy later. They will find it fascinating to know of your mental and emotional as well as physical interactions with them from the moment of their conception or from the moment you knew you were pregnant.

If you are on a tight budget and can only afford one book for your pregnancy, choose this one!

can't do without it!, August 14, 1999
My mother gave me a copy of Christine Harris' book when I was a couple of months pregnant and after opening the book I'd wished I'd had it since day one! I immediately found information that was applicable to me personally and I could relate to everything that she had written. From then on it was a daily companion and I found it difficult to not read days, weeks, or even months ahead. I particulary liked the pages where she allowed room to write a journal entry on your thoughts and feelings that day. I still go back and read it now and then. I also liked that there was room to chart your weight and waist line. Some women may be apprehensive about charting their weight but later on your'e really glad that you did. It's fun to look back on. Two days ago I found out I was pregnant with my second child and I'm heading out to the store today to get my second copy for this pregnancy. Thank you Christine!

Wonderful, Inspiring daily pregnancy happenings!!, December 26, 1998
When I was pregnant with my first, I was looking for a book that would give me a little information about what was happening each day during the pregnancy and also gave me space to write my thoughts, feelings, weight and stats. This was the ONLY book that met all my needs. I used it almost daily (sometimes I'd have to catch up two days or so). But the information that it gave each day was wonderful. It made the pregnancy seem so much more real. I was able to read things like..."today the fingers are forming" or "your baby has the abilty to suck now". It is a great book and I highly recommend it to all pregnant women, especially first time moms.

A must for the curious first timer!, October 26, 1998
I ordered this book within days of learning I was pregnant. I' thrilled to have a book on my nightstand which offers me a daily information and so much insight to what's going on with this little blessing inside me. I still can't feel the baby move but I have a great idea of the size and of what has already gone on in the development process. I am also more in touch with how my body has changed since the journal offers room for me to chart my changes and enter a few notes here and there. I am about to order a copy for a friend who noted that she wished she'd been tracking her waist size changes. It is well worth the $16 and will make a great gift. I haven't found anything in this book to alarm or worry me (after having a few miscarriages I have found a lot to worry about) or anything which I felt the author really didn't need to share. Just day-by-day information about how my baby is growing, how I my body is changing and even some inspirational tid-bits and wisdom.

companion to The Pregnancy Journal, March 5, 2000
Understanding what changes were taking place with both my baby and myself day-to-day during pregnancy was such a joyful and enriching experience. I was appreciative of Dr. Harris' "parent tips" to be read during pregnancy. Not enough books out there cover the many issues that come up right after you bring your baby home from the hospital; this Journal offers sound advice for the postnatal period as well.

I also wanted to bring to readers' attention that Dr. Harris has a companion volume entitled, Baby's First Year Journal, published in the same spiral-bound format. It's an excellent companion volume.

you must have this journal, January 2, 2001
There are 2 books that no pregnancy should be without this is one of them, and the other is The Pregnancy Book by Sears and Sears. This beautiful journal made me feel very close to my baby, since I could read what was happening every day, write my own thoughts and keep track of my weight and size, feelings and moods. I loved looking at it every night and reading to my husband everything that was changing in our baby. I think I read it 30 times. I will show this to my daughter someday. I highly recommend this book.

A wonderful way to experience the miracle growing within!, March 10, 1999
I gave this book as a gift to many of my expecting friends. It wasn't until I used for my own pregnancy that I realized how extraordinary it really is. I wish I would have had it during my first pregnancy because it provides detailed information about baby's day-to-day development as well as tips and tricks for surviving some of the strange little things that happen to your body during pregnancy. I loved the way the information was presented...with adorable graphics and places for me to jot down notes about how I was feeling and what I was thinking. This book is a keepsake I'll treasure for a lifetime and hope someday my son will read it and know what a joy it was 'growing' him! Everytime I see this book, I buy it...knowing the next new mom I give it to will enjoy pregnancy so much more with this journal by her side.

Fantastic!, February 28, 2002
I have pulled this book out for every pregnancy. It is a great resource.

Each day of the pregnancy tells how many days are left until your due date, what is happening to the baby inside you and some tidbit of information. There might be a cultural type of tidbit that tells how other women in other countries give birth, prepare for their baby or recover after birth. There might be a trivia like how long whales are pregnant. There might be a diet advice or a cute quote. Whatever it is, everything included is uplifting or with just a touch of humor. Very well done.

This is not a book for tracking your pregnancy as in writing a little note each day to your baby. However, there are some spots for writing your thoughts, dr visits, etc. Mainly this is a book to help you learn what is going on with your body and baby during your pregnancy.

Wonderful.

An Enjoyable Reading for pregnant women, July 11, 2000
This journal was what I really want to keep me company during my pregnancy. It answered all my questions, doubts and confusions. The exact questions answered by this journal was "Why am I craving for bananas when I was 10 weeks pregnant?" It said that because the baby need potasium and it's really there on my 10th week development page! I REALLY recommend this book to every pregnant women! Your doctor can't answer your phone calls everyday.. but this journal will. Thanks a lot!

Great daily update on baby's progress for mom and dad!, September 21, 1999
I buy this book for EVERY pregnant friend. It's great for keeping mom and dad updated on baby's daily development as well as what's happening to mom. Among other things, it tells you what organs are developing at the time and what vitamins are important then, how big your baby is and how much she weighs. You keep notes and chart your weight and waist measurements. Plus there are lots of helpful tips and tidbits. A MUST for every pregnant woman and a good way to keep dad informed on what's going on with his baby! ... Read more

Editorial Review

What makes us the way we are? Some say it’s the genes we inherit at conception. Others are sure it’s the environment we experience in childhood. But could it be that many of our individual characteristics—our health, our intelligence, our temperaments—are influenced by the conditions we encountered before birth?That’s the claim of an exciting and provocative field known as fetal origins. Over the past twenty years, scientists have been developing a radically new understanding of our very earliest experiences and how they exert lasting effects on us from infancy well into adulthood. Their research offers a bold new view of pregnancy as a crucial staging ground for our health, ability, and well-being throughout life.Author and journalist Annie Murphy Paul ventures into the laboratories of fetal researchers, interviews experts from around the world, and delves into the rich history of ideas about how we’re shaped before birth. She discovers dramatic stories: how individuals gestated during the Nazi siege of Holland in World War II are still feeling its consequences decades later; how pregnant women who experienced the 9/11 attacks passed their trauma on to their offspring in the womb; how a lab accident led to the discovery of a common household chemical that can harm the developing fetus; how the study of a century-old flu pandemic reveals the high personal and societal costs of poor prenatal experience. Origins also brings to light astonishing scientific findings: how a single exposure to an environmental toxin may produce damage that is passed on to multiple generations; how conditions as varied as diabetes, heart disease, and mental illness may get their start in utero; why the womb is medicine’s latest target for the promotion of lifelong health, from preventing cancer to reducing obesity. The fetus is not an inert being, but an active and dynamic creature, responding and adapting as it readies itself for life in the particular world it will enter. The pregnant woman is not merely a source of potential harm to her fetus, as she is so often reminded, but a source of influence on her future child that is far more powerful and positive than we ever knew. And pregnancy is not a nine-month wait for the big event of birth, but a momentous period unto itself, a cradle of individual strength and wellness and a crucible of public health and social equality.

With the intimacy of a personal memoir and the sweep of a scientific revolution, Origins presents a stunning new vision of our beginnings that will change the way you think about yourself, your children, and human nature itself. ... Read more

Reviews

Must read for anyone pregnant or planning on getting pregnant, October 3, 2010
I ready this book straight through in one day and found it packed with useful scientific findings on the long-term impact of the uterine environment on developing fetuses. Yet, it doesn't seem overwhelming or "preachy" just informative and thought-provoking. As I read through it, I found myself underlining key passages or findings to go back to later and contemplate (I'm hoping to become pregnant soon).

I think the most interesting aspect of this book were the numerous findings that things women do before their child is even born (healthier eating, exercise, positive mood, decrease stress, etc...)can have an equal or greater impact than things done after birth. Yet, as the author points out, "Prenatal experience doesn't force the individual down a particular path; at most, it points us in a general direction, and we can take another route if we choose."

Excellent book, easy and informative read, and a must for anyone interested in this topic, pregnant, or planning on getting pregnant!

Frustrating..., November 10, 2010
I bought this book immediately after TIME Magazine featured it on its cover, because Ms. Paul's title asserted itself as an authority over this much needed topic. As someone who is in her early 30's and is planning to have children in the near future, I thought this book would offer in depth specifics that could help any woman give birth to a healthy baby. To her credit, Ms. Paul does cite key tips that every expecting mother should be doing to ensure a healthy child: take Folic acid and other B vitamins, exercise, reduce stress levels, eat breakfast every day, and stay mindful of the food one consumes. Moreover, she cites a few scientists and doctors who are in the process of making novel discoveries about how we can prevent birth defects and other illness that occur after birth. Ms. Paul also cities several historical events that reinforce the idea that childbirth is actually a collective effort hinging on a nation's efforts to provide basic needs. Without these provisions, children are unlikely to become productive citizens or even have the chance to live to adulthood. For this much, I think the book is a good start; however, I find much of the writing lacking in two major areas.

I understand that it's an easier read to blend her own experience as a soon-to-be mother; but as she shares her life with us, I am often reminded of her privilege as a Upper-West-Side New Yorker that allows her to make choices (often purely emotional) to ensure the health of her child while many mothers in the US (and even within New York City) can't afford to make. What's troubling about this aspect of the writing - for example - is that she'll clear her kitchen of BPA plastic products because she moved by one researcher's findings on BPA. She continues to write about her fears of BPA which is found in almost all the products we have. As I read this, I start getting antsy, but also helpless and wanting to hear other findings. Ms. Paul cited one scientist who is studying this. What about others? And what about other mothers who can't just throw away all their plastic and afford glass containers and Kleen Kanteen bottles? What are they going to do?

Throughout the book, Ms. Paul highlights certain historical events and other circumstances (ie: living in LA) which can produce a potential threat to an unborn fetus. Again, I start feeling nervous and wonder what I can do. Ms. Paul thinly resolves my concerns by glossing over current research and at times quotes no longer than a sentence from a scientist about their findings. There are too many examples of these passages and they are just not enough information for anyone to make an educated decision on how to move forward. At best I am left with mulling over her own testimonials and guessing it might be the right choice -- but I'm not sure. I'm also not sure about her self created term "Fetal Origins" because much of her book blurs the line between personal experiences and cliff-note science. It's more accurate to rename the title: "How the Nine Months Before Birth CAN SHAPE the Rest of Our Lives." Ms. Paul is no authority.

On the whole, this book will be useful to anyone who has the luxury of being anxious and has the means to take whatever measures they can to birth a healthy child. To a more critical reader, you may only find more substantial information in the NOTES section of the book to figure out what's hype versus fact. I would however, recommend this book to local and national policy makers. Again, Ms. Paul makes a point which should not be ignored: if you want to ensure a productive future for the state, ensure the well being of the most vulnerable -- the unborn.

A fascinating read, but..., October 11, 2010
I found the author's reliance on personal experience just a tad annoying. The nine chapters of the book correspond to each of the nine months of her second pregnancy (she's carrying another boy; something she doesn't let you forget throughout the book). Her blatant preference for boys appears to be based on one exchange between a little girl at her son's preschool and the girl's mother; who admonishes her to be nice to her friends. On predictable cue, the girl is described as "hissing" that another girl is "NOT my friend" while, of course, the boys are all playing nicely together. I tire easily of the stereotypes against girls whom society has deemed to be "mean" and especially find them irritating when coming from females themselves (pregnant ones at that, who could easily be carrying one). She interviews various experts throughout the course of the book and whether they have children is only mentioned if they have boys; as though bearing sons somehow renders one's opinions on pregnancy and fetal origins to be more valid.

These annoyances aside, the book was chock-full of page-turning research and studies; a well-researched, truly fascinating, and easy read. I have already loaned the book to a friend and recommended it to several others.

Very imformative and eye-opening!, November 9, 2010
I just got pregnant and read this book in a week. It was very eye-opening. I've always figured that children are directly affected by their experience/exposure in thier mother's womb, but to have studies and evidence to back up incredible finds, makes this book a winner. I would recommend it to any person desiring to get pregnant or for those who are already pregnant.

Very informative, December 7, 2010
I found this book quite informative. She provides a lot of research and doesnt push her opinions on you. She lays the facts out there and you are allowed to decide for yourself.

A MUST HAVE for future mommies and daddies, October 8, 2010
I'll admit, I'm only half way through this book- but that's after only 1 day of owning it! It is absolutely fascinating. Every page, there is at least one amazing fact that makes me poke my husband and go "Hey, get this...!" I feel much more confident about becoming pregnant now; the facts in this novel (buoyed by cutting-edge peer-reviewed scientific research) really help you understand about the interplay of epigenetics, nature, and nurture.

Prenatal Care -- Sorting Out The Science, October 2, 2010
Ms. Paul has appropriately written nine chapters in her discussion of the science between conception and birth. She uses her own second pregnancy to launch an overall discussion of fetal development, with chapters labeled "One Month," "Two Months," and so forth. There is only 240 pages of very readable text which makes this book a quick read. The author does not go into deep detail explainations of various medical studies and past folklore recommendations but gives a concise highlight of the bottom line (often no one is sure but it might be this way, says the science). "Origins" describes what to do, what to avoid and what does no harm during pregnacy. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Announcing the prequel. From Heidi Murkoff, author of America's bestselling pregnancy and parenting books, comes the must-have guide every expectant couple needs before they even conceive—the first step in What to Expect: What to Expect Before You're Expecting.

An estimated 11 million couples in the U.S. are currently trying to conceive, and medical groups now recommend that all hopeful parents plan for baby-making at least three months before they begin trying. And who better to guide wanna-be moms and dads step-by-step through the preconception (and conception) process than Heidi Murkoff?

It's all here. Everything couples need to know before sperm and egg meet up. Packed with the same kind of reassuring, empathetic, and practical information and advice and tips that readers have come to expect from What to Expect, only sooner. Which baby-friendly foods to order up (say yes to yams) and which fertility-busters to avoid (see you later, saturated fat); lifestyle adjustments that you'll want to make (cut back on cocktails and caffeine) and those you can probably skip (that switch to boxers). How to pinpoint ovulation, time lovemaking, keep on-demand sex sexy, and separate conception fact (it takes the average couple up to 12 months to make a baby) from myth (position matters). Plus, when to seek help and the latest on fertility treatments—from Clomid and IVF to surrogacy and more. Complete with a fill-in fertility journal to keep track of the babymaking adventure and special tips throughout for hopeful dads. Next step? What to Expect When You’re Expecting, of course.
... Read more

Reviews

Wonderful Resource, If You Don't Care About the Magic, May 25, 2009
WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE YOU'RE EXPECTING is just like the other books in the expecting "series:" Jam packed with information in a good format. There are sections for both the "Mother to Be" and the "Father to Be," but neither are exclusive and should be read by both parties; in fact, there is more for men in this book than What to Expect When You're Expecting: 4th Edition. You probably already know what to expect given the monumental success of the previous Expecting books, and this book is no exception. Sections of the book include: Nutrition, Basic Anatomy, Ovulation, Timing of Intimacy, Miscarriage and Infertility, Medications, and tons of other little questions.

This book is excellent, but the next few comments should not be taken as criticisms but rather just information.

The difference with this installment is that there is more humor woven into the text than the previous books, which helps lighten the load; however, the humor at points is too much of a good thing, and the writing can seem juvenile and uses a lot of immature phrases (i.e. Aunt Flo), which I feel undermines the writing slightly.

One other thing is the book takes some of the magic away, providing step by step instructions, hundreds of pages of what to do better. I can totally appreciate how this book may help people who have struggled with conception, and I feel this book will be revered in that case. However, for everyone else be prepared to have the magic of conception possibly ruined as baby making becomes a job, you are forced to follow a specific calendar, and monitoring your diet. I know that at least a handful of people have successfully conceived and delivered healthy babies prior to this book being published, but this book could be the saving grace for any couple that is struggling to conceive. It reminds me of the movie Knocked Up when the characters are discussing how in the world people had babies before baby books were published.

Overall, WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE YOU ARE EXPECTING is a great resource, and should be read in smaller doses because it is so information and fact heavy; however, the humor (which at some points is rather juvenile) effectively lightens the load.

Good reading,

J.Stoner

Great book, October 2, 2009
I began reading this book as soon as I received it. This book has been full of facts I wasn't aware of. I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about trying to have a baby.

If I wanted to read a Cosmo article..., June 24, 2009
Okay, I will give the author this, there is some valuable information to be had here. The problem is that she uses language that you would find in a magazine like Vogue or Cosmo. You know those quick reads on how to make a man happy in bed, how to dress your body type etc.

Quite frankly, that kind of vocabulary and manner of speaking is plain annoying! For example, at one she is giving men advice on how to keep the romance alive while trying to conceive. Great idea! However, she uses this phrase, "Woo her while you do her."

Ick! And it just keeps going on and on and on. Every other word is from the pages of a fashion rag. I got so annoyed I couldn't even read a chapter. Sure, I want some humor and warmth when I am reading a non-fiction book, but this was taking bad jokes and regurgitating them on every other page. If you like to read Cosmo and Vogue then you will probably have no problem with this. But the rest of use want a little more hard-headed and to-the-point advice.

Informative, July 1, 2009
I found this book rather informative especially since I'm new to the whole trying to have a child thing. I was never really sure about what ovulation was before I read this book, quite frankly I was relieved by some of the things it mentioned women go through. The book gave me a better understanding about my body and what type of changes it goes through month after month. While the language used did seem a bit hokey and at times goofy, I was able to better understand it and I got the point. I liked the charts (although I didn't use any of them - something about writing in a book, just seems wrong) and the section for the men to read, although my husband didn't take an interest. I recommend this book and hope you find it as informative as I did.

Good info but . . ., October 18, 2010
There is some great information in this book. It's an excellent starting point if you want to get a jump on reading up about pre-conception health. It's also a good conversation starter with your partner (it's great for both parents to spend some time reading the book, both the "mom" and "dad" sections). The info on trouble trying to conceive was particularly helpful. However, after hearing all the hype about the "What To Expect" series, I expected it to be a better written book.

The book had some continuity problems. It looked like paragraphs and maybe even chapters had been copied and pasted straight out of the other books without checking for continuity. Acronyms would be used over and over and over again and never defined. Meanwhile, the acronym "STD" shows up for the hundredth time around page 200 and is defined. Pretty sure we all know what STDs are, and if we don't, we googled it 150 pages ago. But thanks.

Sometimes things would be mentioned in passing, never to be brought up again. "Get your blood tested for your Rh factor, and if you are positive, make sure your partner isn't." WHAT?! This sounds really serious. What does this mean? Yeah, the book totally leaves you hanging. Google it. Again, I expect that if the book is going to bring it up, explain to me why this is so important.

Some chapters left me with more question than answers. For example, it encouraged readers to drink lots of milk. Ok great, but more adult women are lactose intolerant than not. Since the book advised moms-to-be to limit soy, what alternatives should we seek for upping calcium intake? The author really didn't have a lot of suggestions. And speaking of soy, the author was very vague. Basically, "don't eat a lot of it." Well, what's "a lot?" If I use it on my cereal and cooking as my constant substitute for milk, is that "a lot?" I know what to do to get my calcium, but I expected the book to cover it, given the detail it went into in other areas.

Finally, the writing style was obnoxious at times. It was like sitting next to your cheesy inappropriate uncle at dinner and listening to him laugh at his own lame jokes and say "teehee GET IT? SEE WHAT I DID THERE! THAT'S A PUN!" Yeah, we got it, thanks. Not that funny. Luckily the author had the tact to drop the act in the chapters about challenges to TTC.

Again, overall, great info in this book, and it is worth the read despite my criticisms of the writing style. Hopefully when the next edition comes out, they will have cleared up some of these issues.

Not too much info for a 200 page book!, February 8, 2010
I flew through this book in 2 nights, yawning. Maybe this is just because I have researched TTC online, but I really didn't learn much from this book. I like how the questions are asked point blank , but then the answers will usually ramble on and on for paragraphs, most of which have very little to do with the actual question. It got downright annoying at times. I also expected a more informative diet plan and food breakdown, but (shock!!) I suppose I would have to buy the "What to eat while you are expecting" book from this author.
Most of the topics I wanted more details on (depression meds, bariatric surgery, ect) were answered with basically a "Yes, No, Well you should ask your personal doctor about that" theme. Gee, thanks.
Overall, I think the amount of useful information from this book (after eliminating the sidetracked rambling and stupid jokes) could have been condensed to a pamphlet.

UPDATE: Depression Meds: This book states INCORRECTLY on page 9 that Wellbutrin is proven safe for pregnancy. This is absolutely NOT TRUE! It is classified as a type C drug. It has been tested on animals and has shown some defects in the offspring of rabbits and mice. No adequete human studies have been done on pregnant women or newborns who have been exposed to this drug. Shame on the author and editor of this book. Get your facts straight, Ms, Murkoff!!!!

Worth Reading, but Tone is Super Annoying, February 22, 2010
I read this book in conjunction with Dr. Lu's "Get Ready to Get Pregnant," and I thought they worked well together - Dr. Lu's book covers the latest science behind getting your body ready for pregnancy, and this book had a lot of useful information about actually getting pregnant - ovulation, timing of conception, foods/activities that can affect fertility, etc. It's a very quick read, and it has a lot of charts included - I'm not sure I will use them, but I could see how they might be helpful. I'm only giving the book four stars, however, because the chatty, overly informal tone is - as other reviewers have noted - super annoying and silly (for example, the menstrual cycle is referred to as "Aunt Flo" or "AF", men are urged to "woo her before you do her," and dietary advice includes gems like "don't count all your grains in one basket when you're trying to get a bun in your oven"). At least half of the book made me roll my eyes - it's fine to be friendly, but we're all adults here, so let's act like it!

Getting a good idea!, August 31, 2009
When my fiance and I began talking about starting a family, I realized that I knew the basics of how things work, but I didn't know much about conception, and all those important factors to factor in before trying to have a baby. This book was fantastic!!!! It's a great starter to planning for pregnancy!!! You'll learn about ways to improve your diet without completely changing it, and how your body works naturally to bring you and your partner together during your most fertile times. There's chapters on charting your ovulation with kits, and also how to predict when your ovulating by paying attention to your body's natural functions!!

This is a must read for the couple contemplating having a baby!

An ok read., August 31, 2010
This book provided some interesting information, like one should be sure her teeth are in tip top shape before pregnancy, but I didn't care for the author's writing style. It was not concise and straight forward enough for me. The book could have been much shorter had she not tried to embellish, but I'm sure some people like that sort of thing. Most of the book was common sense, but it is nice to have a reference.

A Useful Reference, February 11, 2010
We've been trying to have a baby for a couple of years now, and I thought it was time that I made sure that I was as educated as I thought I was about conception. I definitely learned a few things from this book. This is a book you can skip around in easily, because not all of the topics are going to apply to everyone. It's informational without being dry and boring. There is also information here for the man you are trying to conceive with. I especially appreciated that the book acknowledged that not everyone can get pregnant at the drop of a hat, and addressed different options that are available. I'll definitely be holding on to this to refer to from time to time. ... Read more

Editorial Review

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. ... Read more

Reviews

Excellent Method of Chilbirth and Great Book!, October 22, 1999
My first child was born after we attended Lamaze classes. Nothing in that birth was as I 'planned' and everything I did not want to happen...happened. I was an observer of a process that did not feel related to me.

During my second pregnancy we bought this book and attended the Bradley classes. This birth was excellent and wonderful!! I delivered a 10lb 3oz. baby boy with absolutely NO interventions (IV, drugs, epesiotomy etc.) and LOVED every minute of it. It was MY birth!

This book and the associated classes made all the difference in the world!! This book is not meant for those looking for the 'middle ground'. Bradley childbirth is NOT the 'middle ground'. If you are looking for reassurrance, practical relaxation techniques and guidance for your coach AND you are planning for a natural, personal childbirth THEN this is the book for you!!

Lots of help, skip the scary parts, November 3, 1999
I found this book extremely informative on Bradley technique but kind of scary when talking about alternatives and hospitals. After having two babies using medications, I was desperate to find another option. The book is extremely good about detailing the feelings you have during pregnancy and childbirth. Working on the birthing techniques with my husband was priceless and helped create a special bond between us. After having our third child without medication I have got to tell everyone how much better a drug free birthing experience can be! I only paniced once. I had praticed the pushing visualization so well it only took three pushes for our daughter to be born! The scary part can be avoided by skipping the information on Lamaze, hospitals, and doctors. It is out-dated and frightening. Move on to the excercises and have a wonderful birth experience!

An Excellent Resource For The Bradley Method, June 2, 2000
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way is an excellent resource on the Bradley Method. Author, Susan McCutcheon introduces you to the Bradley Method, explains how it differs from Lamaze, discusses how to choose your childbirth educator and your doctor, explains the importance of nutrition and how to prepare yourself for this life transforming experience.

In addition to the general information she provides in helping you to prepare, she thoroughly walks you through the Bradley Method. Through exercise, illustration, nutrition, and practice, McCutcheon completely covers how you should prepare and deal with both First and Second Stage of Childbirth. Finally, she closes the text with a discussion of various childbirth controversies -- episiotomies, caesarean sections and homebirth.

This book excels in preparing you for a Natural Childbirth, as defined by the American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth -- a birth that is without unnecessary medical intervention. However, some view her tone as "fear tactics" or "outdated" ideas. I disagree. Rather, she educates you on the principles of Bradley and provides you with the ability to recognize when the medical personnel are undertaking a procedure for their convenience or for your best interest. In short, she provides you with information and proven tools to make informed decisions and take responsibility for your birth.

Despite the strengths of this book, I highly recommend that, whenever physically possible, the reader enroll in a Bradley class to supplement the reading in this book. If you *really* desire a Natural Childbirth, the class will provide you with the knowledge, practice and support you need to achieve your goals. Though this book is excellent, your instructor is almost essential -- she can guide you in recognizing when you need medical assistance and when you do not!

Great info... keep the "grain of salt" handy, March 19, 2006
After having tried the Lamaze method and ending up with an epidural and feeling very "out of control" during my first delivery, I went in search of more information to help me through my second delivery. I happened upon this book at a garage sale and decided it was worth a gander.

While I agree with other reviewers that the book had some dated photos and information, this did not interfere with my personal purposes for buying the book.

Having gone through the process once, I was seeking a method which:

*informed me in detail about what my body was doing through the birthing process and how I could work "with it" (rather than "escape" from it)

*gave me natural alternatives for relaxation and bearing the pain (rather than "panting techniques," how to balance on a birthing ball, focusing on imaginary "special places," getting an epidural when I couldn't take it anymore, etc.)

*gave me exercises to prepare my body ahead of time for the physical demands of labor

*gave my husband information so he could be part of the process and feel confident in his ability to coach me through

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way proved to be the book that would meet these needs. Putting this information to use during my second labor was amazing. I was able to use the relaxation techniques at home for as long as possible. My husband was able to correctly judge when to get me to the hospital. We were able to get through the transition stage, knowing what the signposts were and that I was "almost there." I was only at the hospital an hour before my son was born. I felt great afterwards without drugs and was more than ready to go home the next day.

Having read this book "with a grain of salt," overlooking the harsh opinions about the medical profession, my husband and I used it as a tool to educate ourselves about my body. It gave us the confidence that with God's help and with an understanding of the design for birth, we could make it through. I was personally also grateful to have a very capable doctor and nurses who were very willing to work with me, and actually stated that they were very refreshed to see my husband and I working together for a "natural" birth.

In conclusion, every birth is different, but I see this book as a great tool to be used with an open mind, not knowing exactly what your personal labor will be like. It is important, however, to invest time in learning and practicing the methods in the book if you really want to reap the benefits.

excellent guide for couples wanting a natural birth, September 18, 2000
i find the formatting of this book makes it an easy read. some pregnancy books i have read are overwhelming. the author takes the basic facts and makes them clear and simple, and i like the notations for the dads (birth partner) to zero in on. i noticed the dated photos but the birth process hasn't changed so i don't know why reviewers bother to mention it. i found her nutrition information to correlate with dr. tom brewer's studies on protein (author of "what every pregnant woman should know")and followed them in my pregnancy and did quite well. we found the relaxation information to be extremely helpful when we were in labor.

i wish that i had discovered this book (and taken a bradley class) when i was pregnant the first two times. it would've saved me from unnecessary interventions and provided me with the know-how to communicate with the doctors, and know that i had other alternatives in my births and didn't have to follow suit with routine procedures. this book has a very common sense approach and even though some people disagree with the author's statements regarding doctors because they didn't have a negative experience, i am glad that this information was in the book when i read it. if i had this information previously, i would've have had better birth experiences.

i highly recommend you put this book on your list. it really helps you to understand the importance of trusting your body's ability to give birth and how to manage your labor. bonus points for teaching our partners how to read our body signals, emotionally and physically! there really aren't books out there that are geared toward our partners (dads) helping us in labor. and this book really made a difference for us in our birth.

good labor and relaxation info, dated hospital info, December 21, 1999
For a book that was revised in 1996, the information about hospital practices is very dated, and the author is antagonistic towards hospital personnel. As a labor and delivery nurse I know of no hospital (in my area at least) that straps a woman to a delivery table or condones the "routine" use of episiotomies and assisted births (forceps or vacuum). Also, rooming in (mom and baby not being separated) is the norm, rather than the exception. The descriptions of what happens pysiologically during labor and delivery are good and I find the relaxation information helpful, not only for my next birth, but to help the mom's I'm working with relax. Get the book, skip the skewed views on hospitals and medical personnel or get the low down on the hospital you'll birth in from several people who have birthed in the same hospital

Bradley Worked For My Three Births, May 14, 2000
If you are commited to natural childbirth, or even if you are only considering it, this book is a MUST read. The text presents a very detailed and easy to understand description of labor and birth - including many accurate illustrations and photographs. In addition, it provides a wealth of information for the husband (or birth "coach") - in far greater detail than I have found in any other resource. Many husbands today, are nothing more than "observers" in the delivery room. But with the Bradley Method, your husband will learn to be your advocate, your encouragement, and will have an active role in the birth of your child.

All three of my children were delivered (using the Bradley Method) without any medication or intervention, and I can ASSURE you that the techniques in this book are practical, logical and very effective. And my husband cherishes his important role in all of the births (as do I!).

Generally an excellent summation of the Bradley Method, September 9, 1999
I was a Bradley Method instructor and I think that this book is an excellent summary of the material I taught in the class. The illustrations clearly show what is happening physiologically during labor and I just love the photographs. The best thing about this book is that it clearly shows that a totally natural birth is really possible. For many of us, when we first decided to "go natural" we got no support from our friends and family. This book will reassure you that you aren't "crazy!"

The down side of this book is that it can seem hysterically negative about the medical profession and about Lamaze. To me, that isn't productive. I am afraid that the tone can be something of a turnoff, especially for people who are undecided about natural birth. And for those already committed to the idea of going without drugs, they don't need further convincing!

All in all, worth the money if you are interested in natural birth. I had a son with the Bradley Method and it was a wonderful experience.

Simply, it is the truth, and it works!!, April 6, 2002
I decided, that, once I got pregnant, I wanted a natural birth... I live in Iowa. I may have well been an alien!! I was told "we'll see, once your in labor", or, "yeah, SURE you do!" Well, with the help of this book... and then I signed up for a Bradley childbirth class... I am not only living proof that this gives you the BEST most truthful infomation on the birth process and experience, but my son is proof that the benefits of taking these steps, and HAVING an unmedicated, but EDUCATED AND PREPARED birth is of benefit to you AND your child!! Why is this such and "out there" concept? People need to get back to basics!! EPIDURAL MEDICATIONS DO REACH YOUR BABY, and effect them for as much as DAYS from the time they are born!! Every nurse says it, the difference between babies born naturally vs. those via epidural, or other medication, is REMARKABLE! YOU CAN DO IT (naturally) !! If I can make it through transition, ANYONE can! (32 hours after membranes broke... 10 hours of true labor - one hour pushing...):) Do yourself a favor... educate yourself!! I also suggest the book written by Dr. Bradly himself (Husband Coached Childbirth) and to sign up for the class, to "practice the relaxation techniques! (also recommend "Good Birth, Safe Birth"
Good Luck!!

This book helped me a lot, March 20, 2000
I couldn't take a Bradley class, so I got this book, among others, and read and practiced the techniques. When my first birth got complicated, I knew enough not to be afraid. My second birth was easy and drug-free, using this method. You don't need to be afraid of hospital personnel, as this book implies-- just get an idea of what to talk to your doctor about. This book helped me feel well-informed and able to take charge of our health care. ... Read more

Editorial Review

In this classic parody, Thomas Hill presents the testosterone-inspired answer to the best-seller What to Expect When You're Expecting.

* This completely revised and updated edition of the best-selling parody humorously guides fathers-to-be through nine months of 21st-century baby preparations.

Complete with weird baby names, tips on how to avoid a sympathetic pregnancy, and a discourse on the evolution of ESPN and the role it plays postdelivery, Hill's tome has been thoroughly revised to account for not only the usual father-to-be questions but also the often baffling and amusing technological and medical advances awaiting today's four million expectant dads.

* This hilarious month-by-month guide offers new and veteran dads solace, laughter, and a bit of useful information, including a question-and-answer chapter covering basics like "How much does having a baby cost?"; visual charts assessing such things as the breakdown behind the mom-to-be's weight gain; sidebars covering common wife complaints and anticipated purchases; and much more. ... Read more

Reviews

First Month: Buy this book, October 1, 2002
It took me too long to finish this book ... because my wife kept stealing it since it was a lot more fun than any of her pregnancy books! However, I just finished this easy read, and I couldn't help but recommend this to fathers-to-be.

Let's be clear: this isn't an instruction manual or anything to take too seriously. It is a very fun, month-by-month account of pregnancy.

For the people who gave it low ratings, maybe you were looking for too much out of it ... this book isn't going to stop your wife's morning sickness and it isn't going to teach you the secret to triple your income before the baby is born. However, it might lighten what can be a time of emotional highs and lows, filled with fear, ecstasy, anxiety and elation, often all at the same time.

Seriously, there are plenty of good books out there which give great suggestions for how to handle the upcoming changes in your lives. Check out "The Expectant Father" or books of that ilk ... but to loosen up a little bit and have fun while getting involved in the pregnancy, get this book. Just don't read any of it to your wife until you've finished it, or you won't see it until she's finished reading it herself.

A very, very funny book, February 18, 1999
Brilliantly done comic relief for the overstressed expectant father who is a little burned out on pregnancy info. Each month of pregnancy has its own chapter, and each chapter begins with "what she'll be complaining about this month". The book probably doesn't have tons of useful info, and shouldn't be approached that way, but it is very funny and does serve to get you into the right mindset. If you're a newly-pregnant woman, and your partner is resisting the harder reading, start him off with this one. THEN give him the hard stuff...

make sure you know what you want from the book, July 27, 2002
I gave this book 2 stars because, although it was not for me, I am willing to accpet some people may like it. I am excited, scared and very curious about my wife's pregnancy. I have never seen her look prettier and happier. I bought the book thinking it might give me the "inside story" to the secrets and mysteries of the mother of my child. I wanted to know what I could do to make these 9 months the best experience for her. What I got was a --humorous?-- vision of the torture it is for a man to have a pregnant wife. It was no help at all; it was offensive and embarassing.
My wife, however, thought it was funny. She has an amazing sense of humor, I guess. She gave it to our neighbors, who are also expecting their first child, and they loved it. Like they love Dave Barry and The Far Side books.

I guess what I'm saying is: if you want to laugh like you would watching Seinfeld, then sure. This is it. If you want to understand your wife better, or find out how to make her life easier during the time she carries and nurtures your child, then look somewhere else.

A Very Funny Parody, April 19, 2004
This book had my husband and me laughing hysterically. While it does contain some useful tips and some factual information on the stages of pregnancy, it's more of a mood-lifter. It teaches many funny lessons on what to say, and what NOT to say to your pregnant wife, how to learn to maneuver her through a crowded restaurant (practice with an upright mattress), and the basic food groups of the pregnant woman. This is not a serious book, but it certainly helped us to lighten up an emotionally challenging period of our pregnancy. The previous reviewers who didn't like this book are taking themselves WAY too seriously! I highly recommend it for good laughs together.

Lighten up folks, it's a PARODY, January 2, 2003
To all of you disappointed at the lack of pertinent information in this book, didn't you read the description before you bought it? Didn't you see the red banner on the corner that says "A PARODY"? C'mon people, this is not an informational book, it's a joke. It's meant to be a joke. It's not supposed to make your husband care more or give him any useable knowledge about pregnancy, it's supposed to make him laugh.

I bought this for my future brother-in-law when we found out my sister was pregnant.....he loves it, and so does she! I think it's a fantastic book, for those with a sense of humor.

Unbelievably Funny!, September 4, 1999
I sat down in the food court at the local mall and started reading the book and I laughed so hard that people stopped and stared at me. My husband is going to love this. I'd give it a million stars and recommend this book to any expectant father.

This book scared my husband, March 30, 2000
If your husband is even the slightest bit jumpy, and worries about all of the bad things related to pregnancy (money, etc.), then by all means, keep this book away from him. After reading the first two or three pages, I noticed my husband become paler and paler. I thought the book was perfectly fine, and kinda funny, but I guess this is proof that this is not the book for every husband.

Rehash of old book still isn't funny, and still needs a lot of work, March 9, 2007
They must've taken Bob Saget's jokes and put them in this farce. The only thing helpful was the expected costs for 'stuff' as the pregnancy goes along. The jokes all fall flat, the sarcasm is dry and withers horribly as time goes on.

I actually stopped reading this book after I forced myself to read the boring common sensical ideas. Unless you're a guy who has no clue about kids/babies, never had friends who've told you what to expect, or cannot look online and read far better websites with better and more poignant information, this book shouldn't be published to waste the paper it was printed on.

I heartily pass on this book, and we have a LOT of books with our first kid. This is by far the worst.

Very funny, January 31, 2000
Unlike most of these attempts at humor and parody, this book is actually very funny. It's a good parody of What to Expect When You're Expecting, but you'll also find it funny even if you haven't read that book. My wife laughed a lot when she read it too.

This book is TERRIBLE!, January 17, 2005
I got this book for my husband hoping he would have something interesting, fun, and helpful to read while I read 'The Girlfriend's Guide' and it turned out to be awful. The book is written for a very immature man and was dumber than it was funny. We threw it away after attempting twice to read it. ... Read more

Editorial Review

MAKING BABIES offers a proven 3-month program designed to help any woman get pregnant. Fertility medicine today is all about aggressive surgical, chemical, and technological intervention, but Dr. David and Blakeway know a better way. Starting by identifying "fertility types," they cover everything from recognizing the causes of fertility problems to making lifestyle choices that enhance fertility to trying surprising strategies such as taking cough medicine, decreasing doses of fertility drugs, or getting acupuncture along with IVF. MAKING BABIES is a must-have for every woman trying to conceive, whether naturally or through medical intervention. Dr. David and Blakeway are revolutionizing the fertility field, one baby at a time. ... Read more

Reviews

Better book than the Infertility Cure!, November 1, 2009
Everyone raves about the Infertility Cure. I read the Infertility Cure then Making Babies back-to-back and thought Making Babies was a far superior book. It is easier to follow and understand and provides more knowledge on dietary and lifestyle changes to support fertility. The authors also email you back within 30 minutes if you submit a question!!!

Why I LOVE this book, August 22, 2009
This is a great resource for any wannabe parents. Among other things it has a long list of suggestions on everything from when to have intercourse, to what foods to eat, even some interesting points on what supplements to take. It also confirms something really important I learned at a workshop given by Julia Indichova, which is that going for the big guns of IVF, before we really understand what's going on with us, can do more harm than good. (Julia's book The Fertile Female is another great book I highly recommend) I also like the idea of a three month plan. The authors are suggesting that you should see some real changes and results in three months and if you don't it's time to move on. I spent years doing acupuncture and a year and a half doing medical treatment and stayed with it out of desperation not because I was seeing positive changes. It was not until I stopped all of that and really started to do my own reading and research that I started getting on the right track that led to our beautiful, healthy, conceived the old fashioned way baby girl. Now we are hoping for baby number two.

Finally, a new approach!, September 11, 2009
I can honestly say I've read every book in my library about infertility, and they all start to run together. This one stands out; I feel as though the authors are much more open to natural conception, rather than drugs or IVF right away. I think we'd all like to conceive naturally if we can, and this book provided me with several ideas and hopeful solutions to my own infertility. I'll write again in a few months if this "three month plan" works for me! In the meantime, this is a great book...I highly recommend it.
Something that really stood out for me was the Making Babies website, where you could send questions to the authors. I wrote in and got an answer from Jill Blakeway that same day. I was so impressed that she took the time to address my specific question, and so quickly! This book and the website are wonderful resources.

Achieving Pregnancy Naturally without IVF, September 17, 2010
Okay, Ladies. I've been told by local IVF doctors in Orlando that I needed a donor egg because I'd never conceive. Well, one day my dad was watching CNN and saw Dr. Sami David (who is a former IVF doctor) on TV talking about how many women can get pregnant naturally, but may need a few clever ways to achieve that in a cycle. For example, if your cervical mucus is thick and not very friendly for sperm, then take 600 mg of Mucinex twice a day around CD 10 - 13 (if you ovulate around days 12 or 13). This helps loosen the mucous to allow a friendlier environment. Or use a little Pre-Seed (Pre-Seed Personal Lubricant - Multi-use Tube) instead of any other lubricant. And the list goes on...

I travelled from Orlando to New York City to meet with both doctors that wrote this incredible book (you can also do a phone consultation along with medical records). Jill Blakeway is an acupuncturist who certainly knows her stuff. With the help of following this book, and understanding my body type and what it needed to create an environment that was perfect for conception, my husband and I were able to conceive NATURALLY within 2 cycles. I started following the book the first week of June, and by mid July, I had a positive blood pregnancy test of 136 on 11 DPO. Mind you, I have a slew of issues: my immune system, lack of progesterone and luteal phase defect, all which are discussed in the book along with many, many other issues. Because of these solved problems, I was able to conceive.

The most important thing for me was conceiving naturally and having both DR. DAVID AND JILL BE SO INCREDIBLY POSITIVE about our wanting to conceive a child. No nay-saying with these doctors. In addition, they are very KIND, KNOWLEDGEABLE, COMPETENT, AND CARING. The book was our bible to conceiving naturally. I highly, highly recommend this book and doctors. It's certainly worth it!

Anyone considering fertility treatment, please read this book!, August 17, 2009
I am honored to be the first to review this essential book for anyone interested in the pro's and con's of natural and assisted fertility treatment. Doctors David and Blakeway do a fabulous job in explaining pertinent, yet mostly overlooked ways to rev up fertility before embarking on assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF and IUI. We (as acupuncturists specializing in infertility) are often seeing patients too late in the game, and hope this book encourages couples struggling with infertility to give natural treatments such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine a try.
My only complaint was there was no listing in the resource guide for the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine, which is the certifying body for acupuncturists specializing in infertility (www.aborm.org).
In short, I will definitely recommend this book to my patients as a navigation guide to more effective infertility treatment, whether embarking on a medicated or natural path (or both).

Should have started here first!, July 21, 2010
This book works. My husband and I began trying shortly after we were married when I was 27. A year and a half later, still no baby. During that time, I read every book under the sun, and faithfully charted CM, temperature, etc...I could tell you my cycles and ovulation to a T, but none of that seemed to help. After I read this book, I took several of the steps given for my body type and planned my 3-month prepregnancy time. I hadn't even ordered the additional supplements yet to help level out my hormones, when I found out I was pregnant. I am now 6 months pregnant with a little girl! I swear that this book and the few things it said to get my body healthy per eastern and western medicine did the trick. If you could only pick one book on fertility, this should be it!

I am pregnant after 3 months!, September 10, 2010
My husband and I tried for years to get pregnant on our own without success. Finally, we turned to traditional (Western) fertility treatments. I was diagnosed with high FSH and my husband also had borderline low sperm count. We were told we would likely never achieve pregnancy "on our own." We were fortunate enough to get pregnant on our first round of IVF, and I was pregnant with fraternal twins. I gave birth at 31 weeks. My daughter was a stillborn and my son was a preemie and was in the NICU for five weeks. I don't regret anything I went through to have my son, but the experience was traumatic and I wish someone had told me all the risks before the IVF.

We tried for a second baby at the beginning of this year, again using IVF. This time it failed, and the doctor had no real explanation why. At that point, I decided to look for alternative advice before doing another IVF and that's when I found the Making Babies program. I fully intended to use the program to prepare my body for another IVF in 6-9 months. Imagine my surprise when I was pregnant at the end of three months!

I am now 20 weeks (having a girl!) and am recommending the book to everyone I know. It was very easy to understand and follow--and I had never done anything like this before. Following their advice, I felt better than I had in years, and I found that I LOVED doing acupuncture; I have continued it through my entire pregnancy because it has been so beneficial.

The book is at least worth a read--and you might end up saving thousands of dollars in the process. Thank you to Drs. David and Blakeway--you have changed my life!

Fantastic book...easy to read and comprehend, December 30, 2009
I generally do not write any reviews for products I've bought in the past but this book was so helpful, I have to share my thoughts. This book was invaluable to me in learning about my body and how the whole pregnancy process works. I took a series of tests a month ago and found out that my FSH was on the high side for my age of 35. My doctor said that I should take more aggressive measures to get pregnant. I was on the path to starting on fertility drugs right away but then I found this book. It made me slow down and think a bit. I started seeing an acupuncturist who also provided herbs. I started doing meditation and just destressing. It's been a couple of weeks, and I just took a pregnancy test and it's positive! Even though I probably concieved a few days before having this book, I'm sure the last couple of weeks of practicing what the book recommended had a lot to do with a healthy implantation phase. I wrote to Jill(one of the authors) via their website asking for advise on acupuncture during pregnancy. Taking her advise, I'm continuing acupuncture during first tri-mester to prevent miscarriage. So far so good.

The options that your doctor never presents...you must read this book!, October 9, 2009
I've had appointments with my ob/gyn and I've had appointments with a reproductive endocrinologist and something about those appointments left me feeling like something was missing. I never felt that the doctors were taking the "whole" me into consideration when ordering tests or prescribing fertility drugs. The dependence on these procedures and pills didn't sit well with me. After reading this book, it confirmed what I felt in my heart, that there truly is another way to approach my fertility challenges. It doesn't have to start with expensive procedures or medication that may or may not be more harmful than good. It can start with taking care of your body, mind, and spirit. In the end, I may fall into the category that needs more invasive assistance to get pregnant, but I will have peace of mind that I have exhausted all possibilities to conceiving naturally. Thank God for the wonderful authors of this book that are able to share this knowledge with us.

The definitive book on fertility and women's health, August 11, 2010
I have endometriosis, to the point where I often need to take two or more days off work each month every time I ovulate and menstruate due to extreme pain. Unrelated to this, I have had four miscarriages and no children. In the past year and a half, I have been poked and prodded by a number of doctors, had 37 vials of blood drawn, had dye injected in my whoo-ha, felt alone and guilty and powerless. This book put me back in control. Using the quiz on the Making Babies Program website, I found I was the Tired and Stuck types. One week after changing my diet, starting acupressure and following some of the other guidelines in the book, I was no longer walking around in a mental fog from being exhausted all the time. That very same month, I was able to lengthen my luteal phase from 11 to 15 days and shorten my entire cycle (which prior to this ran like a Rolex) by 2 whole days. Not to mention the fact that I had more energy than I ever had in my life and was no longer struggling from the daily pain of endometriosis. My husband, by virtue of eating the same food as I, also gained more energy and lost weight. All from ONE month on the program. This month, ovulation again came early (as was my goal), and we are again expecting. Even if I lose this one as well, I finally feel like I've broken the cycle of despair and hopelessness.

My favorite line of this book is that "80 percent is perfection." I appreciate that I don't have to follow the program religiously to make a difference in my health and fertility. Although I will never meet the authors, I feel like they have given me more emotional support and caring, helpful advice than any of my specialists. I'll never go to another book on the topic of recurrent miscarriage. Making Babies is the definitive reference on fertility and women's health. ... Read more

Editorial Review

It's here--a fully expanded, updated, and re-designed edition of the best-selling doctor-authored pregnancy book in America!

Your Pregnancy Week by Week is the most medically current and comprehensive pregnancy guide available. Doctors recommend it. Reviewers praise it. Pregnant couples rely on it.

With over 70 new topics covered, and completely updated throughout to keep up with trends, new products, and safety recommendations, this comprehensive, authoritative, and easy-to-use guide includes:

-Detailed descriptions of baby's developmental milestones each week
-Clear illustrations of how both mother and baby are changing and growing
-Up-to-date information about medical tests and procedures
-Tips on nutrition and lifestyle and the ways actions affect baby
-Safe weekly exercises to help mother stay in shape and comfortable
-Helpful hints for the father-to-be and information on how a pregnancy affects a couple ... Read more

Reviews

Better than all the rest, January 6, 2002
This is my first pregnancy, so I had lots of questions. I went overboard on the books - I own 3. The other 2 are informative, and I am glad I had a chance to read them, but if a woman wants one book that will answer her pregnancy questions, "Your Pregnancy Week by Week" is the one I recommend. This book explains the stages of the pregnancy, both for the mom and baby, at a nice pace, weekly. I own "What to Expect When You Are Expecting", which goes month by month, but that seems too general because I want to know what is going on with my body and my baby now, not "sometime this month". "The Pregnancy Journal" goes day by day, which seems to be a bit much - nobody's pregnancy is going to follow the book exactly. With this book, I can read about what will be happening the following week and share the information with my husband, which makes him feel more involved. I love the fact that it explains how I am changing, how the baby is changing, and what I should be expecting (it's very reasuring when a book tells you that the crazy things you are doing and feeling are normal). I recommend this book over any of the others I have seen.

your pregnancy week by week, November 27, 1999
As a midwife, I was very disappointed in this book, mainly because of the negative, fear-based undertones throughout the entire text. "Week by week" a woman is educated about every tiny, rare complication or problem that could occur for her and her baby. I believe in education, but this is ridiculous.

Excllent reference for my first pregnancy!, May 31, 1999
Originally I bought What to Expect When You're Expecting because that's all I heard about. When a friend recommended this book I was really excited. I think the week by week illustrations are great. Unlike What to Expect, with this book I actually felt I was learning about my baby's development as the weeks went on, i.e. the size, changes in my body etc.

For those who have critisized this book by saying it puts too many worry and unnecessary information in your head, what you would you prefer: knowing what could go wrong or being totally ignorant throughout your whole pregnancy?!?! Of course not everyone will get vericose veins or have dizzy spells, but wouldn't you want to know about it if you did? I don't smoke but every pregnancy book I read had a huge section devoted to the dangers of smoking - should I therefore think the book provides me with useless information? No, instead I glanced over it and moved on. I bet these people would also complain if the book wasn't comprehensive enough when they actually did have a problem with their pregnancy.

This book, combined with what to Expect (and of course my doctor) is more than enough information for me to feel educated and prepared for my pregnancy.

The Best Pregnancy Book of the 5 we used., July 23, 2006
The greatest strength of this book is the week-by-week format. It outlines specific changes that are pretty close to exactly as predicted. We noticed many of the things and then read them that week, ie. phlegmyness, inability to travel more than an hour and dryness at night just to name a few. This book is very well balanced and it tends to focuses more on the positives of pregnancy and not the possible complications. This is the 5th Edition of this book with millions of copies sold. Overall it is a great help. I definitely recommend it to all expectant couples. These authors also wrote a number of supporting or complimentary books:
Bouncing Back From Your Pregnancy
Your Pregnancy Journal Week by Week
Your Pregnancy for the Father to Be
Your Pregnancy After 35
Your Pregnancy Questions and Answers
Your Pregnancy Every Woman's Guide
Your Baby's First Year Week by Week

I USE THIS EVERY PREGNANCY!, November 13, 2000
I'm pregnant with my 3rd baby now, and I still go to this to read what's going on every week. "What to Expect" is good as well, but after you read your info for the month, that's it. (The two together are a great pair.) Week-by-Week gives you something to read every week, and I know we all want to know what's going on right then!! I have fun talking to friends and family about the baby, and being able to tell them just how big he/she is each week.

I believe that knowledge alleviates fear, so being told what problems could happen in pregnancy is great. I would rather be informed with what could happen than know nothing. Other books I've seen have a "when something goes wrong" chapter or something else to that effect. I would rather read about possible problems a little at a time, since most women don't have real problems with pregnancy, than getting the full blow of it all at once and then feeling overwhelmed and REALLY worried.

As for other reviews I read about Dr. Curtis arbitrarily placing topics with different weeks, is it that hard to look in the index and find what you're looking for? Would any book on pregnancy be able to properly place every person's symptoms and problems exactly when they experience them?

I love this book, and always recommend it to friends I hear are pregnant!

OK but it should not be your only pregnancy book, June 19, 2006
You can get this info on many pregnancy/ birth websites, like Baby Center, pregnancy.about.com, and sheknows.com (some have even more info and pictures than this book). Those sites all provide week by week information. Before the internet became so accessible this book probably made more sense and was more relevant. For the very best pictures of the developing baby, in book form, go with "A Child is Born" by Nilsson. It is beautiful and informative (though, again, not the only pregancy book you should buy).

I should note that I have the 4th edition. I hope that it has been updated, especially with regards to episiotomies. It erroneously states that an episiotomy heals better than a tear. The American College of OB/Gyns came out against routine episiotomies in May 2005. They now know that episiotomies increase the chances of bigger lacerations and that they do not heal faster or easier. (They may take a bit less work and time for them to sew up but I would rather them have to take longer to sew up a 1 degree tear that wouldn't be that hard to recover from!). So, if the episiotomy info has been updated just ignore this part of the review. I'll check out the new edition next time I am at the bookstore. (Updated, I checked and they have not revised their episiotomy info).

Like almost every pg/ birth book it touches on baby's size and birth but pays only a smidge of lip service to baby's position. If more moms knew about malpositioned babies (like posterior ones that can cause slow, back labors) then more c-sections could be prevented. Some c-sections that are done because baby is "too big" are really the result of a poorly positioned baby. However, there are things you can do during pregnancy to increase your odds of a well positioned baby (see www.motherspirit.net) as well as things you can do in labor to rotate baby to a better position (try all 4s for 10-15 minutes with periodic back arches towards the ceiling).

I think that this book tries to do too much. It has such short blurbs on important topics. These include labor induction, pain meds in labor, birthing options (as you can tell I am a birth junkie...I even have a Listmania list on good pg books). I worry that some moms only read this book and think they know all that they really need to know. So, this book can not be your only resource.

It also seems like sections of this book were written by several different people. In some parts they back track on earlier advice. For example, they say at one point that breech babies must be delivered by c-section but later they discuss it a bit further (though they leave out excellent tips that may help turn baby like the webster technique, heat pads, visualizations, certain positions...). This lack of consistency can be a bit confusing.

I feel this book is too one sided (medically oriented) in that it tells you things in shades of black and white only (like why you need to have X but not why or what all your other options are). I feel like this book does not help you make informed choices about aspects of pregnancy and especially not of birth. Informed consent should inlude being told the risks, benefits, reasons and options. Since this kind of information may not be passed on in easy to understand, unrushed ways by your care provider you need to know where to turn for the complete picture on your own. You need other books to do that. "Your Pregancy Week by Week" will not do that.

What books will do that? Number one pick is "The Pregnancy Book" by Dr. Sears. After that would be "Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn" by Penny Simkin. You can't go wrong with books by Sears, Simkin and Kitzinger. I would definetly choose one of those over "What to Expect...," "The Girlfriends' Guide...," or this book. You don't have to want a more naturally oriented pregnancy and birth to appreciate my recommendations. They still offer all the basics of the medical model but they do a better job considering all sides.

There are so many better pregnancy/ birth books out there than the standards (WTE...) but because they aren't as well known people don't buy them. I bet if more people got Sears' book instead of those it would catch on since it really is better!

For the ultimate informed consent birth books get "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer. Some people may think Goer is too radical but she backs up all her recommendations with great studies and explanations.

I did have this book and I did read it. But I found it pretty lacking in terms of pregnancy and birth info. I mainly read it for the week by week updates on me and baby rather than as a comprehensive guide. I did not find it scary. Maybe I entered into my pregnancy knowing a bit more about it than the average mom but I already knew what conditions were rare, odds of the others and all that stuff. It was nice to have the info on complications, imo. I think if you worry easily that you would be better off with one of the books I mentioned earlier.

Not an accurate book..., April 2, 2000
Although I am a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree, my specialty is telemetry and not maternal/child, so I sought a book by an expert that would supply me with vital information I didn't have concerning my pregnancy.

After reading the reviews here, I decided to buy this book over others. I was very disappointed after reading through the first half of the book, and not being able to continue because the book is so awful. It was really inaccurate, for example the grossly exaggerated claims about body temperature, the timelime for alpha fetoprotien tests ... and certain pieces of information that were actually true and important were in oddly misplaced sections. For instance, the discussion of caffiene, the advice on shopping for a new bra, the discussion on breast tenderness... all of those things were discussed way too late in the book. Caffiene should be avoided or cut to a minimum extremely early, not in the fourth month.

My physician, who is a board certified OB/GYN and chief of staff of that dept. at the hospital, has instructed me that it is healthy to get exercise if you are a healthy person with a normal, healthy pregnancy. Doing exercise would certainly raise body temperature, and according to this physician's brief discussion of body temperature, you would be putting your fetus at risk. That's just one example, there's more that I can't get into with the limited space available.

If I could, I would get a refund on this book. I wouldn't recommend it to anybody. You're better off reading literature that your physician supplies to you, such as the magazines and pamphlets.

Paranoid Pregnancy, July 8, 1999
A friend gave me this book when I learned I was expecting. Being someone who wants to be well-informed of what I might expect, I welcomed it. However, when I'd sit down every week, counting week by week, and read what joys, yes, and risks, exist, I found this book HIGHLY unnecessarily negative and focused on what seems will probably go wrong. Glade Curtis, ending each weekly chapter (and reading each weekly chapter started out as a joyous ritual to me) with subjects like hydrocephalic babies, chlamydia, teratogens, whatever could POSSIBLY go wrong, has caused my husband to hide the book to keep me from reading what charming thoughts Dr. Curtis might have for me, in what should be a positive and hopeful experience. I am NO pollyanna, wanting only hugs & good news. BUT this author has created a book highlighting your worst nightmares about pregnancy, and particularly effective, he chooses to end each chapter with the most horrible news you could be looking forward to hearing each week.

Anyone who finds this book just "telling it like it is" must enjoy wallowing in her own paranoia. Find another book, written in an honest, truthful manner, but one that allows you to keep whatever positive thoughts and energies you might enjoy.

Started out okay, became alarmist, inaccurate, September 14, 2003
I bought this book when I found out I was pregnant and the first weeks were interesting. Lately, though, the book has really gone downhill and I wouldn't recommend it to ANYONE. It should be called "Problems in Pregnancy, Week by Week." And the tone is very condescending and doctor-centric.

In these later weeks it describes very rare problems as if they are going to be an issue for everyone. For example, in week 33, there's a small section for how big the baby and mother might be, on average. That's fun. Then there's a section called "How Your Baby Is Growing and Developing" and it goes right into a description of Placental Abruption, complete with a drawing of that unfortunate and unlikely event. No description of how most women and babies will be growing and changing this week - just this rare problem.

Then there's a section called "Changes in You", but in a similar way, no description of what happens in a normal pregnancy at this stage, they just describe what happens if your water breaks, which would be very unusual and troubling at this time.

Oh brother, and then there's a section called "You Should Also Know" that describes how necessary episiotomies are, and how beneficial they are, which is complete bunk. It's almost always better to tear than to be cut, and it's better to do research and be educated than to sheepishly follow a doctor's every whim.

And all this is only one week! Lately, they're all like this! Week 31 it was all about Intrauterine Growth Retardation, Week 30 featured a big drawing and description of umbilical cord knots. It's good to have some knowledge about these problems, but it should be in a book about problems in pregnancy, and the information should be more thorough and accurate. To have a little week by week guide of everything that can go wrong in a pregnancy is not fun, or helpful, and I'm putting this book away today.

Fun, but contains misinformation, December 27, 2005
This is a fun book for a first time mom insofar as it provides information about how big baby is and how he is developing. But do not rely on this book for accurate medical information regarding pregnancy, labor, or birth. There are several instances of factually incorrect information, for example, stating that routine episotomy is beneficial. Every other book I have read (at least a dozen others) have provided the exact opposite information. The book is good, and I have enjoyed reading it, but I am glad I have other sources of accurate information (that actually site to studies rather than just making upsupported statements). ... Read more