Dr. Miriam Stoppard's Pregnancy and Birth Book [Paperback]

Dr. Miriam Stoppard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 12, 1987

Contemporary and practical, this is much more than a guide, it's a step-by-step, compendium of every single aspect of pregnancy, from childbirth and beyond, featuring an eye-catching array of practical, reassuring, and essential advice from the dynamic Dr. Miriam Stoppard.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

There are precious few pregnancy books a mother-to-be can tuck in her purse to read on the go, but Dr. Miriam Stoppard's New Pregnancy and Birth Book is one. Despite its compact size, this full-color volume packs an informational wallop--a boon for any mother who doesn't have the time to spend endlessly researching her condition. Where most other books describe in paragraph after paragraph, Stoppard's book shows, with detailed line drawings, full-color photographs, and lucid charts and diagrams. OK, so maybe it's bit disconcerting to see an image of an actual vaginal birth and the site where the epidural shunt tucks in. On the other hand, the line drawings showing the size of your child's hand as it develops will help you visualize that tiny life better than the commonplace description that your child is now the size of a pickle or a strawberry. Stoppard hits on all the primary topics of concern--fetal development, maternal regimen changes, effect upon married life, latest birthing trends--without threatening information overload or overtly favoring any particular birthing philosophy. Of course, Stoppard is a doctor, which accounts for her careful explanation of medical terminology and shorthand as well hospital charts and diagrams. But even those women who don't plan to give birth in a hospital should find this book, especially its illustrations and pictures, immensely helpful. --Sumi Hahn --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From Publishers Weekly

This revised and updated edition by renowned pregnancy expert Stoppard (the original was published in 1986) takes into account the changing role of fathers, the inclusion of the team midwife, the changing—and often older—face of mothers-to-be, the heightened importance of balancing work and family throughout and beyond pregnancy and up-to-date information on prenatal testing. Photos, diagrams and charts accompany the text—including month-by-month photos of the evolving pregnant body and a chart detailing common physical complaints with advice on what to do about them. Stoppard covers emotional issues, labor and delivery concerns, breast and bottle-feeding, and preparing the home to accommodate a new baby. Stoppard offers plans for organizing and anticipating as many outcomes as possible, and her reassuring tone and attention to detail will be welcomed by anxious parents-to-be. Theres even a discussion (and photo) of sexual positions to use during pregnancy, pictures of breast-feeding holds for after a caesarean and photos and tips on comfortable ways to sleep and relax as pregnancy progresses. Well organized and straightforward, the book covers everything the expectant mom needs to know. (Jan.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (May 12, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345319087
• ISBN-13: 978-0345319081
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,231,419 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An informative and reassuring guide for pregnancy, December 28, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Dr. Miriam Stoppard's Pregnancy and Birth Book (Paperback)

I had this book for my first pregnancy and read it from cover to cover several times. It had all the information I wanted to know. This is excellent for a first pregnancy. I gave it away to a friend and want it again for my THIRD pregnancy!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly useful, August 2, 2001

By 

A. Woodley "Patroness, Janeites, the Austen list" (New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dr. Miriam Stoppard's New Pregnancy and Birth Book (Paperback)

Having just found out I am pregnant my sister gave me this book and it is so useful. Incredibly useful. I am one of those women who are coming to motherhood late - in my late thrities and without any experience of either pregnancy or children in the family much. It is a bit nerve-wracking (as well as marvellously joyous) so this book has proved to be a real salve to my nerves. It is so straightforward, well set out and has a plethora of easy to access information to take you through the pregnancy and after.

The contents are divided into 15 sections - the second chapter is the one I turned to immediately - it has all the pictures and information about the developing baby - even photos of what the fetus looks like at various stages. There is certainly a lot to think about health wise as well - Chapters 4 and 5 are on eating and fitness during pregnancy.

Other chapters deal with making a Birth plan for yourself, managing labour, dealing with common complaints, sex during pregnancy, preparing for the baby, and there are three chapters at the end on issues dealing with being new parents.

I have found this book comforting in the extreme. I realise once the pregnancy gets more advanced I will be in an antenatal group and generally have more contact with people who know about what the hell is going on. But for a first time mother with a lot of burning questions to ask and not many people to go to about them it is a wonderful reference book to have on hand.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dr. Miriam Stoppard's Pregnancy and Birth Book, February 3, 2000

By 

Rebecca Vogel-Pitts (Longmont, Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dr. Miriam Stoppard's Pregnancy and Birth Book (Paperback)

I LOVED this book. It was one of my bible's when pregnant with my two children. The pictures are the most wonderful part. It shows the size of your baby's hand at certain stages of the pregnancy. It also shows how big YOU are! It answers your questions honestly and thoroughtly. I also found that real life stories were helpful as well.