The Joy of Pregnancy: The Complete, Candid, and Reassuring Companion for Parents-to-Be [Kindle Edition]

Tori Kropp (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Labor and delivery nurse Kropp was troubled when she recognized several years back that women coming into the hospital to give birth were both ill-prepared and more anxious than ever. These women had read all the latest books and had taken classes, but with so much information available they were trusting writers and 'experts' more than they trusted themselves. Kropp found that the humor and joy of pregnancy had been lost, and set out to help remedy the situation. Her book is a refreshing mix of medical information and helpful, nonjudgmental advice, which urges readers to inform themselves but also to relax and enjoy the special time and anticipation of pregnancy. Each chapter explains what's happening to your body (increased hormone levels) and your baby (its size and development) each month. Kropp covers topics like weight gain, which medications are safe to take, bed rest and genetic testing. Also included is a practical monthly rundown of what you can do to prepare for your baby's arrival (register at your hospital, choose a pediatrician, etc.) and a list of necessary products, furniture, clothing and gear. Years of experience working with pregnant women gives Kropp a reassuring voice, and her book is sure to leave readers feeling more prepared—and less frightened—about the journey of pregnancy. (Apr.)
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Review

This is definitely not just another book about pregnancy. Tori Kropp should be applauded for adopting a fresh, positive, and enjoyable attitude toward pregnancy issues. Once you have this friendly companion in hand, you'll find it difficult to part with. --Michael Katz, M.D., San Francisco Perinatal Associates

As a longtime perinatal nurse and childbirth educator who works with expectant families every day, Tori Kropp shares her abundant wealth of wisdom and experience in The Joy of Pregnancy. This is one pregnancy book that truly captures the excitement, anticipation, fun, and joy of this special time in a woman's life; I highly recommend it. --Kathleen Huggins, R.N, M.S., author of the best-selling Nursing Mother's Companion

The Joy of Pregnancy is a must-read for all pregnant women. Tori Kropp explains the joy and wonder of being pregnant, and offers the practical advice and information women need to make the most of their pregnancies. I strongly recommend this book. --Will Hammett, M.D., Central Ohio Ob/Gyn

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Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 1848 KB
• Print Length: 436 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1558323066
• Publisher: Harvard Common Press; 1 edition (February 25, 2008)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B002BCFRJY
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #49,502 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #56 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Nonfiction > Advice & How-to > Health, Mind & Body > Personal Health > Women's Health > Pregnancy & Childbirth

More About the Author

Tori Kropp, R.N., has delivered thousands of babies at the prestigious California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, where she has worked for nearly two decades.

The birth process has been a fascination of Tori's since childhood, and even as an experienced nurse, she still considers pregnancy care to be more of a passion than a career. After studying anthropology and psychology as an undergraduate at Michigan State University, she earned her nursing degree from Manatee College in Florida. Tori chose to work in perinatal nursing because it allows her to have a hands-on role in childbirth. An active member of the health care community, Tori is a member of the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, and the California Nurses Association.

In 1990, after observing that pregnant women were coming into the hospital more and more worried and anxious about labor, Tori founded a unique pre- and post-natal teaching program: PillowTalk, Modern Childbirth Education. Her strategy in these classes'teaching women not to overwhelm themselves with information and to focus instead on trusting their bodies and enjoying their pregnancies'was an instant success. In the mid 1990s, Tori used this same evenhanded, positive approach to pregnancy in founding Stork Site', a community website for expectant and new parents. Bursting with activity, this site became one of the Internet's first successful communities and later became a part of ivillage.com. In April 2008, Tori relaunced www.storksite.net.

Known as 'the Dear Abby of pregnancy,' Tori has been interviewed on national television and radio and in national print publications, including CNN, The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, Washington Times, Atlanta Journal Constitution and Chicago Sun-Times. She lives in Marin County, California, with her family.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprising!, December 6, 2008

By 

Robert P. Beveridge "xterminal" (Lakewood, OH) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Joy of Pregnancy: The Complete, Candid, and Reassuring Companion for Parents-to-Be (Paperback)

Tori Kropp, The Joy of Pregnancy (Harvard Common, 2008)

When a rep from Harvard Common contacted me about reviewing The Joy of Pregnancy, I was initially ambivalent. After all, I don't really have the right plumbing, so to speak. Still, the rep seemed confident that I'd be able to review it, and sent me a copy along anyway. Well, it turns out he was right; I may never actually get pregnant, but I still found the book a very enjoyable guide to the experience, whether I can do it or not.

The Joy of Pregnancy is a fun and witty, if slightly repetitive, month-by-month guide to bodily (and emotional) changes that come with being in the family way. The book is written in an easy-to-read style, with Kropp offering up a plethora of options for all the choices moms-to-be-will face. (Take note that while in most cases she seems to be trying to be as neutral as possible in presenting choices, she doesn't always succeed; for example, while she's not one of the anti-formula wackos, at least not on the surface, she does rather consistently stress the idea that formula is second-best. As long as you're cognizant of the bias, you can take it into account while reading.) There's also a quick section at the end of each chapter for prospective dads (this is where the repetition comes into play), so the whole family can get involved. Quite enjoyable, this. ****

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for every new mom-to-be., July 28, 2008

By 

Cheryl M. Wenzel "http://newmomcentral.blogsp... (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Joy of Pregnancy: The Complete, Candid, and Reassuring Companion for Parents-to-Be (Paperback)

"The Joy of Pregnancy" could easily replace "What to Expect When You're Expecting" as the next comprehensive guide to pregnancy.

Ms. Kropp provides candid personal wisdom, as well as professional expertise on such subjects as how to choose childbirth classes to finding your due date. There are many myths about pregnancy, which Ms. Kropp addresses and refutes, such as the myth that morning sickness only occurs in the morning.

Dads are included in the book, as well. In fact, there is a "Dad's Corner" in every chapter. It is refreshing to have dad's included in a book about pregnancy, allowing them to feel more comfortable reading a pregnancy book.

Also included in the book are topics such as choosing a birthplace, a multiple pregnancy, and a month-by-month guide to pregnancy, as well as the first month after the birth. Everything is organized so it's easy to find with each chapter devoted to a month of pregnancy.

"The Joy of Pregnancy" is a must-have for every expectant mom.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book has been really helpful!, June 28, 2010

By 

Alli K - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Joy of Pregnancy: The Complete, Candid, and Reassuring Companion for Parents-to-Be (Paperback)

I bought this book as soon as the pregnancy test was positive. In the beginning it suggests to use it the way it is intended and read month by month. This is a GREAT idea, otherwise you are in danger of information overload. I really like that this book has walked me slowly and calmly through my pregnancy. Also, it has been a great reference when I have a question. Last week I woke up in the middle of the night with sharp pains in my belly, at three am I looked up braxton-hicks in this book and the description was exactly what was happening to me. My doctor has kept me really well informed, but this book has been a comfort at those 3 am times I have a question. Also, it relays information about complications well and tells you when it is time to call the doctor. It also has helped me ask helpful questions of my doctor to better understand my pregnancy. All in all a great book.