Customer Reviews

It Gets Easier! And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers

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2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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!

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!

I like to be prepared. Although everyone tells me you can't prepare for Motherhood, it has not deterred me from reading every book on the topic I can find. Wolk's book was an easy read with real examples, humorous "it happened to me" tales, and serious advice fused together with wit and obvious love for her husband, children and the job of Motherhood. I have often felt that women hold back and don't tell everything about pregnancy, birth and Motherhood but after reading Wolk's descriptions I feel like I've been given a behind-the-scenes glimpse. There are so many gems of wisdom that I have not found anywhere else that this book of "lies" will be on my nightstand throughout my pregnancy and into the changed life that comes with the new baby. I have already given two of my expecting girlfriends copies and I'm sure it will be a staple gift for years to come. Thank you Claudine for sharing these secrets! It may not get easier, but it sure sounds like fun.

Finally...FINALLY...women are letting down their ponytails and talking OUT LOUD about the reality of new motherhood. It's so refreshing to hear stories that you can actually relate to, and Claudine Wolk takes it one step further, offering advice for surviving those early months. If only she'd been living next door to me when I was going through it all.

A must read for women during the difficult transition from being an independent, self sufficient career oriented professional to a new mommy. I applaud Claudine's courage to document the reality of what many new mothers experience after childbirth and the months immediately following but are afraid to admit. Claudine comically describes real life scenarios and provides practical solutions that baffle many new mommies. As a mother of 2 toddlers ages 5 and 3, I could have gained some insight into dealing with those very stressful days and nights during my children's infancy. This is an excellent book for women to read prior to the birth of their children to gain realism for what lies ahead. I would love to read more from this author regarding toddlers. Any solutions for potty training one stubborn little angel????

Claudine Wolk's book reads so true to my motherhood experiences that I almost feel as if the writer is speaking directly to me about my life. I love that she ditches the current trend of vague guidelines, niceties and wishy-washy new age advice, (ie, feed on demand... never let a baby cry) and gets down and dirty offering the reader concrete solutions to the many challenges moms face.

This book takes away all the romance that we so often attribute to the concept of motherhood and replaces it with practical knowledge, so that we can truly be better moms and happier women. And that, my friends, is the real secret and beauty of motherhood -- striking a balance, and maintaining personal happiness so that when our little tikes reach milestones, we are rested enough and happy enough to appreciate and treasure them! And it is true that happy moms have happier children. So forget trying to maintain the perfect motherly facade... it's time to shatter that, get real and be truthful with ourselves and our peers. Parenting (and especially mothering) is hard work and this book shows us that it's time we started to help each other out so we can make it through successfully.

And hey ladies... when you are done reading this book, it might be a good idea to pass it along to your hubbies. If they really want to know how you feel, this book would certainly give them a clue.

PS: I am buying this book for every new mom I know. I started with my cousin and she loves the book as much as I do!

Thank you, Claudine, for writing this book! It was refreshing ro hear about some of the more realistic sides of new motherhood. It was helpful to hear that others were having similar feelings. She also provides excellent tips to help you get through! Also, Claudine Wolk was even gracious enough to personally respond to an inquiry I had. I will be purchasing this book for ever new mother I know!

This book is a great book for women transitioning from the workforce into motherhood. If you are a woman who was completely career focused and are expecting your first, you will want to check this book out. Yes, parenting can be challenging. For some women, being a Mom is all we have ever dreamed of. For others, being a mom doesn't come so easy. If you are one of those Moms who are finding this motherhood thing to be a difficult adjustment add this book to your library. You won't feel so alone after reading this :)Mommy's High Heel Shoes

The author does a brilliant job making her book stand out amidst the plethora of parenting books available to new moms. Her title says it all. There are so many myths associated with motherhood and so many feelings of guilt that often follow suit. But the author reassures you that you are not alone and does it all with levity and wit.

Her examination of the stay-at-home mom versus the mom who works outside the home is wonderful. I really connected with Claudine and I can't wait to see more books from her!

-Tara Kompare