Breastfeeding Books

I found this book to be very useful. The appendix of drugs that are safe to take while breastfeeding is invaluable when you are sick, but scared to take anything for fear of hurting your baby. This book has informative sections on latching baby on, solutions to common problems such as sore nipples, as well as information on newborn jaundice. I would recommend this book for any breastfeeding or pregnant mom!

I am a first time mother and the only woman in my circle of family and friends to ever considering breastfeeding. While expecting I read this book cover-to-cover. I knew what problems to expect and was able the head them off at the pass. I can happily report that thanks to this book alone I have been nursing my baby gril for 8 months without a hitch. Whenever I might see a problem coming this book had prepared me for it and taught me how to avoid it. Breastfeeding is the most amazing thing I have done in my life and this book alone is the help that I needed. (Even tonight I turned to read about sleeping issues at the 8-month stage...I felt reassured.) The Mayo Clinic and Sears Baby Book are the only three references I use.

This book was so helpful to me. I took it with me to the hospital and referenced it so many times during the first week it was unbelievable. I recently had a clogged milk duct and read what to do in the book. I then called a lactation consultant and what they told me was exactly what I had already been doing from the book. Very helpful; would highly recommend to anyone who really wants to breastfeed.

Someone gave me this book 3 weeks into breastfeeding for the first time and I wished I had it before the baby was born! Breastfeeding is such a personal, complex and at times challenging process. This book is a great resource that walks you through many questions you will have about breastfeeding. The more information the better and this book is a great start.

Pros- A great "all in one" resource
Cons- Book does not contain everything on breastfeeding

This is the only book you need to breastfeed your baby. Eleven months later I still open this book often to find information on ALL topics. Particularly helpful is the quite comprehensive drug appendix.

Great book for getting tips to help you toddler sleep plus other helpful tips about potty training and so forth. I would suggest getting the first book "The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Infants" before reading this book.

For the past few months, we have had a horrible time getting our daughter to bed and down for a nap. She's 3 1/2 and we've had a great routine since she was an infant so we couldn't understand why it wasn't working anymore. Turns out, we had a great routine, but we weren't implementing it properly. After reading the book, we made just a few small changes and our home is a much happier place at bedtime. I definitely recommend getting or making a bedtime routine chart. We bought the Chore Chart from Board Dudes (available on Amazon) where you can write in the steps in the routine then give the child magnetic stars for each bedtime routine (chore) they complete. Between the book and the chart, it's like a whole new world in our home. Thank goodness!

I cannot give this book a high enough review. If you want a gentle (albeit slow and steady) approach to encouraging your child to sleep through the night this is the book for you. Many of the ideas Elizabeth Pantley describes in the book I have implemented for my 18 month old daughter and they have all worked beautifully. She was a nighttime nurser and cosleeper. She still sleeps in my bed but we no longer nurse at night. I am getting the sleep I need and it was done without any tears! I love the author's gentle philosophy, this book has been a true blessing to my family and I highly recommend it!

Thank goodness that a real life mom, who has a tremendous educational background finally wrote a book that a mom of 2 children under the age of 2 can relate too. With both of my children they were sleeping through the night by 7 weeks and we only deal with a few night wakenings a week. One piece of advice, some toddlers do remember everyday what the sleep fairy brings them. But if this is the hardest issue that we have to deal with during our sleep then I think we are doing great. Thank you Mrs. Pantley for realizing that you had such valuable insight as a mother to clearly and consising put into words how to help our children sleep. BZ of AL a mom of 2 precious sleeping angels. Thanks for your help!

I can remember not that long ago sitting in my daughter's room in the middle of the night thinking I must be the only mum in the world whose baby didn't sleep. I was lucky to get three hours sleep on any given night, and never three hours in a row. But thanks to Elizabeth Pantley and her book "the no-cry sleep solution for toddlers and preschoolers" my little girl Milla has gone from a baby who breastfed 10 times a night to a gorgeous 18-month-old who sleeps between seven and ten hours straight!
Apart from being exhausted when Milla wasn't sleeping, I was miserable because of all the pressure being put on me to "do controlled crying" from extended family. One even said I was a "bad mother" for getting up at night for my girl and not teaching her to sleep by letting her "cry it out " for hours on end. Everything in my heart said controlled crying wasn't right for my Milla. She was a sensitive, gentle and caring girl who was very attached to her mummy. I loved my little girl too much to hear her cry because her mama wasn't there when she needed her.
After applying Pantley's gentle and practical tips, Milla is now sleeping peacefully - and knows that I am there for her when she needs me. I treasure every second with my little girl and am so glad I never abandoned her to cry. We have such a close and beautiful relationship. I feel like the luckiest mum in the world.
The first key point I learned from Pantley was that as long as Milla and I were getting enough sleep and we were happy - then we didn't have a problem - regardless of what anyone else thought. Milla now wakes once a night, between 5 and 6, and I give her early morning cuddles till get-up time. Controlled crying experts told me NEVER to cuddle my daughter back to sleep. I'm glad I ignored them because I treasure those mornings when I hold Milla in my arms and feel her soft breathing beside me. This is not a problem for us and a lovely start to our day.
Pantley's eight bedtime tips seemed rather simple and obvious at first - but once I put them into practice they actually worked. Milla no longer has a night light, has a long and quiet bedtime routine at the same time every night, no tv is allowed when Milla is in the room, she is now going to bed when her biological clock says is the right time for Milla (not what experts say) and while my husband calls me a "sleep Nazi", it works! And for those with sleep-log phobias, I still keep a meticulous sleep diary. It helps me notice subtle changes in Milla's sleep patterns as she grows older and her sleep needs change.
The final chapter in Pantley's book - Adult Sleep: Now It's Your Turn - was also a life saver. When Milla finally started sleeping well, I would lie awake for hours at night waiting for her to wake. I always tended to be a bit of an insomniac, and her tips for babies have actually also helped me!
I would strongly recommend this book to any mum who needs sleep and can't find it in her heart to do controlled crying. Pantley's approach might take a bit longer than controlled crying (though even controlled crying isn't guaranteed to fix sleep problems quickly and for life) but considering babies and toddlers grow up so quickly, it is worth the investment. My little girl goes to sleep with a sweet smile on her face, not tears!
Tanya from Australia.

This book has all of the information needed for succesful breastfeeding. I read this after my third child and learned so much. An absolute MUST read for every expecting or seasoned mom. Explanations are so easy to understand. Photos and drawings to show techniques. Gives you all of the who, what, when, and how. Great support and encouragement offered by author. I will be giving this to every new mother I know. I'm a pediatric nurse and teach mothers how to nurse but I learned so much from reading this. Mothers, trust your instincts! You can breastfeed!

This book has made my life so much easier. I have read lots of books out there and I would have saved a lot of time and money if I had only gotten this book first! It gives simple solutions to problems that most women have after having a baby and trying to breastfeed. This is definately a book worth buying!

I had a lot of difficulty breastfeeding my first child. I wish I had this book seven years ago, it would of eliminated a lot of problems. It is an easy read, with very helpful info not only on technique but avoiding the pitfalls that can sabotage breastfeeding.

This book was written very well. If you are a breastfeeding mom, then put this book on your nightstand because it is a great resource.

I absolutely LOVE this book! I would consider myself an experienced breastfeeder as I nursed my 1st daughterfor 6 months. I am also a nurse in maternal child health at our local hospital. When I became pregnant with our second child (7 years after our first) I decided I needed a refresher. I found it difficult to find a book that covered all the areas I was interested in. Many books did not go into enough detail about things and didn't seem to teach me anything new. This was not the case with this one! It covers things I didn't even know I had questions about like storage capacity and why some babies nurse more frequently than others. I also found out by reading this book that I really never had a good latch with my first daughter! Who knew?! My milk supply decreased when I gave my first daughter solid foods so I wanted a book to explain how to handle that situation this time around. This book does it! It even covers weaning! I like that it explains why breastfeeding is important but also how the formula industry came about. I would recommend this book to any new mom, experienced mom, or even healthcare workers looking for more information to assist their patients.

Easy-to-read text on brightly colored pages alternate with photographs of nursing babies. Its simple yet engaging prose written from a baby's point-of-view keeps a wee one listening as mommy or daddy read along. And best of all, its depictions span a wide range of breastfeeding mothers, their babies, children and in a way that normalizes breastfeeding and reinforces the concept that breast really is best for all.

Our friend's baby's older sibling loves this book and so do we!
Finally a book about breastfeeding for children.
Beautifully illustrated. I am going to to buy 2 more for my friends.

This book will warm the hearts of breastfeeding families everywhere, and perhaps win over some undecided parents-to-be (or some not-so-supportive relatives). The photos are beautiful and natural, and depict breastfeeding in various settings and situations. The text has a great message. Together, the text and photos will have nursing families nodding and smiling at the familiar scenes. The families in the photos are ethnically diverse, and the little nurslings range from very young to toddlerhood or older. There are a couple of tandem nursing scenes. All in all, this is a welcome addition to the limited number of books available that portray breastfeeding as a normal and positive part of life. It's suitable for children of any age (my 7-year-old son enjoyed it), and adults will find it appealing and affirming.

Mothers and fathers of breastfeeding babies and toddlers, rejoice! Near Mama's Heart offers photo after photo of sweet nursing moments, with a gentle, affirming, breastfeeding-friendly narrative.

Children's librarians, rejoice! Finally, here is a book that breastfeeding families will be excited to find on your shelves. In this simple, loving photo-essay, there are no bottles, no pacifiers, no highchairs, no playpens... Just families bonding in the most intimate way possible. This is a must-have for every neighborhood library.

Pediatricians, obstetricians, midwives, dentists and the myriad other healthcare professionals with waiting rooms for mothers and children -- rejoice! Now you can offer a book that breastfeeding families will look forward to reading in your waiting room.

And last but not least, children -- rejoice! This book is especially for you! Whether it reminds you of your own family or teaches you something about other children and their families, every page is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (8/06)

Colleen Newman has presented us with a tasteful look at breast-feeding. This book was written to educate young children but has much to offer older children also. Mother's need this type of support.

"Near Mama's Heart" is a delightful book filled with verse and beautiful photography of children nursing at their mother's breast. Colleen Newman presents breast-feeding in a child friendly manner that educates us on the importance of breast-feeding. "Near Momma's Heart" demonstrates the beauty and importance of the most natural and precious gift a child can ever receive."

Breast-feeding is a natural part of motherhood but at one time became taboo. It was a subject that was not discussed in public. What had been a natural part of life for our grandmothers was suddenly something to be hidden. A mother would go off into a room alone and would never think of breast-feeding in public. Over the last few decades, mothers have been taught that breast-feeding was unhealthy and dirty.

The convenience of bottles and formula made bottle-feeding easier. We live in a world that looks for the fast easy way of doing things. Fast and easy is not always the healthiest way.

Breast-feeding, thankfully is back in vogue. Mother's now realize how important it is to their babies' health and well-being. The bonding that takes place when a child nestles at your breast is indescribable. A child needs the nutrients that are available in the breast milk. "Near Mama's heart, I'm safe and secure. Nursing is peaceful, so loving and pure." Colleen says it best, "Near Mama's heart, right where I want to be. Breastfeeding is best for every body!"

"Near Mama's Heart" has brought back fond memories of my daughter nuzzling at my breast, the wonder feel of her tiny hand resting lovingly on my breast. I was pleased when my daughter chose to breast-feed. The benefits to my grandchildren are obvious.

I wish I'd had a book like this for support when I was a young mother breast-feeding my children. "This book is full of nourishing beauty." I like this book and recommend it to all mothers' planning to breast-feed or considering breast-feeding.

I read this book while breastfeeding my baby in bed. Since I am a working mother, who found it extremely difficult to combine work and nursing, I found this book absolutely helpful. It had great advice on most pressing nursing issues and also lifted up my spirits and confidence. A must read for all nursing working mothers.

This book is a "must have" for any nursing mommas going back to work and hoping to continue the breastfeeding relationship. I wish I had had this book when my first daughter was born and I went back to work. I felt so alone in my extremely challenging endeavor of pumping and working. If I had had this book, I would have felt supported, vindicated, inspired, and most of all, would have had the collective wisdom of other women who've learned how to make it work.

I now plan to buy this book for all my friends who are having babies and planning to continue their careers out of the home. I would also recommend Working Without Weaning but if you're only going to buy one book, this one will tell you most everything you need and it's so darn affordable! It's also well written and backed up by research.

Hurray for a couple of super-moms who managed to pump AND work AND somehow find time to write a book! Most books are written by stay-at-home moms who could never understand the pump/work dynamic. (No offense to them but even my local LLL leader couldn't help me because she has never experienced working out of the home 40 hrs/wk, away from her baby, dealing with pumping and storing milk and all the rest.

This book covers everything from starting the breastfeeding relationship on the right foot, introducing bottles, buying the right pump, negotiating time/space with your employer, sleep-deprivation, anxiety about being separated from your baby, the challenge of juggling career and family priorities, the challenge of being perceived as "less productive" at work now that you're juggling everything else. It has a nice balance of informative narrative from the authors, interspersed between the journal entries of the "Milk Mamas" group sharing the lactation room at IBM. I wish I had colleagues in my workplace to share this kind of journal with but reading their comments made me feel like I was not alone in my struggles.

Unlike other books I encountered, this book does not start from the premise that new moms should consider quitting their job or giving up their careers. It starts with the understanding that you are going back to work, either by choice or necessity, and aims to give you all the tools you need to successfully continue providing your baby with breastmilk for as long as you want to. Towards the end, it addresses the potential alternatives such as flex schedules, part time work, or putting your career on hold. But it doesn't start off making you feel like you're a bad mother if you go back to work.

Now that I've read this book (and a couple others), I just know I'm going to be more successful with pumping and working this time around with my second baby. In retrospect, it helped me see that I actually did a pretty good job the first time around (100% breastmilk until 6 months; daughter weened herself at 9 months when my milk supply dried up). I just felt like such a failure and like I lacked the kind of support I needed.

Definitely buy this book NOW and read it cover to cover if you are going to be a working mom! You'll enjoy and appreciate it.

This book will make you laugh, cry and everything in between. A huge inspiration and motivation for working moms wanting to breastfeed. Thank you to the authors for publishing this!

I've bought a lot of stuff from Amazon, but this is the first item I'm reviewing, because I really liked this item. Being a working mom is tough in so many ways and this book shows us that there are alot of women who are experiencing the same feelings as I am experiencing or have experienced before. Pumping can be such a tedious task, but most of us are doing it just for the sake of our little ones. Pumping at work is no fun at all, but seeing the comradery these women shared inspired me to seek the same sort of support circle in my own company. Also, this book shows us that there are different ways of doing things (timing of weaning, etc.) and there are different viewpoints on being a working mom...and that there are lots of options for working moms -- and that you just have to go after it once you've analyzed your options. This book is a good resource and it's funny, too. I highly reccommend it!

This book gave me a new perspective on continuing to breastfeed after my 2nd child was born. I was back to work at 6 weeks, and this provided a laugh and tremendous insight to how people pull mommyhood, pumping and executive roles off! Also an easy read and only took a few subway rides to finish!

This is NOT just for moms who plan to breastfeed two, but ALSO for breastfeeding moms who might get pregnant while breastfeeding. I could have used it earlier in my 2nd pregnancy, but I waited until I couldn't wean my first. Great information on how it affects contractions and it helps to affirm that breastfeeding while you're pregnant is just fine. A few tips for positioning and lots of stories so you know you are not alone. I'm still tandem nursing after 14 months at it! Plus nine if you count in-utero time. Might sound strange to some, but you find yourself doing things different than you might think once you're the mom.

This book really helped me sort out what was best for our family when I was pregnant while nursing a 2-year-old. What I liked about the book is that it is, as much as possible, based on research rather than opinion. So many health care professionals advise their pregnant patients to wean their nurslings, regardless of age, when this advice is completely unsupported by evidence. I also was very grateful for the non-judgmental tone of this book. She acknowledges that there is no one approach for every family, but without downplaying the vital importance of breastfeeding for as long as mother and baby wish to. I'd recommend this book for any mother who is pregnant or has a baby while nursing an older child.

I bought this when I got pregnant and was still nursing my almost-two-year-old. It's nicely written with entertaining illustrations and lovely pictures of many tandem nursers. It made me feel like whatever I decided was okay, and whether I end up weaning before the birth, nursing two on demand, nursing one on demand and one to schedule, or even if he starts up again after weaning once the baby comes, it's all been done before and it's all doable.

This is a great support book, even for those women who are only breastfeeding one child. It offers great ideas and is a must have for any nursing family.

I wasn't overly impressed by any of the ones I saw, so I dug this out instead, figuring I could at least get a little heads up on what to expect in terms of nursing (like everyone else posting reviews, I've got a nursing toddler and am pregnant; having gotten thru the worst of the soreness, I don't expect weaning soon). In the event, this book offers a nice overview of other impacts on the family of adding a new baby to the mix: sleep issues, routines, keeping the toddler happy while the newborn has you fully occupied, etc. And unlike some of the other second-child books, this one is firmly focused on attachment parenting/co-sleeping/extended nursing/etc.

Flowers' narrative voice is pleasant without wasting your time. As with all too many books about breastfeeding, the format is a little large for holding comfortably while nursing. The voices of many, many mothers who have Already Been There are included within a structure that lets you look up an answer to a question you have quickly.

This book is invaluable in increasing awareness and education about breastfeeding. It also exposes the negative social and financial implications our country suffers from not placing the needs of parents and families first. I really appreciate that its underlying focus is on the family. This book incredibly informative on a variety of issues all directly related to breastfeeding and the consequent emotional and psychological health of not only the baby, but the mother and entire family as well.

I was raised in a "breastfeeding family" but this book still was amazing. It should be required reading for college students in business ethics courses. Students majoring in health education, nutrition, family sciences, and women's issues, all should read this during their coursework.

The statistics and studies cited, and information contained, are invaluable in understanding how we came to be a formula-feeding society. And they are the nuggets of how we can reverse that situation. Inform yourself! And you'll begin to be able to inform others, too [given opportunities]. I'm amazed how many people don't recognize the duplicity of formula companies in their product marketing, here and in the Developing World.

I can go over all the reason why to read this book, but it's easier to say you have to read it! If you have come across this book, you must be interested in breastfeeding, this book won't tell you how to do it, but it will tell you why and give you a much greater feeling of how to promote it to others!

I'm shocked that a book like this can be around, it's sad that there is enough anti-breastfeeding companies etc. to warrent the book.

This book should be on every mother-to-be's MUST READ list. It goes into great detail about breastfeeding in other cultures, how the medical establishement derails a mothers efforts before she can even get started, and the overly agressive marketing tactics of the formula manufactures.

There are heartbreaking tales of the number of babies who were killed by artifical feeding.

I cannot reccomend this book enough! Read it before you have children, it will make you see formula (and the Nestle corporation) in a whole new light.

This definitive history of formula, pharmaceutical companies and infant death is highly readable, despite its depressing topic. While it would be comforting to think that formula fed babies only die at a higher rate than breastfed in places without access to clean water that just ain't so -- never has been, never will be, and the companies which make formula know that. Which is why the code of advertising (which formula -- which is to say, pharmaceutical -- companies continue to violate) adopted in the early years of the boycott applies around the world, including in the U.S.

Along the way, Baumslag and Michels include some really amusing sidelights like the invention of the stroller by a New York man, and its adoption by Queen Victoria. One tiny snit: they're anti-swaddling, considering it a barbaric, backward practice that only occurs in backward, barbaric places and should be stamped out.

This is a wonderful book for any woman pregnant for the first time - with firsthand experiences I can relate to, and scientific data that I might not otherwise seek out. I'm really enjoying reading about each month as I approach it.

Sandra Steingraber is a scientist and writer whose early cancer has led her to explore the possible environmental causes of cancer and teratogens in our chemically laced environment. In this book, she talks about her own pregnancy and what happens to the developing life within in a very thorough, and beautiful, way.

This book starts out as very scientific and a bit dull, but picks up and keeps you reading. I admire the author for doing so much detailed research and yet being very happy and optimistic towards her own childbearing. An inspirational and eye-opening book that I would recommend to all my friends, especially young women.

This book is FASCINATING. If you pick it up you won't put it down. Everyone should read this book, but especially those considering having children. (I do not recommend this book to pregnant women, it could be very upsetting)

The book is beautifully written, personal, scientific, and life changing. I particularly appreciate the author's perspective that the onis to protect children from toxic chemicals that cause birth defects should be societal, not personal. It is insane that we have accepted that due to mercury pollution as a result of coal burning women and children should have to stop eating nutritious fish.

I loved this story, both as a scientific narrative and a touching personal story. I'm thinking about pregnancy, and this book awakened me to many of the dangers of toxins in the environment I hadn't even contemplated before. I'm so glad that Steingraber told the full story of fish in the diets of pregnant women, for example: that a food with such healthy fats and potential for fetal brain development has instead been rendered toxic by not just mercury pollution, but POPs like DDT as well. And anyone who wants to breastfeed should be aware of how toxins are magnified not just over the course of fetal development, but within the content of mother's milk as well. Steingraber seeks to educate us not to make us take action indiviually, but collectively: healthy food and a healthy environment should be the right of every pregnant woman, mother, father and child. It should be ours for the taking, because we adults deserve the right to have children, and those children deserve the healthiest world possible, starting in the microcosm of the womb. As an adopted child, a pregnant woman, a nursing mother and a biologist, Steingraber tells every woman's story of conception and birth to inspire all humans with a vision of taking action to create a healthier world. It's a lovely telling that everyone - not just mothers-to-be - should read.

I'm flying to Europe alone with my 18 mo old daughter next month and I found this book to be a great help in preparing for the trip. It contains a lot of useful information, tips, and things I would've completely overlooked had I not read this book.

If you have kids, and like to travel... you need this book. There were so many ideas there that I would have never thought of. It has made our lives easier when traveling and I've learned some really helpful things. It's hard to travel with small kids, especially if you're a new parent and just have no idea what to expect. So for me this has really been a great find!

Seriously, this is a travel bible for new parents. What a huge help this book has been from selecting a good stroller (wished we would have found this BEFORE we had our baby for car seat info too!) to calling ahead to find out if a hotel has a crib saving our trunk space from a pack and play or other. Prepping the diaper bag and carry ons have never been simpler and I have memorized the shopping list for baby must haves while traveling. Never would have thought of some of that stuff! The blog is excellent too. Please give this gift to new mommies and daddies with your baby shower gift...I am so grateful for the different age sections and different types of travel reviews. Thank you Ms. Rivoli!

Ok I know the title of the book is Travels with Baby, but it also says toddlers, and children. And truly did not tell me anything I didn't already know. Now if you are a first time mom, who has never traveled with a baby up to age 2, then sure its probably very helpful, especially if you have never had any advice from anyone else. Though it was how ever informational on, how to obtain passports, now that we (the) parents are no longer together, what you need to do. It also had lists of contact info on where to rent baby/ child items, like strollers, carseats, for traveling where you dont want to bring all that stuff, which can be rather helpful, so I give it 3 stars, for being semi-helpful!

I am about to travel to Europe for 2 weeks (cruise for part of the time) with my 7 month old and I found this book to be very useful. It had ideas that I would not have considered and I am now much less stressed about the trip. It seems very realistic about what to expect and what to pack and she also does not ignore the fact that no matter how prepared you are going to be, things will still not go as planned and you must be flexible. She gives great tips for these types of situations. Would recommend to anyone about to travel with baby and/or toddlers. Very easy read and easy to reference when necessary.

This was an okay book. I got it from the library which is what I suggest you do. It has great photos which help you learn things such as clothing your baby, holding your baby, swaddling your baby, bathing your baby and more. Most of the photos are just fun to look at. I read this book after reading many other baby care books but it offered some new ideas for care which I now use. The only problem with this book is that it shows babies lying on their sides or stomach to sleep which is not recommended because of the increased risk of SIDS. Babies should be placed on their back. Keep that in mind and the book is a good read.

If you are looking for an easy-to-read, basic guide to preparing for a baby, buy this book! It is a great addition to any pregnancy or baby care library. It really is a simple book about calm, soothing parenting and preparing for baby, but depending on your needs/experience, it could be all you need. I bought several as gifts for friends and they all love it.

I purchased this book while I was pregnant and the cover brought tears to my eyes (still does). I believe strongly in a relaxed, calm, loving approach to parenting, and was annoyed by all the people who tried to convince me that I should be stressed out about this baby! This book really met my needs - informative and practical, and a soothing read for both calm and nervous parents. The black and white photography is just beautiful.

I'm trying to find it for every pregnant friend!

I actually bought this book before I even knew I was pregnant and put it away for the future. A few short months later, it was the first book I chose to read about parenting and baby care. It was comforting to read such straight-forward, child-centered advice. I believe that reading this book has shaped my attitude toward parenting into a more natural, simple approach and has helped me keep my focus on my child's needs before anything else. It is reassuring to know that you don't have to have it all or know it all to be a good parent. I highly recommend this book for other first-time moms.

Seeing the cover of this book I was apprehensive. Another book on how beautiful it is to have children, with little substantial help, I thought. Well it is about the beauty and a lot lot more. A comparitively short book, each paragraph has practical, sage advice on a host of things one would only learn after years of experience. Written by the daughter of a midwife, the book has years of expereince to draw from. Advice ranges from dealing with family, pets, and guests with bad timing, to setting up a useful nursery. We plan to give this book as a gift to several expecting friends of ours.