Recommended Reading


Breastfeeding Made Simple

Editorial Review


Breastfeeding is natural, but it’s not always easy. It is the biological norm, but it is not the cultural norm. By learning the seven basic principles in this book, mothers can dramatically increase their likelihood of success and make breastfeeding the enjoyable experience it should be. The seven laws taught in this book are easy for mothers to understand and are sure to help them avoid some of the pitfalls that they might otherwise face.


The seven principles include: 1. Babies Have the Urge to Self-Attach 2. Use the Power of Skin-to-Skin: A Baby’s Natural Habitat 3. Breastfeed Ad Lib 4. Reach for the Comfort Zone 5. Expect Cluster Nursing 6. More Milk Out = More Milk Made 7. Babies Outgrow Breastfeeding


The book also addresses how to solve common problems and deal with special situations such as breast reductions and babies with special needs. The authors describe some of the social, psychological, and cultural reasons why breastfeeding is not currently the norm, and what this implies for mothers. In all, this is an easy-to-use breastfeeding resource for new mothers, which includes all the latest research and techniques used by those in the lactation field.


Birthing from Within

Editorial Review


England, a registered nurse and certified nurse midwife, developed the "birthing from within" approach in a series of birthing classes to help mothers reclaim and celebrate the spiritual, emotional, and psychological aspects of birth as a rite of passage. Her book is a collection of methods that have been used for class participants. England is quick to point out that this "is not a script or a rigid method," and she encourages parents and professionals to use those portions that are helpful. There are numerous exercises and activities to help parents, especially mothers, be in contact with their bodies and feelings. The author recommends throughout that the mother and her healthcare professional work together, giving numerous suggestions for making this a successful partnership. England has done a fair amount of research and does include numerous references; at the same time, she makes it a very personal book. It will appeal especially to patrons interested in alternative birthing methods. For large consumer health/patient education collections. [For another title recommending a more spiritual approach to childbirth, see Ronald L. Cole's The Gentle Greeting, LJ 6/1/98.?Ed.]?Mary J. Jarvis, Methodist Hosp. Medical Lib., Lubbock, T.

-Mary J. Jarvis, Methodist Hosp. Medical Lib., Lubbock, TX


Yoga Mom, Buddha Baby

Editorial Review


I loved the ritual of going to Jyothi’s yoga classes…I felt like I was doing something not only for myself but for my baby as well. Jyothi is an amazing person and an incredibly talented and nurturing instructor.

-Ricki Lake


Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents

Editorial Review


Vimala's work in infant massage has been instrumental in the birth of touch therapy and bodywork in the United States and has helped to popularize and legitimize massage throughout the world.

-Peggy O'Mara, founder and publisher of Mothering magazine


The Birth Book

Editorial Review


In The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying Birth, William and Martha Sears, authors of The Baby Book and creators of the concept of "attachment parenting," here turn their attention to the birth experience. In this helpful resource guide, the Searses cover the gamut of possibilities, and teach readers what they need to know to take control of their own birthings. The Birth Book is divided into three parts: "Preparing for Birth," "Easing Pain in Labor," and "Experiencing Birth." You'll find details about vaginal births; cesareans; VBACs; water births; home births; best birthing positions; drugs; pain; how to design your own birth plan; the humor, chemistry, and sexuality of birth; and pages and pages of birth stories.

-Amazon.com


The Pregnancy Book

Editorial Review


The Searses, popular childcare experts and authors (e.g., Parenting the Fussy Baby and High-Need Child, LJ 8/96), have teamed up with obstetrician Holt to give us this work. Using a month-by-month format with nice illustrations that show normal fetal development, they discuss a wide range of pregnancy options without judgmental bias. Scattered throughout are helpful hints and stories from other pregnant mothers that give the book a comfortable feel. Unfortunately, adequate information on possible problems is missing from the text itself, though the preface does note that rare conditions are covered in an appendix (not available for review). A nice supplement to Arlene Eisenberg and Heidi Merkoff's What To Expect When You're Expecting (Workman, 1995. rev. ed.) and The Mayo Clinic Complete Book of Pregnancy & Baby's First Year (LJ 1/95). Given the popularity of the authors, expect requests.

-Kelly Jo Houtz Griffin, Auburn, Wash.


Itsy Bitsy Yoga

Editorial Review


Helen Garabedian's Itsy Bitsy Yoga program has provided hundreds of moms and dads with a nurturing, cuddly way to bond with their young children...and it's fun! Parents will love this book.

-Dr. Harvey Karp:  author of The Happiest Baby on the Block


Baby Signs Starter Kit

Editorial Review


Based on the original sign language program for babies, the Baby Signs® Complete Starter Kit has everything parents and their babies need for a successful start to signing fun. This value-packed Kit contains: Parent Guide to the Baby Signs® Program: An illustrated step-by-step signing guide for parents and caregivers. 80 pages. Parent DVD: A video introduction to the Baby Signs® Program. Also includes Video Dictionary with real-life demonstrations of the100 signs that are most useful to babies. My Favorite Signs DVD: Video for babies that teaches signs through captivating animation, playful puppets and delightful signing babies. Signs at a Glance Flipper: 86 signs on a unique flip-card with magnetic backing for easy display. Baby Signs® Board Books: A set of 4" x 4" board books for little hands with colorful illustrations and a review page at the end of each book that encourages even more signing fun and interaction. Titles include: My Mealtime Signs My Bedtime Signs My Bath Time Signs My Pets Signs

-Amazon.com


Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover

Editorial Review


"Winning at money is 80 percent behavior and 20 percent head knowledge." So states Ramsey, author and radio show host, offering a comprehensive plan to get out of debt and achieve financial fitness. Our current financial position represents the sum total of the decisions we've made to this point, he tells us, and we must take personal responsibility for our financial problems. His seven-step plan includes paying off all debts except the home mortgage at an accelerated speed, creating a financial safety net that covers three to six months' expenses, investing 15 percent of income in a retirement fund, and saving for children's college expenses. He effectively shows how regular people can rid themselves of debt and grow their wealth using current income. While many of Ramsey's concepts are not new, his simple approach and client testimonials will resonate with a broad range of library patrons. This is important information in a society buried in debt, with unprecedented numbers of people facing bankruptcy.

-Mary Whaley



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