The Journey to Parenthood: Myths, Reality and What Really Matters [Paperback]

Diana Lynn Barnes (Author), Leigh G. Balber (Author), Roberta Michnick Golinkoff (Foreword), Kathy Hirsh-Pasek (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1846190142 | ISBN-13: 978-1846190148 | Publication Date: June 7, 2007 | Edition: 1

Diana Lynn Barnes, Psychotherapist specializing in pregnancy and birth issues, past president of Postpartum Support International, Los Angeles, USA and Leigh Balber, TV producer and journalist specializing in baby, child, and family matters, New York, USA "The Journey to Parenthood is the antidote to this culture's insanity about preparing for parenthood. In these pages, you will learn that there is no such thing as the 'perfect parent,' and that when parents follow their instincts, they are probably doing the best thing possible to be good parents, and to raise intelligent and happy babies. You will also learn that getting ready to become a motheror father is about contemplating what kind of parent one would like to be. It is about considering how parenthood might affect one's career, marriage and priorities, even one's day-to-day routine. Childhood is about making discoveries. So too is the journey to parenthood." Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff - authors of Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: how our children really learn...

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Diana Lynn Barnes, PsyD, MFT, an internationally recognized expert in the field of perinatal mood disorders, is a psychotherapist who has been writing and speaking on family issues and women's mental health for more than 20 years.

Leigh G. Balber is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Child magazine, American Baby magazine and on BabyZone.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 146 pages
• Publisher: Radcliffe Publishing; 1 edition (June 7, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1846190142
• ISBN-13: 978-1846190148
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #752,711 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a book that REALLY prepares you for parenthood!, November 3, 2007

By 

Kelly K. - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Journey to Parenthood: Myths, Reality and What Really Matters (Paperback)

There are a zillion parenting books out there, but this is one you should buy. It's a great mix of stories from real expectant and new parents - not just the cheery ones who claim everything is perfect! - and research on issues that arise when you're becoming a parent. It's fun to read about people's expectations going into parenthood, and then the reality of their "journeys to parenthood." A great read for expectant/new parents and the professionals (OB/GYN's, therapists, birthing coaches) who deal with them.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for expectant parents, September 11, 2007

By 

Suburban Mom - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Journey to Parenthood: Myths, Reality and What Really Matters (Paperback)

I read about the Journey to Parenthood on UrbanBaby and I love this book. It's like group therapy for expectant and new parents. People can commiserate and celebrate as they read anecdotes from the dozens of couples interviewed for the book. These couples share the good, the bad and the honest about the journey to parenthood. Balber and Barnes interviewed parents from various races, religions and socioeconomic statuses, including ad execs, bankers, CPA's, a massage therapist, an actor and small business owners. Includes the most up-to-date research available on kids and marriage, sex before and after pregnancy, body image issues during and after pregnancy, and postpartum depression. In short, this book talks about "what really matters" and helps you take a breather from all of the parenting hype.

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have, November 12, 2007

By 

Coco10 - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Journey to Parenthood: Myths, Reality and What Really Matters (Paperback)

Bugaboo stroller, $800. Designer diaper bag, $400. Cost of raising a kid before he gets to college, $250,000. Journey to Parenthood book, $40. Value of that book, priceless. OK, enough with the MasterCard commercial. But in all seriousness, if you're going to spend a lot of money on baby gear, why not invest in a book that can make the transition to parenthood easier and more enjoyable? This book is a great investment. It won't get your baby to sleep through the night, but it can help you to think about issues that can be stressful and upsetting during pregnancy and new parenthood - marital tension (bickering, sex) , body image issues, identity issues (seeing yourself as a parent, spouse, professional), changes in your family life and routine. And if you can wrap your head around this stuff, you can deal a little better with the sleepless nights.