The Other Baby Book: A Natural Approach to Baby's First Year [Paperback]

Megan McGrory Massaro (Author), Miriam J. Katz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2012

What if the rules of modern motherhood were turned upside down?

The Other Baby Book: A Natural Approach to Baby's First Year guides new and expecting mamas on a journey past "shoulds" and "musts," back to the heart of true joy and relationship. Motherhood has been targeted by advertisers, and bombarded by opinions masquerading as medical necessities. Massaro and Katz are helping mothers reclaim a simpler, more connected first year with their babies.

Readers will find eight fun-to-read chapters filled with baby-friendly practices, along with stories from moms in-the-know. In a soothing yet sassy voice, the authors present compelling research on topics like birth, holding your baby, breastfeeding, infant sleep, pottying babies (yes, really!), sign language, baby-led solids, and self-care for moms. The book also features contributions from leading practitioners in baby care: Dr. James McKenna, Dr. Janet Zand, Naomi Aldort, Gill Rapley, Nancy Mohrbacher, and more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A hip, readable, accurate and supportive book...filled with common, practical, everyday wisdom that unfortunately has become almost obsolete in our medically dominated birthing and pediatrics models. It is a fantastic resource for the new mom who wants to do things a bit out of the box. --Aviva Romm, MD, Certified Professional Midwife, and author of The Natural Pregnancy Book

Megan and Miriam are like your super-savvy BFFs who have pounded the pavement gathering the latest research and practical guidelines, and written it up in a chatty, humorous yet authoritative format that will speak to NPR and TMZ fans alike. --~Marcy Axness, PhD, author of Parenting for Peace



The non-judgmental way The Other Baby Book gently...educates, empowers, and informs parents about all aspects of infant care is remarkable. I am certain that many parents and babies will greatly benefit by the perspectives offered here. --~Dr. James McKenna, Director, Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory, University of Notre Dame and author of Sleeping With Your Baby

About the Author

Megan McGrory Massaro is a freelance writer, and mother to the beautiful Anabella Sofia. Megan earned a BA in English Literature at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. She taught middle and high school English for seven years before transitioning to a full-time writing career. She currently lives in the Boston area with her husband Mark and daughter.

Miriam J. Katz is a work at home mom and professional coach. She lives in Boston, MA with her husband Misha and daughter Dalia. Miriam was certified as a Professional Coach through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). She received her BA in Psychology from Clark University, and an MBA with a Certificate in Public and Nonprofit Management from Boston University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 230 pages
• Publisher: Full Cup Press; First edition (April 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0984906509
• ISBN-13: 978-0984906505
• Product Dimensions: 0.4 x 5.9 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,187,335 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars So Much I Didn't Know April 1, 2012

By Stephanie

Format:Paperback

As a birth doula, I have many books on my shelves about childbirth and related topics. However, none of them are like "The Other Baby Book."

This book touches on hot button topics with grace and well-founded research. Katz and Massaro do not try to convince you that their way of parenting is the only way. In fact, they have not always made the same choices for their individual families.

Of course some of the topics, such as the benefits of breastfeeding, came as no surprise. And, although I heard very little about it when my three were growing up, there is more and more talk about co-sleeping and baby-wearing. However, the book also covers topics I've never come across, topics such as elimination communication (recognizing pretty much from the start when your little one has to "go") and baby-led solids (what I consider a wonderful way to introduce solid food to your child).

You may think this is not for you. The ideas may sound too strange and unconventional. But before you disregard this book, I would encourage you to read it and check out the studies cited. You might be surprised and discover a thing or two you'd like to try. At the very least, it will give you some things to think about and perhaps new respect for parents who make different choices for their families.

"The Other Baby Book" truly is a beautiful tribute to family and how to make childrearing a wondrous time for parents and babies alike. The authors don't claim it will always be easy. Let's face it, any of us who have children know there will be challenges along the way. However, when you've finished reading this book, you may be more ready than ever for the grand adventure of raising children.

My children are now grown, ages 22-27, and I wish I'd had this book when they were young. I would have done some things differently.

Upon mentioning I would be glad to write a review, I was sent a PDF copy of the book. It isn't often, I want to rush out and buy a paper copy of an e-book I've read. However, I very much look forward to adding this one to my library. Without a doubt, I will be recommending it to my clients.

Happy Parenting

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars THE book to read on attachment and natural parenting April 10, 2012

By Mike & Shannon

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Though there are lots of great attachment and natural parenting resources out there, this book puts it all together in one place and in an easy-to-read, non-threatening, non-judgemental format. Rather than having to pore through volumes on every different topic, parents can get it all in this one book. It has just the right combination of theory/research and the practical advice on how to implement it (along with great respect for the parents' own judgement and intuition). This book is an immensely valuable contribution to families and all of humanity. I have read dozens of books on natural and attachment parenting but this one tops my list as the go-to book for new parents.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Amazing November 30, 2012

By Erica Stanciu

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Let me start off by saying this book is fantastic. Now I'll address some issues.

1. I don't see a problem with editing. There were maybe three mistakes in the whole book. That's pretty good considering this is a self published book.

2. In no way is the tone rude or disrespectful. I think some women got their feelings hurt because of statements they didn't agree with. Like, "Breastfeeding is better than formula." Scientifically it is but they don't make formula feeding moms feel bad. It's just a fact.

3. This is not a fad. A fad is something that comes and goes. Mothers raised thier children like this for thousands of years and then a fad hit where sleepless nighta became an inconvenience. They explain it better.

Now back to the book. I love that this was written. It was as if the women were reading my mind.

I had my little guy on June 28, 2012. My mom, and every other family member tried to give me advice. I listened but it didn't feel right so I followed my instincts. Since it wasn't what society portrayed as normal I kept most of my parenting ideas a secret. I co-sleep, hold my baby while napping, baby wear, breastfeed, and will never practice cry it out. This book made me feel so much better about my parenting techniques.

This is not a book to make other people feel bad. I think all parents should read it so they understand an alternative point of view. Maybe one day this will be the norm again.