7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Smart, warm, and funny -- but not in a sickening way, July 9, 2008
This review is from: It Gets Easier! And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers (Paperback)
This book is one of the best I've seen on this subject. Part personal chronicle, part self-help, part baby book - it hits every mark. I wish books like this existed when my kids were born. One terrific thing about this book is how Wolk shares details of her own child-bearing and child-rearing experiences throughout, making it very clear that she's not some expert on high. She's in the trenches, engaged in the daily balancing act that being a woman and a mother entails. So she can relate -- and relate she does!
The first part of the book accurately covers the early days of motherhood, from labor to the first weeks at home. I can imagine many new mothers reading the book post-birth will wish they had the book before going into labor, because Wolk's tips on dealing with labor and delivery issues (pain management, breast feeding, nurses) are great.
The book then delves into the early days when mother and child are home, out of the cocoon of the hospital. Wolk's suggestions for getting baby on schedule and getting Mom back on her feet are excellent, but unlike some books of this type, she always digs deeper. She touches on the emotions (exhaustion, isolation and confusion) that women may experience and offers ideas for taking care of oneself physically and mentally. And it's not all sweetness and light. There are discussions on coping with challenging feelings, like being bored at home or wanting back pre-baby freedom and hating housework. I thought her discussions about how a baby can affect marital relationships were particularly insightful. And as she always does, she combines theory with practice. Her suggestions for co-parenting and marital issues (teamwork, scheduling, romance) are useful, witty, and wise.
In the latter parts of the book, when Wolk steps back to deal with the big picture, she really bats the ball out of the park. This section of the book offers the most accessible discussion of the psychological dimensions of motherhood that I have ever read. Wolk very astutely describes the conflicts many women experience when they become mothers. She handles sensitive topics, such as the shifting sense of identity and uncomfortable resentments over money, sex, and housework, with frankness and compassion. I loved it.
This is a great book for anyone interested in child-care, self-help, parenting, and women's issues.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
if you are having a baby this book is a MUST READ BEFRORE, December 2, 2008
This review is from: It Gets Easier! And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers (Paperback)
Honestly, I originally bought the book because I liked the title and I liked the author's name! ha,ha. I have a six year old daughter. I was looking for a book that would serve as a reminder as to what was ahead. I only wish I had bought it when I had my first daughter. Unfortunatley I was completely unprepared. With my first pregnancy I read books on labor, delievery and didn't know what to do or what life would be like with a new baby. This book really gave you the honest picture of what it is like to have a new born. What your life will feel like and how it changes in great detail. But best of all, it doesn't leave you hanging. Claudine gives you very practical suggestions of how to cope with your new baby and new life. Other books get very bogged down in details that are not practical and absolutely not helpful.
This book is HELPFUL! VERY HELPFUL! IT DOES NOT WASTE YOUR TIME!
I am so glad I read it, and now my husband is reading it.
I highly recommend this book for anyone having their first or second or third child.
I love that she offers a baby schedule, that she even gives you tips on how to keep your house clean and manage your life.
Claudine is realistic with our current lives. She even discusses such topics as working mom vs. stay at home mom.
Best of all you truly feel like you are talking with a friend and she is telling you the truth about what is to come after you give birth. The secrets, the answers and the experience.
I feel a lot more prepared and confident since reading this book.
Thanks Claudine!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Gift For A New Mom, September 1, 2008
This review is from: It Gets Easier! And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers (Paperback)
My cousin gave me this book after the birth of my daughter, and I am thrilled with all the useful advice it contained! As a new mom to a preemie I was "shocked" by motherhood--at times I found it frustrating and scary even though I love my baby with all my heart. This book not only validated my feelings, it also gave practical and helpful information for scheduling feedings, putting the baby down to sleep, and dealing with people who think you suddenly have loads of free time now that you are home on maternity leave. Thank you so much Claudine Wolk for guiding me through a tough time!
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