Lately pregnancy occupies nearly all my thoughts. That's probably because everything I do has to revolve around my pregnancy somehow (i.e. what I eat, what I carry in my purse, where I go and for how long, etc.). That's why I'm starting to get big into pregnancy books. My current read is What to Expect When You're Expecting. I was so pleased when I got it at DI for just $2 (along with What to Expect in the First Year ). The great thing about this day and age is you can get on Amazon and get almost any book used for less that $10.
Then last week I went to lunch with a good friend who just had a baby. She recommended The Happiest Baby on the Block and The Nursing Mother's Problem Solver. That's why I'd like to know, what are some of your recommendations? Obviously no book will make me the perfect parent right away, but I figure it doesn't hurt to read a little beforehand. All I know is if I can increase my knowledge by 1% in the next six months, I'll be more ready to be pregnant and a mom than I was three months ago.
I read ALL the books and took them all with a grain of salt. I looked at What to Expect recently and it seemed really outdated from the first time I read it 14 years ago. Honestly, you probably know everything and will be a lot more relaxed than most first-time parents just from all your aunt experience! The best things I've learned are hold the baby as much as you can, nurse on demand, not on a schedule and don't stress. I'm so excited for you!
ReplyDeleteI read the "what to expect" with James and now I don't even pack my bags for the hospital until the morning of my induction.
ReplyDeleteI like what Circe said about your Auntie experience and about holding your baby, nursing on demand and relaxing.
ReplyDeleteI really liked What to Expect for pregnancy and referred to it for my second pregnancy also, but I only pulled out the first year one a couple times with Max and not at all yet with Sean.
I really like Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child by Weissbluth. When Max was 6 months I hadn't even slept for more than 3 hours straight since he'd been born. I just didn't know what to expect out of him as far as sleeping and naps. It helped me A TON and got him on a sleeping schedule which I needed for my sanity. I can't say I follow it to a tee but I've heard it called the "sleep Bible" and I agree. I wish I'd had it from the beginning. I am very protective of my kids nap times and bed times now. I think the book is mostly common sense but as a first time mom I just didn't know where to start.
a very close friend of mine swears by Baby wise/ Toddler wise. I think it is garbage. Sorry to be so bold, I've never actually read it but know a lot about it from my friend and I just think the strict eating schedule for such young babies and even as they get older is ridiculous.
Bottom line is your own mother's instinct overrides anything you read in a book. I try to remember that Heavenly Father always knows exactly what my child needs when I am doubting myself and remember to pray always!
I hate What to Expect! It treats everything like a crisis and pregnant women like they are sick and fragile. I love The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger.... Definitely my favorite. And Happies Baby on the Block is great!! I thought those things were fairly intuitive, but I am surprised how many moms I work with don't know what to do when their baby is upset. And Babywise IS garbage.... Also the AAP strongly discourages parents from following it because it led to failure to thrive in some infants. But whatever you read, take most of it with a grain of salt, especially the parenting books. You will know what works for you and Ben once you get into a groove, and every baby is different!
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