Customer Reviews

The Natural Baby: An instinctive approach to nuturing your infant

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This is just an awesome little book - one that I'm so glad I stumbled on accidentally! Due to the smaller size of the book, it's not as in-depth as others, but I actually found that refreshing. After reading all the detailed books that tend to characterize the subject of natural birth/parenting, this book was like a cool drink of water. Although an overview, it gives a very helpful amount of information about even "lesser-known" infant care ideas, such as elimination communication, baby massage, homeopathic/herbal remedies, and much more.

From the style and design of the book to it's beautiful photography (which truly make the book: DK style - multiple photos on each page), each page reminds you of the simple beauty of new life. Janet Balaskas is truly an expert in her field, and her writing style is both informative and encouraging. I only wish I lived in the United Kingdom, where her perspective is the norm, instead of here on the other side of the pond, where even mentioning "natural birth" still elicits all sorts of cynical comments. A truly great book, and one that I highly recommend to any parent interested in giving birth and caring for their baby in the most instinctive, natural, and loving way possible.

Some of the subjects covered include:
Life before birth
The last weeks of pregnancy
Approaching birth
Meeting your baby
First hour after birth
The babymoon
Preparing to breastfeed
Learning breastfeeding together
Baby-led feeding
Solving problems
Bottle-feeding for those unable to breastfeed
Approaches to baby care
Comforting your baby
Elimination
Step-by-step baby massage (with step-by-step pictures!)
Baby development and play
Sensory awakening
Social baby
Sitting, crawling, walking, talking, swimming
How babies sleep
A baby-centered sleep approach
Nighttime environment
Settling your baby for sleep
Family life
Well mother
Partner relationship
Sibling relationships
Parenting support
Natural healthcare for your baby
Complementary therapies (includes general information on homeopathic & herbal remedies and aromatherapy suggestions, and then specific remedies/suggestions are listed for all the health concerns below)
Caring for a sick baby
Allergies & respiratory problems
Ear & eye problems
Nutrition & digestion
Mouth & teeth
Skin problems
Childhood infections illnesses
Accidents and first aid