ATTN: CALLING ALL MOTHERS

[kaisergirl]

Quick background: My DH and I will be trying to conceive in August. I'm 27 years old, no children, been married almost 6 years.

Now my question is: If there was one book that really gave you valuable information about being pregnant, after birth, etc what was your favorite?

I'm a reader and would like to start reading up now so I'll have as much knowledge as possible!!!!!!

Thanks in advance!!!!!!!

[kellyann29]

Well, good luck to you!! I am 29 and have two kids, boy and girl and my favorite book was "What to expect while pregnant" I think thats the name. By Eisenberg,Murkoff,and Hathaway.

It takes you month by month, and answers almost any question you would have. I read this book all the time with my first one. They also have other ones as your child grows called "What to expect the first year" and "What to expect the toddler years". I highly recommend both!!

I bought my sister this book when she got pregnant with her first, she used hers all the time also.

Good Luck to you and DH.

[kellyann29]

Sorry---- the name of the first book was "What To Expect When Your Expecting"-- I knew it was close to that!! LOL

[jacysmama]

I recommend The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy. Very funny and you get all the info that the 'scientific' books leave out. My other favorite for when you actually get preg is Your Pregnancy Week by Week. It gives you items to compare baby's in-utero size to - grape...strawberry...lemon, etc. And it gives you information specific to *that* week. The only hard part is trying not to read ahead!

For *trying* to get preg I recommend Taking Charge of Your Fertility. Can't tell you the authors on any of these, sorry, but any bookstore will have all three as they're pretty popular.

I didn't care as much for the What to Expect series because there is so much info in them on any little thing that could go wrong (but very likely WON'T). I didn't really need that while preg.

Good luck!!!!

Jessica, Jacy (1/7/97) and Jenna (1/29/03)

[JustKim]

I also wasn't really keen on the "What to expect" it was okay...but not really positive and was very alarmist I thought.

The Girlfriends Guide really tells it like it is LOL

Didn't really like "What to expect..."

I re-read it when expecting my 3rd, and found that it just didn't ring true with my experiences. (and I agree w/Kim--a bit alarmist)

I recommend Dr. Sear's books. I can't remember the name of any of them...

Good luck, and remember, take everyone's advice w/a grain of salt--the best way to raise a child is by following your instincts!

[kaisergirl]

Thank you everyone! I appreciate the time you took to reply! I'm going to the library today to find some books. It' s just so overwhelming, I knew there would be hundreds of books, I just wanted to have some idea of what I was looking for!!!

thanks again
mandi

[Lee A]

by Sheila Kitzinger

actual pictures of babies being born
helpful advice
pro lowcarb
contains weekly progress
and also caring for your newborn

had What To Expect...and gave it away

Good Luck

I had the what to expect book and my husband took it away from me because it was scaring me so much. I had a journal with daily updates called "The Pregnancy Journal" by A. Christine Harris, Ph.D. It was really helpful and so cool to see when my baby developed ears, hands, etc. I also loved the discovery health channel's "birth day" on tv. It was a realistic birthing show that I learned so much from. I watched it every day. There is also "a baby story" and "maternity ward" on TLC. Congratulations on making this life altering decision. It really is the most amazing thing you will ever do.

[smiley]

Definitely recommend the "Pregnancy Week by Week" book by Dr Curtis.

Also enjoyed the Girlfriends Guide to pregnancy.

I'd also strongly recommend Taking Charge of Your Fertility if you have any difficulties conceiving.

THe "what to expect" series was decent, but I agree with several other posters, it was a bit alarmist.

If you are a garage sale shopper, you should be able to find the pregnancy books easily at garage sales. Good luck.

[Timmysmum]

Baby Love
By Robin Barker
Its an Aussie author but all my mums group used it and loved it. Became our baby bible.... Very practical
Concentrates on the first year....

[codysmom]

State Farm auto insurance will send you a free book if you call them. Luckily I had State Farm insurance at the time, but that is not a requirement. I really can't remember the name of the book but you can probably go to the Babycenter.com bulletin boards and ask. That's where I found out about the book originally. Babycenter.com is an excellent resource as well (they were able to answer questions I couldn't find in any of my books). Anyways, the book is an encyclopedia sized hard back with wonderful photos. I was midway through my pregnancy and knew I was expecting a boy when I received the book. There was a photo of a male fetus in utero that was at the same week of development as my baby. It was a fantastic picture.

Susan

[farmgirl_05]

I believe the State Farm book is "The Mayo Clinic Guide to Pregnancy and the first year.
CW

[LisaBisa]

I hated what to expect when you're expecting. I worry over every thing anyway, and did NOT need MORe things to worry about.

Your pregnancy week by week was great.

and the girlfriends guide.

Lisa