Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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. ****

"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.

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.

This book is such a terrific and refreshing guide to the realities and joys of pregnancy. While detailed and informative, Ms. Kropp emphasizes that this is not just a time of preparation, but a time for celebration and anticipation.

I got this book for my first pregnancy and loved all it has to say. Nothing scary, no unnecessary gory details about what 'might happen,' just encouragement to help you enjoy your pregnancy.

Unfortunately, my pregnancy ended early in a first trimester (9 weeks) miscarriage. When it began, I didn't feel that the book was there for me anymore. The section on miscarriage focused more on how to cope emotionally than on explaining what was going on.

Regardless, I plan to use this book (and no other) for my next pregnancy. I like the calm, reassuring tone that's neither frightening nor silly. I don't want to spend each moment of my next pregnancy worrying about what might go wrong, so I certainly don't need a book that spends a lot of time giving me reason to fret about it.

Overall, I recommend this book - not just as a book to go alongside your pregnancy, but as the one and only book. Anything else, you can get from an emailed week-by-week newsletter from someone like babycenter.com or the American Pregnancy Association.

As a labor and delivery nurse I was looking for a book for a friend who was pregnant with her first baby. I found this book to give very good information that was easy to understand. I really liked that it doesn't shame or scare the new mom for the choices she makes during her pregnancy and birth process. I highly recommend this book.

I'm in my first trimester with my first baby - I love this book! It makes me feel like everything I am experiencing is normal. Some of the other books out there make pregnancy seem so scary, but this book has a lighthearted, yet very informative approach. I highly recommend it!!

I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought it contained a lot of good information, but it was presented in a way that didn't just bog you down with information. In spoke to both the mother and the father to be, providing insight and useful information for both parents. I read this book before ttc, but will be reading it again during my pregnancy.

I gave this book as a gift to my step-brother's girlfriend when she announced her pregnancy. Both of them have commented that the book was exactly what they were looking for- a positive view of this unexpected surprise! The book was informative without being frightening and joyful without being unrealistic. A delightful book!

I am a newly pregnant woman and had scoured many pregnancy books while we were trying and since we've found out. I was introduced to this book by a new mother who said that it was helpful for her. She also told me to read the 1-star reviews for the "What to expect" book, which I did and they were hilarious (but that's another story).
I really like that this book was written by a L&D nurse who has probably seen it all, good and bad. I do not feel as though she's pushing her ideas on the reader; rather, she presents the information in an objective manner and tells the reader to make her own decisions. Everything is laid out rather plainly and it is a very easy read. I started reading it last night and have gotten to the chapter about the 5th month. She lays out information about fetal development at each month and also things to expect or consider. There's also a few pages at the end of each chapter dedicated to the partners.
Overall, I am really enjoying this book. I originally checked out a copy from my local library but decided to purchase my own copy! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good pregnancy book.