The Post-Pregnancy Handbook: The Only Book That Tells What the First Year After Childbirth is Really All About--Physically, Emotionally, Sexually (Hardcover)

by Sylvia Brown (Author), Mary Dowd Struck (Author) "During your hospital stay and while recuperating at home, you may be prescribed various types of classical medications..." (more)
Key Phrases: classical medications, specialized physical therapy, episiotomy scar, The Post-Pregnancy Handbook, Arnica Montana, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Broader in scope than similar consumer works, this book includes discussion of the physical, emotional, and social issues commonly associated with the first year of life after delivery. Englishwoman Brown, who writes with the help of Struck, a registered nurse and clinical teaching associate in obstetrics and gynecology at Brown University Medical School, spearheaded this work after she got frustrated with the dearth of materials on her subject. Unfortunately, in attempting to cover every postpartum issue, the authors preclude comprehensive treatment of individual topics. Presented is a mix of helpful and problematic information. Although interesting in themselves, health statistics are presented without source citations or adequate descriptions of conditions and populations; statements of opinion, some highly arguable, are presented as facts. The authors also fail to provide comprehensive treatment by addressing the reader throughout most of the text as a partnered parent with a healthy infant. Those issues aside, the work's major drawback is its liberal recommendations regarding herbal and mineral remedies, which are provided without warnings of contraindications or potential side effects. For instance, comfrey is recommended for lactation support, but according to the second edition of PDR for Herbal Medicines, it is contraindicated for breast-feeding and pregnancy. Oral ingestion of silver, which has not been shown to be efficacious and has potentially harmful side effects, is recommended to lift postpartum spirits. Not recommended. Noemie Maxwell, King Cty. Lib. Syst., Seattle
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Brown started writing The Post-Pregnancy Handbook after becoming disillusioned with life after her baby was born. No one told her how ravaged her body, or how topsy-turvy her emotions, would be. With nurse and clinical teacher Struck's aid, she aims to put all the unpleasantness out there, so that new mothers can be better informed. Her advice is practical and descriptive, dealing with such mundane but necessary matters as stretch marks, hair care, diet, and bodily functions during the first few weeks after giving birth; she and Struck suggest traditional and alternative remedies for those and other concerns. They briefly address the psychological ramifications of parenthood, too, with helpful tips on understanding what a new father might be feeling and on regaining intimacy with one's partner. Particularly insightful is the chapter "The Mother in You," which helps a woman manage her expectations of herself as a mother, given the practicalities of everyday life. Mary Frances Wilkens
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press; 1st edition (July 29, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312300646
• ISBN-13: 978-0312300647
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #800,395 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wish I had read this before I had my baby!, October 28, 2002

By	Gretchen Goel "Yogini G" (Winter Park, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is an excellent resource for FIRST TIME mothers! I am giving it as a shower gift to my expectant cousin. It is especially helpful if you don't have any close friends or relatives who have had a baby that can tell you first hand what happens to your body, emotions, relationship with spouse and friends after the baby. There is an important chapter that explains what emotions the father goes through and why he isn't always as helpful as you would expect. Buy this book if you are a first time mom or know someone who is expecting.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Give this book to every pregnant woman, February 26, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Post-Pregnancy Handbook: The Only Book That Tells What the First Year After Childbirth Is Really All About---Physically, Emotionally, Sexually (Paperback)

When I was pregnant I read a ton of pregnancy and baby books, but none prepared me for the post-pregnancy realities. All pregnancy books ended at labor and all baby books started with baby. But I had a really difficult time after the birth of my first baby and there was nothing available for ME. This book gives new moms honest information to help them get back to themselves in every way -- emotionally, physically and sexually. Now I give this book to every pregnant friend. It is the best shower gift.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read for Post-Preggies, April 25, 2003

By A Customer

Have this book handy for the day you come home if not sooner. It is the best book I have read on this under-recognized subject--physical and emotional effects, breastfeeding, effects on the couple. Sylvia Brown understands this subject inside and out and writes about each one thoroughly in a sympathetic and authoritative style. My favorite section was on the emotional aspects, including post-natal depression, the various types, the causes and what to do. A very complete book that I am very fortunate to have found in time. It was a real consolation during my recuperation even though it was my second pregnancy.