Laughter and Tears: The Emotional Life of New Mothers [Paperback]

Elisabeth Bing (Author), Libby Colman Ph.D. (Author), Daniel Stern M.D. (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 1997

In the year after giving birth, women experience a vast array of emotions. They may struggle with postpartum depression while simultaneously being enraptured by the new baby. Colman and Bing help identify the blues and depression that are normal during profound life change and consider all the complex forces influencing the modern mother.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Expectant parents, who have likely read all about pregnancy by the end of the first trimester, can start reading about life after birth. Bing, whose Six Practical Lessons for an Easier Childbirth popularized the Lamaze method in the U.S., and Colman have collaborated on three earlier books about pregnancy, including Having a Baby After Thirty. Here, they offer detailed information on progressive stages of new motherhood: the hours after birth; the first five days; lying-in to six weeks; six weeks to six months; and six months to one year. They look at many facets of new parenthood, including the impact a baby has on his parents' relationship (couples get hung up on the "Big Five," the authors say: money, division of labor, work, social life and their relationship). A particularly helpful chapter helps mothers distinguish between baby blues and full-blown postpartum depression. Also encouraging are quotes from the new moms interviewed for the book ("I really had no idea what to do with this tiny person"). The book's academic tone may put off some readers, but the content is sound and offers as much to obstetricians and pediatricians as to parents. Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club selection.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Bing, who is credited with introducing natural childbirth to America, and clinical psychologist Colman here aim to examine the range of emotions accompanying childbirth?not just the fears and frustrations but the joys that are so often overlooked in standard guidebooks intent on addressing all the problems that could arise. They draw on accounts provided via questionnaire by new mothers to create a lively, intimate portrait of the birth and postpartum experience. While the authors forthrightly address anger, fear, and ambivalence, countering them with exercises and calm reasoning about the pluses of having a baby, the book's greatest strength is letting new mothers speak for themselves. As a result, the expectant mother won't feel talked down to by some great authority and will in fact benefit from the range of experiences revealed. Perhaps a few more of the joys could have been discussed, but this remains a solid candidate for all childbirth collections.?Barbara Hoffert, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks; 1st edition (January 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805041575
• ISBN-13: 978-0805041576
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #944,588 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent! A must for all first-time mothers!, April 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Laughter and Tears: The Emotional Life of New Mothers (Paperback)

This book tells in realistic and compassionate detail (from a credible medical and psychological expert) what new mothers are sometimes embarassed or ashamed to admit was their experience. It celebrates the highs of motherhood and reminds the new mother of everything she has truly acomplished. Even if you are not having any ambivalence or stress from becoming a new mother, this book gives a wonderful and understanding portrait of what these early weeks and months are like.