mommymedia : expectant mothers

Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy

Satya — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:09:00 GMT

David SteenBlock, M.S., D.O. and Anthony G. Payne, Ph. D. wrote this short book for the average person looking for answers about stem cells. Vivid stories of miraculous healing fill the majority of the pages but the reader will also find a first-rate science lesson about how stem cells work as well as a deeper look into nutrition and lifestyle choices.

The authors begin by providing a basic lesson on stem cells derived from embryos, umbilical cord blood, and those residing in each living thing. The reader learns how stem cells work and how doctors have harnessed their ability to transform. It’s fascinating to learn that stem cells have been under investigation for about 100 years, although it is just within the last few years that they have been used as treatment for disease and disorders.

The bulk of the book will convince any reader of the benefits of using stem cell therapy. Stories of otherwise normal lives devastated by neurological diseases, stroke, and accidents will give the reader a small view into what it might be like to cling to hope against every doctor’s negative prognosis. Stem cells arrive in each of the stories as a miracle treatment for people who physically could not swallow, walk or hold up their head. It’s interesting to note that most of the stories don’t seem to have been in the mainstream media as these patients were getting treatments in Mexico where federal regulations do not apply. The most recent anecdote featured in the book took place in 2005 and the political landscape today is more accommodating of these still-experimental treatments.

Rest assured the authors are not trying to get you to pay to bank your cord blood. Not one of the stories includes someone using their own or family members cord blood. However, after reading the benefits that people have derived from publicly-banked stem cells, you may be compelled to look again at the possibility of banking a matching stem cell for yourself and your children. On the whole, this book will help any expectant mother make an educated decision about what to do with her baby’s umbilical cord blood. 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.

They Lied! True Tales of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Breastfeeding

Satya — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:39:00 GMT

In a compilation of true-life stories submitted by parents around the world, co-creators of the book They Lied! True Tales of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Breastfeeding Theresa Kane and Tamara Talbot provide an outlet for mothers everywhere to share their funny, priceless, offbeat and often touching stories of pregnancy and parenthood. Filled from page to page with real-life experiences that celebrate the entire childbearing experience, from pre-conception gymnastics to infants dancing while they nurse, They Lied! is truly a delightful read.

With a heavy dose of humor and an equal touch of candor, an hour reading this book is like an hour spent with a pregnancy and parenting support group. One reader says, “You can’t understand the total experience of pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding without reading this book.” If you’re looking for a break from all the medical information you’ve received from your doctor and other pregnancy books, consider adding They Lied! to your baby shower gift registry. After experiencing countless uninvited belly rubs and “leaking” breasts, you’re sure to find relief in knowing that many women before you have survived uncomfortable and often embarrassing situations. Hilarious and heartwarming, They Lied! does a wonderful job of enlightening a topic that sometimes seems overwhelming, and helps expectant mothers realize they’re not in it alone. Pick up a copy here.