mommymedia : babies

Vaccines: What You Should Know

Madelyn8278 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:42:00 GMT

This book really covers a lot, but is still a quick read. Doctors Paul Offit and Louis Bell provide a clear understanding of vaccines, the diseases they treat, the origin of each vaccine, and how they are developed. The result is a clear-cut, factual representation of precisely what is being injected in us when we get vaccinated.

The information is extremely helpful in determining which vaccines are necessary. In addition to the bulk of the content on childhood immunizations, it also covers teenage, adult and elderly vaccinations as well. Quite honestly, while they claim to provide scientific evidence against theories that vaccines can cause certain disorders, they fail miserably and it’s obvious how biased their views are. However, that problem does not take away from the very basic and necessary information that they do provide.

If you are looking to solve the vaccine-disease debates, then look elsewhere. This book does, however, provide you with enough information to pursue further research with a solid understanding of the basics of vaccines.

Pick up your copy here.

The Practical Encyclopedia of Pregnancy, Babycare and Nutrition for Babies and Toddlers

Satya — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:04:00 GMT

This is a great reference book for pregnant women and parents of children up to 18 months of age. It covers all the basics that mom and dad will need to know and includes valuable information on feeding a newborn, recipes, fussy-eaters guides, nutritional information and more.

The largest section features homemade baby food recipes. The recipes range from simple purees for babies just beginning to eat solids to thicker styles for older babies, as wells as more well-rounded recipes for toddlers. Each recipe includes nutritional information for easy reference.

This book may leave the reader wanting more information as it tends to cover topics broadly without delving into too much detail. However, it is a great starting point for expecting and new parents. Pick up a copy here.

Dunstan Baby Language DVD

Satya — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:01:00 GMT

This two-disc DVD set, full of fascinating and useful information about the Dunstan Baby Language, is presented in an informal and low-tech format, perfect for teaching new parents how to evaluate their baby’s different cries to determine his or her needs.

Dunstan Baby Language founder Priscilla Dunstan was inspired to better understand her son Thomas’s various cries when he was a colicky baby. She began recording his cries, discovered patterns and successful settling methods and wanted to share her discovery with other parents. She found that every newborn uses five distinct sounds that signal hunger, tiredness, need to burp, lower wind/gas and discomfort. For example, the sucking reflex makes a sound of “neh,” meaning the baby is hungry. The videos provide plenty of examples of the sounds babies make from many different infants, making recognizing them in your own infant easy.

The videos are filled with testimonies from mothers who were amazed at how well they could suddenly understand their baby’s needs based on their cries. The second disc features a group of women using the Dunstan Baby Language with their babies to demonstrate how easy it is to learn and use. The Dunstan technique seems very effective but may take some time to understand the mixed signals some babies send; however Priscilla provides easy tips on how to decipher these mixed sounds. In addition to the technique, Priscilla also gives lessons on methods of burping, feeding, holding and more.

This is a great DVD for a rental; however, because the Dunstan language consists of just a few “words” you may find you only refer back to the DVD for Priscilla’s helpful lessons. Pick up a copy here.

Babies and Other Hazards of Sex: How to Make a Tiny Person in Only 9 Months With Tools You Probably Have Around the Home

Satya — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:53:00 GMT

Dave Barry has an impressive following. Not only is he the author of more than 20 books, but he is also a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist whose articles appear in hundreds of newspapers every week. What draws millions of readers to Barry’s work is his uncanny ability to see everyday things from a uniquely humorous perspective. In “Babies and Other Hazards of Sex,” Barry shares these perspectives on everything from sex to childbirth to parenting, referring to natural childbirth as “a pop phenomenon of the 1960s that, along with paisley bell-bottoms and creative sideburns, deserves a rest.” This book is a fun and entertaining read for everyone, whether you’re a parent, non-parent or parent-to-be. While its comical exaggerations will make you laugh until your sides hurt, as all of Barry’s books do, “Babies and Other Hazards of Sex” also provides an accurate description of pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood. One reader says “Dave Barry hits the nail right on the head” with his advice to adults about dirty diapers, burping bibs and other not-so-pleasant baby behaviors. We think you’ll find Barry’s candid and humorous approach refreshing, especially if you’ve read other baby books that may have led you to believe that a baby will bring you nothing but joy and wonder. Basically, as this book tells you, be prepared for the gross stuff, too! Pick up a copy here.

Twins! (2nd Edition): Pregnancy, Birth and the First Year of Life

Satya — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:15:00 GMT

Since 1980, the increasing use of fertility treatments and the advancing age of many mothers in the United States has increased the birth rate of twins by nearly 45 percent. For mothers-to-be who are part of this rapidly growing group, it can still be difficult to find helpful, thorough information to guide them on their journey of carrying, delivering and raising twins. “Twins!” is a must-have pregnancy book made specifically for parents of – what else? – twins! Authors Connie Agnew, M.D., and Alan Klein, M.D., refer to the voyage from pregnancy through a lifetime of parenting twins as a “truly epic journey,” incorporating in their book a combination of helpful facts, educated opinion and candid discussions between the authors and a panel of twins' parents, which nicely outlines the journey’s first course for expectant parents of multiples. The format of “Twins!” is similar to the ever-popular “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” breaking information down into chapters of gestational weeks, outlining basic fetal development, mom’s changing body and other transitional issues. Chapters are further enhanced by illustrations of a mother’s pregnant body and her developing twins. One reader says, “The resource guide for parents [of twins] is excellent,” as, she says, is the information about immunizations and supplemental medicine. The other half of “Twins!” focuses on the first year of parenting twins, the challenges you might face in your relationships with you children and with each other. If you’re having twins, read this book! Pick up a copy here.

Preemies: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies

Satya — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:52:00 GMT

Dana Linden, Emma Paroli & Mia Doron, M.D.

One out of every eight babies in the U.S. is born prematurely – a 30 percent increase over rates in 1981 – but in the majority of these cases the mothers have no known risk of giving birth early, so it’s impossible for them to prepare for the challenges and emotions they will experience in the neonatal unit.

“Preemies,” written by two mothers (with the help of a physician who specializes in neonatology) who met in the hospital when their babies were born just a bit too early, gives new parents a crash course in premature newborns in the form of a comprehensive guidebook. The authors fulfill the overwhelming need for information with remarkable clarity in this informative book, offering straightforward answers to a long list of questions any worried parent might have.

“Preemies” covers a plethora of issues in four main sections (Before Birth, In the Hospital, A Life Together and Other Considerations) including risk factors, possible problems in the newborn’s first days, taking the baby home, possible long-term prognoses and more. While medical information is presented in detail, the authors maintain a personal, reassuring tone throughout the book, explaining that, although their organs and body functions are not fully developed, most premature babies are generally healthy. The information is presented in question-and-answer format, which makes it simple to navigate the book and find exactly what you’re looking for. It also serves as a useful tool for communicating with medical staff at the hospital, which can be a daunting task for new parents who have questions but aren’t sure how to ask them. In addition, the resource guide and glossary are especially helpful.

So if you’re a parent of a premature baby and you’re looking for an authoritative, practical, and encouraging reference tool, “Preemies” is the book that will both meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Pick up a copy here.

The New Breastfeeding Diet Plan

Satya — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:54:00 GMT

The New Breastfeeding Diet Plan is a must-read for any mother, although it would be better described by a title like A Guide to Nutrition during Reproduction. The information it provides is not only valuable during the breastfeeding phase, but also during pregnancy, after birth and beyond.

While the technical language used by authors Rountree and Block may be confusing as they explain how the body works and reacts to nutrients and minerals from different foods, it is well worth taking the time to analyze it and understand it.

The New Breastfeeding Diet Plan is the kind of book that you’ll want to keep close by for reference as it’s filled with helpful resources from where to get nutritious foods and organics to information on toxins found in breast milk and how to reduce them. It also includes a list of other books that focus on nutrition and recipes for families.

The authors’ expertise really shines through in every chapter of the book. Their voices are caring and understanding, making it a more pleasant read than some of the more cookie-cutter parenting books out there. And although it is dense with information, it is a relatively small book making for a quick read and a good go-to reference guide.

The bottom line? The New Breastfeeding Diet Plan is a great book that encompasses everything you need to know about nutrition for you and your baby. Pick up a copy here.

Pregnancy Sucks: What to Do When Your Miracle Makes You Miserable

Madelyn8278 — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:45:00 GMT

For the woman who feels like an outcast because she isn’t particularly enjoying her pregnancy, “Pregnancy Sucks: What to Do When Your Miracle Makes You Miserable” is the book for you. Despite the title’s negative tone, Joanne Kimes’ book doesn’t put pregnancy in a negative light, nor does it discount from the fact that childbearing is a precious gift. Instead, it assures readers that, yes, pregnancy can suck, but in the end, it’s worth the trouble.

Oftentimes when a woman is pregnant, people around her imply that she shouldn’t feel as bad as she does, as if her morning sickness, cramps, backaches and constipation are not as uncomfortable as she deems them to be. With sensitive reassurance and a refreshing sense of humor, Kimes uses personal experience and advice from fellow mothers to tell you that you don’t have to be thrilled about the possibility of an episiotomy. You don’t have to be excited about taking 15 bathroom breaks a day. And while the happiness that comes from seeing your beautiful bundle of joy for the first time will eventually outweigh the negative aspects of your pregnancy, “Pregnancy Sucks” reminds you that it’s okay to think so.

Get a copy here.

Babyproofing Your Marriage

Madelyn8278 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:48:00 GMT

There’s no question that you love your husband as much as you love being a mom, but there’s also no denying that parenthood can be pretty tough on a marriage. Since you had children, do you and your spouse see things differently? Do you find yourselves arguing about things like your in-laws, division of responsibilities, or the void in your sex life? Filled with lots of humor and practical advice, “Babyproofing Your Marriage” can help you reconnect with your spouse, so that having kids doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your relationship.

Co-authors Stacie Cockrell, Cathy O’Neill and Julia Stone know how important it is to nurture a marriage after a baby is born. In “Babyproofing,” these three women explore the transition to parenthood in light of their own experiences, with input from their husbands and thoughts from couples across the country. From avoiding the “10 o’clock shoulder tap” to remembering the three A’s (appreciation, acknowledgment, and affirmation), “Babyproofing” has several useful, upbeat suggestions to help you and your spouse reach greater marital harmony. One mom says, “[This book] had a profound impact on how I think about marriage and parenthood, which will ultimately make me a better parent and a better spouse.”

“Babyproofing Your Marriage” is an invaluable read. It will teach you how to laugh more, argue less, and communicate better as your family grows.

Get a copy here.

Sign With Your Baby: How to Communicate With Infants Before They Can Speak

Madelyn8278 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:12:00 GMT

Here’s a book that offers more than just a good read.

The discovery that babies as young as seven months old can understand sign language much earlier than spoken language was the inspiration for Joseph Garcia’s book “Sign With Your Baby,” which offers new moms and dads an effective way to communicate with their children before they can speak.

Using anecdotes, illustrations, practical guidelines and humor, Garcia teaches parents how to use simple sign language gestures to communicate with their babies during the pre-speech phase by recognizing when their children are receptive to learning signs, recommending which signs to teach first and sharing ideas for games to help make the learning process fun.

One of the things readers appreciate most about “Sign With Your Baby” is that Garcia advocates the use of American Sign Language (ASL). While other baby sign language books encourage parents to make up “easier” signs as they go along, babies who learn to sign using ASL are developing a skill they can use well into the future.

As one mother put it, “‘Sign With Your Baby’ is a godsend to frustrated infants and their parents everywhere.”

Get yourself a copy here.