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.