I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Comfort, Support, and Advice for New Moms from More Than 60 Real-Life Mothers [Paperback]

Nina Barrett (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Freelance writer Barrett has written the book any woman might wish to have consulted when she was pregnant with her first baby. Drawing on more than 60 interviews with new mothers, Barrett helps put things in perspective for the woman whose labor was a nightmare rather than a painless Lamaze breeze, whose postpartum body didn't bounce right back into shape or who is lost in the contradictory maze of child-care books. Motherhood is a mixed bag, the author concludes, when set against the contemporary myths of easy childbirth, perfect children and good (i.e., perfect) mothers, and, therefore, women with realistic expectations and self-confidence will enjoy motherhood the most. Each chapter states the ideal and then presents the actuality, offering honest and comforting stories from the women Barrett interviewed. The book also is well organized for use as a reference in troublesome moments; a recommended reading list is valuable, too. Barrett delivers on her promise to debunk the Superwoman myth in a work that entertains as it serves up effective advice. Author tour.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This book is based on the adage that there is solace in knowing that others have problems similar to one's own. Having interviewed 63 women, all in the first year of motherhood, Barrett explores women's expectations regarding pregnancy, labor, and motherhood, and how delivery and motherhood are affected by these expectations. She encourages new mothers to trust their instincts regardless of what the child-care books advise. Breastfeeding is not for everyone, a Mary Poppins is unlikely to be waiting eagerly in the wings to take care of your baby, a new closeness may not develop between you and your mother, and your relationship with your husband may be severely strained. In brief: Barrett makes new mothers aware that giving birth to a baby is like giving birth to a new self--a process that re-works ambitions, relationships, and self-image.
- Jodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 238 pages
• Publisher: Fireside (April 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671669494
• ISBN-13: 978-0671669492
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 1.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,232,158 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Very negative look at motherhood, June 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Comfort, Support, and Advice for New Moms from More Than 60 Real-Life Mothers (Paperback)

As a twenty-something considering motherhood, I thought this book would encourage and support. Instead it made me terrified to ever have a child! The testimonials from real life moms were terrible! They all sounded selfish and spoiled by complaining that a baby took up too much of their time. Every person has negative stories to share about an experience, but this author did not seem to dig too hard to show positives, too.

2.0 out of 5 stars This Book Prepares Mothers for the Worst, February 23, 2001

By 

"carmakat" (Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Comfort, Support, and Advice for New Moms from More Than 60 Real-Life Mothers (Paperback)

Each chapter in this book begins with an "Ideal" and a corresponding "Fact." They then go on to shed stark reality on the Ideal, dealing with issues like colick, marital problems, the contridictory social messages about career vs family, the threat of poor daycare, etc. They have worst-case scenario stories from women who have experienced the "fact" part of the equation. The result is a very negative portrail of pregnancy and parenting. I bought this at a used bookstore for a shower. After reading it, I didn't want to give it to a first-time mother. Possibly good for discouraging young girls from pregnancy, though.