LIBRARY > Conception, Pregnancy & New Parents

Berkowitz, Richard L., Donald R. Coustan, and Tara K. Mochizuki. Handbook for Prescribing Medications During Pregnancy. Little, Brown & Company, 1986.

An easy-to-use reference guide on drugs for pregnant women. This detailed book lists, in alphabetical order, the generic and trade names of widely available and frequently prescribed drugs. Each drug is then discussed under the following sub-divisions: indications and recommendations, special considerations in pregnancy, dosage, adverse effects, mechanism of action, absorption, and biotransformation. Recommended readings about the drug are also advised. The book has appendices on Vitamins and Minerals, The Effects of Industrial Chemicals on Pregnancy, Antineoplastic Drugs, and The Immunization of the Obstetric Patient. 406 pages.

____________________

Brewer, Sarah. Planning A Baby? A Complete Guide to Pre-Conceptual Care. Optima, 1995.

An interesting book for couples planning to have a baby. The book is divided into three parts: For Future Moms, For Future Dads, and Conception. The author aims at teaching couples that, by taking maximum care of their own health in the six months before conception, they can optimize the chances of a successful outcome. The book argues that the first few weeks of gestation, often before the mother is even aware that she is pregnant, are critical; under-nourishment during this time can affect the baby in later years.
Areas covered include:

- advice on lifestyle and factors that affect early pregnancy
- which vitamins and minerals are needed
- advice for vegetarians
- conception - the myths and the facts
- overview of causes of miscarriage

This book is easy-to-read and a resourceful guide. 296 pages.

____________________

Cosby, Bill. Fatherhood. Berkley Books, 1987.

This book is about Bill Cosby's experiences as a father. The book begins before the birth of his first child and passes through all of the stages leading up to adulthood. He discusses reasons for wanting to be a father, his reactions to the experiences of his wife during pregnancy, and his role and responsibility once the baby arrived. Cosby argues that there is no single method to raising kids. Practice does not lead to perfection because each child is different and needs to be raised in a different way. All in all, Fatherhood is a humourous book and a fast read. 178 pages.

____________________top

Curtis, Glade B. & Schuler, Judith. Your Pregnancy: Questions and Answers. Da Capo Press, 2004.

This informative book provides up-to-date answers to over 1200 frequently asked questions related to pregnancy from the stage prior to conception all the way to after the birth of the baby. Questions and answers are organized in four sections: before pregnancy, during pregnancy, childbirth, and after your baby is born. The authors Curtis and Schuler provide answers to a range of questions. Example topics covered include: health and medical concerns; emotional and physical changes; sex during pregnancy; problems and warning signs. This is a good companion to keep by your side during pregnancy and childbirth. Complete with illustrations, index and glossary. 373 pages.

____________________top

Douglas, Ann and Sussman, John R. Trying Again: A Guide to Pregnancy After Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss. Taylor Trade Publishing, 2000.

It takes courage to attempt another pregnancy after the death of a baby. Trying Again is an empowering book for parents who have lost a child to miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death and are questioning whether they are emotionally ready for another pregnancy. Douglas shares with readers her own personal struggles with the loss of infants to both a stillborn and miscarriage. The book presents parents with advice about preparing and planning for another baby and at the same time, is highly sensitive to places particular emphasis to the emotional needs of parents. Sections include: addressing the causes of pregnancy loss and infant death, help to decide if you are emotionally and physically ready, tips to increase the odds of conceiving, facts on fertility problems, pros and cons of prenatal testing, how to prepare for the birth of the baby and life after the birth of your baby. Each section is organized in an easy-to-follow question and answer format. Includes directory of Canadian organizations (websites, books, online support groups) and Index. 311 pages.

____________________top

Eisenberg, Arlene, Heidi E. Murkoff, and Sandee E. Hathaway. What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Workman Publishing, 1991.

"The pregnancy guide that reassuringly answers the concerns of mothers and fathers-to-be from the planning stage through postpartum." This book is written in a month-by-month format, from conception to the first six weeks of postpartum. There is also a special chapter for, and about, fathers. Each chapter consists of the following sections: what you can expect at this month's check up, what you may be feeling, what you look like, and what you may be concerned about. 454 pages.

____________________

Fleming, Sue. Buff Moms-to-Be: the Complete Guide to Fitness for Expectant Mothers. Villard, 2003

A certified personal trainer, Sue Fleming has created a comprehensive fitness guide for pregnant women. Not only can it make her feel more energetic, Fleming tells her readers, but exercise during pregnancy may also help a woman cope with both pain during labour and post-partum depression. Buff Moms-to-Be outlines simple workouts that any woman, whether she was active pre-conception or not, may do to safely increase her fitness level during pregnancy, including cardiovascular, stretching and strength training exercises (plus an entire section on Kegels!). With photographs clearly demonstrating each movement as well as a chapter on postpartum exercises, Buff-Moms-to-Be is a user-friendly guide to achieving and maintaining a healthy body during pregnancy. Do not begin any exercise program without consulting your physician. Complete with index. 113 pages.

____________________

Kitzinger, Sheila. Homebirth: The Essential Guide to Giving Birth Outside of the Hospital. Macmillan of Canada, 1991.

An informative book on giving birth outside of the hospital. The book discusses several issues, including why to birth outside of a hospital, making the right decision, issues around arranging a birth outside of the hospital, the role of birth midwives, different birth ways (e.g. water birth), and issues dealing with the birth partner. The author presents both the pros and cons of all birthing environments. A good book for pregnant women, or women considering pregnancy, as well as their partners, doctors, midwives, and caregivers. This book has approximately sixty photographs illustrating each step of the process of having a home birth. 208 pages.

____________________

Klaus, Marshall; Kennell, John & Klaus, Phyllis. The Doula Book : How a Trained Labour Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth. Perseus Publishing, 2002.

This book outlines the emotional and physical benefits a doula provides before, during and after labour. "Doula" is a Greek term meaning "woman caregiver" and refer to labour coaches or childbirth assistants. This trained labour companion has the unique role of providing unobtrusive compassionate and experienced support throughout labour and who is immensely attuned to the needs of the mother. Through extensive research, the book demonstrates the positive outcomes of a doula in childbirth. The authors support the tradition of women helping women give birth. This book provides basic advice on finding and working with a doula, how a doula reduces discomfort, pain and anxiety in childbirth, obstetric benefits of doula support, and postpartum care. The authors include personal testaments from parents who had the help of a doula during labour as well as pictures to illustrate points of interest. This guide will help couples plan and capture the priceless experience of childbirth. Included in the appendix: relaxation and self-hypnosis exercises for pregnancy, labour and breast-feeding, and results of clinical trials of labour support. 243 pages.

____________________

La Leche League International. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. New American Library , 1981.

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding shows new mothers how to relax and enjoy breastfeeding. This book is divided into several sections, helping new mothers answer such questions as: what to do during pregnancy to assure a good start in breastfeeding; how to establish and maintain an ample milk supply; how to recognize and overcome common breastfeeding problems; how mothers can breastfeed when they return to work; how and when to introduce solid foods; how breastfeeding can protect the baby's health; and how babies and breastfeeding can affect the mother's sex life. 368 pages.

____________________top

Lansky, Vicki. Welcoming Your Second Baby. The Book Peddlers, 1990.

A good, concise book on welcoming a second baby into the family. The book recommends techniques to prepare your child for the new baby, the methods to help your child adjust to your absence while you are in the hospital, issues around having your child present during delivery, and techniques to prevent your child from feeling left out or jealous. 101 pages.

____________________

Messenger, Máire. The Breastfeeding Book. Deneau Publishers, 1982.

"The Breastfeeding Book provides the facts, practical information and guidance needed to boost the mother's confidence and to help make breastfeeding as simple, enjoyable and successful as possible…It looks in detail at common problems—physical, emotional and social—and how to overcome them, and at those that arise with premature or handicapped babies." Nine descriptive and informative chapters detail the breastfeeding process: The Decision, How Your Body Makes Milk, Preparing to Breastfeed, The Arrival, Coming Home, The Breastfeeding Family, The Growing Baby, Working and Travelling, and Weaning. This easy-to-use reference guide is illustrated throughout and is enhanced by these photographs and detailed line drawings. 128 pages.

____________________

Noble, Elizabeth, with Leo Sorger. Having Twins: A Parent's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, and Early Childhood. Houghton Mifflin, 1991.
A book on, and about, multiple births, with a greater focus on twins. Noble discusses parental concerns, such as: how twins are formed; who has twins; parents' feelings and practical considerations; potential hazards of a multiple pregnancy; treatments to prolong pregnancy and prevent prematurity; as well as the emotional consequences of losing one or both twins. As well, this book discusses the experiences of real parents. 430 pages.

____________________top

Pettersen Infant Products. Baby Trekker. (Video Cassette)

This video demonstrates the Baby Trekker, a baby carrier from Pettersen Infant Products. This comfortable carrier has five versatile positions and fits babies from 8 to 40lbs. This product costs $102 (Canadian).

____________________

Placksin, Sally. Mothering the New Mother. KeyPorter Books, 1994.

Recognizing the need to nurture and support women during their adjustment to motherhood, Mothering the New Mother draws from three years of research and the personal experience of the author. Each chapter is filled with the practical suggestions and hands-on solutions of doctors, caregivers, policy makers and, most importantly, over one hundred new mothers. Checklists and planning sheets let you create your own individual postpartum plan, and chapter-by-chapter annotated listings of newsletters, books, hotlines, videocassettes, support groups, and services reveal where to go for help and information. Most importantly, the candid experiences of other new mothers—married and single, birth and adoptive, older and younger—will reassure you the new mother that she is not alone. Mothering the New Mother is an indispensable companion for anyone embarking on the journey of motherhood. This book consists of nine chapters with a prenatal and a postpartum questionnaire. 328 pages.

____________________

Renfrew, Mary, Chloe Fisher, and Suzanne Arms. Bestfeeding: Getting Breastfeeding Right for You. Celestial Arts, 1990.

This book recognizes that breastfeeding is the best way to feed a baby. It is designed to help the new mother get breastfeeding right for her and her baby from the very beginning, as well as to solve any problems that arise quickly and easily. This book looks at three important subjects: why breastfeeding is best; how to get the basics of breastfeeding right (which includes a checklist); as well as the causes of, and solutions to, breastfeeding problems. Most importantly, Bestfeeding is filled with detailed photographs and illustrations, helping to show new mothers exactly what to do through example. 225 pages.

____________________top

Rothbart, Betty. Multiple Blessings: From Pregnancy Through Childhood, A Guide for Parents of Twins, Triplets or More. Hearst Books, 1994.

Multiple Blessings is a clear presentation of various facts and issues with regards to multiple pregnancies. This book helps parents through all of the stages of pregnancy—from obtaining the best prenatal care to choosing the right hospital for delivery. This book also contains advice on dealing with the infants once they are home: breastfeeding and bottle feeding; parents making time for themselves; helping siblings adjust to the new babies; juggling hectic schedules; nurturing individuality; and giving everyone in the house enough attention, amongst a number of other issues related to raising multiple babies. 384 pages.

____________________

Sears, William. Keys to Becoming a Father. Barron’s Education Series, Inc., 1991.

Sears, a doctor and father, has written a very good book for fathers and fathers-to-be. He gives excellent advice and tips on all aspects of fatherhood, from fathering the pre-born-baby and assisting at childbirth, through sleeping with your baby and sharing childcare functions with the mother. Keys to Becoming a Father offers tips on playing with the baby from birth to twelve months. Sears also discusses issues surrounding the father's role in discipline. Recommended by Infants, Toddlers & Preschoolers: The Best Resources to Help You Parent. 152 pages.

____________________

Simkin, Penny. The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth. Harvard Common Press, 1989.

A book for both the mother-to-be and those assisting her through the childbirth process. Penny Simkin is successful at giving birth partners an increased sense of confidence in helping mothers-to-be and in being able to cope with the labour and birth process in a positive way, enabling the mother to cherish the meaningful memory of giving birth. 241 pages.

____________________

Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Healthy Beginnings: Your Handbook for Pregnancy and Birth. Cadence Communications Inc., 1998.

A handbook for pregnancy and birth offering a uniquely Canadian perspective. This book offers up-to-date clinical information used by physicians to advise women on a healthy pregnancy. It answers many of the questions that patients are hesitant to ask. From preconception to the first few days at home, this book is an excellent interactive guide. 116 pages.

____________________top

Stoppard, Miriam. Conception, Pregnancy and Birth. Macmillan Canada, 1993.

This excellent resource for parents-to-be is a comprehensive approach to childbirth. Dr. Stoppard explains many of the latest medical theories and practices. She discusses issues from preparing for pregnancy to adjusting to parenthood, from food and eating in pregnancy to a sensual pregnancy, and from common complaints to medical emergencies. This book features columns on both mother and baby, which examine the separate needs of the mother and the baby during every stage of pregnancy. There are over 500 illustrations, including photographs, drawings, ultrasounds, and charts. Hardcover. 352 pages.

____________________

Tamony, Katie. Your 2nd Pregnancy: What to Expect This Time. Chicago Review Press, 1995.

Although a woman’s second pregnancy is noticeably different from her first, there are very few books that deal with it specifically; with Your 2nd Pregnancy Katie Tamony has created a useful guide for second-time mothers. Dealing with the changes a woman may experience during second (third, fourth, fifth . . .) pregnancies such as increased weight gain, lack of familial attention, child-birth options, and caring for a child while pregnant, Tamony includes many anecdotes from other mothers in a style both reassuring and supportive. 243 pages.

____________________

Zweiback, Meg. Keys to Preparing and Caring for Your Second Child. Barron’s Educational Series, Inc., 1991.

Parents often face a double challenge when they bring a new baby into a household where they already have a small child. The new baby must be cared for and requires a lot of time, but the older child also requires attention. Meg Zweiback provides sound advice on coping with this situation so that love and care can be shown to both children. The book begins with a discussion on making plans—i.e. when is the right time to have another child—and ends with a discussion on promoting responsibility, dealing with fights, communication skills, and special situations. 149 pages.

____________________

Winkelman, Carol. The Complete Guide to Pregnancy After 30. Adams Media, 2002.

An amazingly comprehensive guide, addressing all issues from conception to delivery, The Complete Guide to Pregnancy after 30 is an excellent resource for more “mature” mothers-to-be. Winkelman seeks to dispel the myths associated with pregnancy and age and instead to detail the realities of pregnancy for women over thirty. Divided into nine sections, each of which deals with a specific phase in pregnancy and early motherhood, The Complete Guide combines anecdotes, medical advice and statistical evidence to help women and their partners make informed choices. This book takes a holistic view of pregnancy, offering information and advice not only on its physical impacts, but also on its psychological and social affects: it discusses how women over thirty can integrate pregnancy and motherhood into their established professional and personal lives. Complete with a detailed bibliography for each section and a comprehensive list of resources and organizations (US only). 760 pages.

____________________top