Designed to transform the experience of childbirth, this manual calls upon the use of the timeless and powerful symbol of the labyrinth in 12 simple meditations and ceremonies. Ideal as a tool for centering the self and calming the body and mind, this guide ushers readers through the inner journey of the childbearing year--from pregnancy and labor through the postpartum stage. A variety of labyrinths--including four childbirth-related labyrinths from the Hopi and Papago cultures in the American Southwest and two others from India--are presented in this handbook and cover topics that include helping mothers focus on their emotional and spiritual state preparation for birth, aid in calming the mind and steadying breathing during birth, and allowing parents to fully process their experiences. Instructions for drawing a classic labyrinth, ideas for personalizing the design, and labyrinth "seeds"--start-up patterns for six variations of labyrinth--are also included. The timeless and powerful symbol of the labyrinth forms the core of this collection of 12 simple meditations and ceremonies designed to transform the experience of childbirth. The inner journey through the childbearing year--from pregnancy through labor and postpartum stages--is enhanced through the use of labyrinths as a tool for meditation and centering. Studies show that walking or finger-tracing a labyrinth slows down and balances brain waves, calms the body and mind, and helps access intuitive knowing. During pregnancy, labyrinth meditations help the mother focus on her emotional and spiritual preparation for birth and mothering. In labor, the labyrinth helps to calm the mind, steady the breath, and ease pain. Postpartum, the Birth Story Labyrinth helps parents process and integrate their experience in labor. A variety of labyrinths--including four childbirth-related labyrinths from the Hopi and Papago cultures in the American Southwest and two others from India--are presented in this handbook. Instructions for drawing a classic labyrinth, ideas for personalizing the design, and labyrinth "seeds"--start-up patterns for six variations of labyrinth--are also included. The labyrinth meditations and rituals may be practiced privately or may be used to enrich mother blessing ceremonies and baby showers.

Birth Like a Man is a field guide for future fathers or non-birthing partners. This pocket-sized book is filled with tips, reminders and summaries to help you support your partner's pregnancy process; from helping with morning sickness, setting up a birth plan, going out for the first time or changing diapers. See this book as the cheat-sheet to your parenting and partner exam, but unlike any other school exam, the parenting-school-year hasn't even begun. This book is for everyone who thinks they have a more active, supportive role to play in the delivery of their child than those millennia old stereotypical gender roles teach us. It is a short, snappy and easily navigable guide to make being a true parenting partner just a little bit easier.

Full of vibrant illustrations, annotated diagrams, and first-hand accounts, Be Pregnant is a fun and comforting companion for this exciting (and highly anticipatory!) time in a pregnant person's life. Eugenia Viti's charming mix of insider info and humor provide a much-needed laugh about: - Strangers trying to touch your belly. - Feelings of inadequacy about stroller prices. - The all-powerful birth plan. With quirky yet universal anecdotes, personal "Something That May Happen . . ." sections, and an inclusive illustration program welcoming all moms, Be Pregnant is the perfect gift for an expecting friend or baby shower.

In modern maternity systems one in four women have their labour induced. Why Induction Matters provides a comprehensive, evidence-based guide to this common intervention. The induction process is explained in detail, and reasons for offering induction are discussed. Options related to inducing labour or choosing to wait are explored, and women's experiences are included throughout. The book aims to help parents make their own informed decisions about induction of labour.

Our Baby’s Album is an album for the Muslim parent to keep track of their child's milestones from birth to 5 years. With an Islamic ethos, this product allows parents to use the templates to help spark their creativity and allows them to keep those memories stored for safekeeping. Our Baby’s Album allows you to: add in your baby’s biographical details; the details of baby’s day of birth; the Aqeeqah; Tahneek details; keep track of your baby’s measurements; fun quirks of your baby; keep track of other important milestones like ‘first eid’, ‘first day at school’, etc.; add pictures; and store it as an heirloom for many years as it it protected by a hard cover. This can be a wonderful gift to your child when they reach adulthood. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

Write Now. Read Later. Treasure Forever.Letters to the New Mom will inspire you to celebrate her with advice, encouragement, and good cheer. Sign the letters, seal them with the enclosed stickers, and off the completed book to the new mom. She'll treasure your words well after her baby is all grown up! Each letter is printed with a unique prompt like: I wish for you and your family... Remember, you can always count on me for... My brightest hope for your baby it... Included are 12 letters that will inspire a lifetime of love, advice, and support from the new mom's trusted loved ones. She will be an amazing mother and this time capsule will keep reminding her of it! Fill out Letters to the New Mom yourself or invite 12 people to write one letter each. It's a great baby shower activity and gift! Each letter has a space to write when it was sealed and when it should be opened (will it be tomorrow or in 20 years?). Seal letters with the included stickers before giving this time capsule to the amazing new mom!

The perfect gift for every parent, this book explores the amazing effect of love on the developing brains of babies and toddlersShaped by Love celebrates the interactions between babies and toddlers and the most significant people in their young lives-their parents and caregivers. It details developmental phases from infancy through toddlerhood and offers information and beautiful images that encourage healthy and nurturing childcare. Children's minds are molded by experience, and science tells us that the way a parent touches, holds, looks at, and responds to babies and toddlers has a lifelong impact on the way that this brand-new person will come to see the world and their place within it. Filled with irresistible images of babies and toddlers and first-person quotes, Shaped by Love is appealing to flip through. It is also a captivating read with well-researched child-rearing advice and information included in each chapter.

A baby book inspired by one of the best-loved children's books ever. Guess how much it will be treasured when baby grows up
Set against beautiful illustrations from "Guess How Much I Love You," here is a truly endearing keepsake that invites parents to enter firsts, favorites, and fondest memories of their little one's life. Starting even before baby is born, Mom or Dad can share excitement while expecting, then capture moments from birth to age two -- from the most personal details to world events -- in words, pictures, footprints, memorabilia, and more.

The fourth book in Dawn Dais's popular Sh!t No One Tells You series offers "been there, freaked out about that" advice for expectant parents

The fourth title in Dawn Dais's popular parenting series, The Sh!t No One Tells You About Pregnancy is quite possibly the funniest, and most heartfelt, yet. After all, pregnancy is not all about scanning Pinterest for baby shower themes and registering for ironic onesies, and sometimes the less flattering aspects of gestation have a way of dimming a bit of that so-called pregnancy glow.

Not to worry! Dawn is here, ready to shepherd you through the experience of one human body taking on the task of growing another human body. (Spoiler alert: It ain't always pretty.)

Dawn covers it all, sharing expert lists, tips, warnings, and even a series of Parent-Training Workouts designed to increase readers' tolerance to the various indignities of parenthood, like peeing with an audience and surviving an afternoon in Chuck E. Cheese.

The Sh!t No One Tells You About Pregnancy is a must-have guide for expectant moms (and their partners!) who are looking for some counsel, comedy, and camaraderie during their ultimate countdown to parenthood.

'Warning: so funny, even the strongest pelvic floors will be tested' - Net Mums 'A very funny, honest look at the ups and downs of parenting. I absolutely loved it.' - Emily Dean, host of Walking the Dog 'Lucy, a favourite comic of mine, manages to shed new light on something so universal. Her reaction to parenting is ridiculously refreshing and loaded with guilty laugh out loud honesty. After the school run, I implore you to pick a page, any page, then realise you're not alone. A gentle funny stroke of parenting genius' - Johnny Vegas 'As a mum of two girls, I was nodding, laughing and emotional. I recognised so much of Lucy's journey in my own... I really loved it.' YolanDa Brown, BBC Loose Ends From TV's award-winning comedy mum and the writer of Hullraisers, Lucy Beaumont, comes her hilarious debut on the trials and tribulations of motherhood. Known for her sharp, witty and surreal view on everyday life, Lucy shares the unpredictable craziness of being a mum in this brilliant and laugh-out-loud 'mumoir'. Mums everywhere will recognise the madness of it all. Like when Lucy was hospitalised during her third trimester with chest pains but it turned out to be a burrito. Or when she was so tired at the park she forgot her own child's name. Heart-warming and laugh-out-loud funny, Drinking Custard also captures Lucy's marriage to comedian Jon Richardson, as they navigate Lucy's raging pregnancy hormones and balk at pram prices together. Get ready to make room on mum's bookshelf for Drinking Custard to sit alongside other mum classics such as Why Mummy Drinks, Hurrah For Gin! and The Unmumsy Mum.

Along with our human hands and their loving touch, we welcome babies into the world with the sound of a human voice. Our speech and song is a creative force which helps form a child, weaving a warm nest of protection around him or her. This book, by three experienced early years educators, is full of songs, verses and games for use with very young children. Parents will find a wealth of wonderful resources to help their babies and toddlers develop healthily during this critical period.

Pregnancy is a time of profound physical and psychological change. The transition to motherhood can be complex and difficult, and in all the discourse about pregnancy and birth the huge personal changes that women undergo can be overlooked. In the 21st century it can seem that mothers are blamed and blame themselves for everything, as they struggle to manage their multiple identities as mothers, lovers, sisters and daughters. Why Mothering Matters is a nuanced and revealing discussion of how it can feel to become a mother in modern society. It calls for better recognition of the work of motherhood, and better support for women and families as they learn what parenting looks like for them.

This is a straight-talking, woman-to-woman postnatal recovery guide with a difference. These tailored Pilates exercises are safe and effective to build strong foundations, whatever your exercise goals.

Clear step-by-step exercises are suitable for the fourth trimester, caesarean recovery and year one and beyond. Take control of your postnatal recovery and feel empowered with this toolkit of resources.

Health, fitness and wellbeing advice will help replenish and renew your energy in mind, body and spirit.

Learn how to check for abdominal separation and recognise the signs of pelvic floor weakness - what it means and what you can do about it.

Posture tips, easily incorporated into your day-to-day life - while breastfeeding, pushing your buggy, at your desk, picking up your toddler.

Routines are realistic and manageable as they are broken down into bite-sized 10/20/30-minute blocks.

As rates of multiple births increase, birth professionals are discovering a distinct lack of resources to support parents who wish to breastfeed. Written in an accessible format, Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets is a source of information for parents, lactation consultants, birthing professionals and healthcare workers wishing to support multiple birth families. Stagg's evidence-based guide discusses the discovery of a multiple pregnancy, how families can prepare for breastfeeding, premature birth, hand expressing and pumping as well as transitioning premature babies onto the breast and moving away from tube feeds. Stagg's own experience of breastfeeding her twins and career as a breastfeeding counsellor and lactation consultant with the IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants) ensures this guide is filled with practical knowledge to support multiple birth families in their journey.

Few experiences can compare to the trauma and pain of losing a baby; and the wall of silence that often surrounds that loss can make grieving even harder. Loving You From Here explores the traumatic impact of losing a baby through stillbirth and neonatal death. It features the moving stories of multiple families; some affected recently, some decades ago, but still living with the loss. This book is a practical guide for grieving parents in the grips of tragedy, and those around them who want to be able to offer support. From managing those initial feelings of shock, grief, guilt and anger, this book will also show families how it is possible to grow around that grief and eventually form an enduring bond with their baby. This profound and insightful book will help everyone impacted by the loss of a baby - before, during or after birth - including those who have suffered an early or a late miscarriage and those who have had an ectopic pregnancy, and provides sensitive and reassuring advice on all aspects of loss and bereavement, as well as practical advice on how to find a new normal. This groundbreaking book breaks through the suffocating silence that surrounds the death of a baby and gives a voice to all those affected by baby loss.

Whether you want to boost your fertility, ensure your body is in the best possible shape before birth, or get it back afterwards, staying active and eating healthily is more important than ever. James Duigan's Clean & Lean philosophy has encouraged thousands to improve their diet and lifestyle and here he turns his attention to helping you achieve optimum health for you and your baby. A proud father, James uses first-hand experience to cover: - Gentle, safe exercises, illustrated with step-by-step photographs, for every stage of your pregnancy, including post-birth exercises designed to get rid of your 'mum tum' - Healthy eating dos and don'ts, plus advice on dealing with morning sickness and cravings, and simple, delicious recipes that deliver all the nutrition you need - Advice on life post-baby, including getting enough sleep, recovering lost energy and how, gently, to get yourself back in shape

Breastfeeding Doesn't Need to Suck shows mothers how to navigate their breastfeeding journey while also caring for their mental health. Breastfeeding Doesn't Need to Suck contains information that you will not find in other breastfeeding books, such as a thorough discussion of breastfeeding's impact on sleep, safe (and unsafe) bedsharing, and how where babies sleep impacts their mothers' mental health. This book describes what effective help looks like and gives specific suggestions for partners, grandmothers, and friends who want to help. Mothers will also learn how to navigate healthcare systems that can often undermine breastfeeding and mental health. Postpartum is hard, no matter how you feed your baby. Yet formula companies tell mothers that all of their problems will be solved if only they would switch. It's not true; these issues will still be there even if mothers stop breastfeeding. These are the five "I"s of new motherhood: idleness, isolation, incompetence, identity, and intensity. If mothers are unprepared for these feelings, they can undermine both her breastfeeding and her mental health. Breastfeeding Doesn't Need to Suck provides information on common breastfeeding problems, such as nipple pain and low milk supply, while also keeping mothers' mental health in mind. Breastfeeding, when it's going well, protects mothers' mental health. Conversely, breastfeeding problems increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett is both a psychologist and an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, with more than 30 years' experience in both lactation and mental health. Breastfeeding Doesn't Need to Suck is an evidence-based guide full of practical advice with the goal of helping mothers and babies navigate postpartum and come through it happy, healthy, and securely attached.

The Science of Mother-Infant Sleep is a compilation of recent articles that address these important questions. Our goal was to bring together recent evidence about the safety of sleep practices so that parents and professionals can make informed, evidence-based decisions. The Science of Mother-Infant Sleep is a collaborative project by an international working group of experts on mother-baby sleep. Topics include: * Bedsharing What should parents avoid and how can they make it safe? Does it increase the risk of SIDS? What is its impact on breastfeeding? * Sleep-Training and Cry-It-Out Techniques Do they impact infant health and development? What should parents know? * Involving Parents in Decisions about Infant Sleep What is normal infant sleep? How can parents calm a crying baby?

What to Expect When Black, Pregnant, and Expecting "This book stands as the modern-day guide to birthing while Black." Angelina Ruffin-Alexander, certified nurse midwife 2021 International Book Awards finalist in Health: Women's Health #1 New Release in Pregnancy & Childbirth and Minority Demographic Studies, Medical Ethics, and Women's Health Nursing Written with lighthearted humor and cultural context, Oh Sis, You're Pregnant! discusses the stages of pregnancy, labor, and motherhood as they pertain to pregnant Black women today. Tailored to today's pregnant Black woman. In the age of social media, how do pregnant women communicate their big announcement? What are the best protective hairstyles for labor? Most importantly, how many pregnancy guides focus on issues like Black maternal birth rates and what it really looks like to be Black, pregnant, and single today? Written for the modern pregnant Black woman, Oh Sis, You're Pregnant! is the essential what to expect when you're expecting guide to understanding pregnancy from a millennial Black mom's point of view. Interviews, stories, and advice for pregnant women. Written by Black Moms Blog founder, the book tackles hard topics in a way that truly resonate with modern Black moms. With stories from her experiences through pregnancy, labor, and motherhood, and lessons learned as a mother at twenty-two, Oh Sis, You're Pregnant! focuses on the common knowledge Black pregnant mothers should consider when having their first baby. It also shares topics beneficial to pregnant Black women on their second, third, or fourth born. Find answers to questions: Do I financially plan for my birth? Can I maintain my relationship and friendships during motherhood? Will I self-advocate for my rights in a world that already views me as less than? If you enjoyed books like Medical Apartheid, 50 Things To Do Before You Deliver, The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy, or Birthing Justice, then you'll love Oh Sis, You're Pregnant!

Words and recipes for the new mother. For many first-time mothers expectations about their new life come from idealised images on TV, in magazines or online. It's a far cry from what it actually involves: lack of sleep, time and control - and total dependency on you by another. Becoming a mother brings extraordinary physical and emotional changes to a woman's life, but it also taps into deep instincts. Heidi Sze's message is to surrender to the changes, reject the guilt and accept the imperfect reality of this new life. Adjusting expectations and being true to your unique needs will bring a comfort, joy and peace that slavishly following rules, imposing unreachable standards and accumulating rooms of gadgets are unlikely to do. As women go through this profound transition, it is crucial that they identify their support needs and trust their intuition. This book will help women do just that. Many people know Heidi from her blog Apples Under My Bed and Instagram account @heidiapples. Her beautiful words and special focus here on nourishment - with special new-life recipes - will help mothers - and fathers - nurture with reassurance the new life in their hands.

Before you succeed at parenting, you need to succeed as a couple! Baby Bomb is the resource you need when a new baby turns your life-and your romantic relationship-upside down. A baby is a blessing-and also a completely life-altering event. If you're like many new parents, nothing could have fully prepared you for the exhaustion of late-night feedings, the explosive diapers, the evaporation of your free time, the pure joy, and the moments of pure terror. In the midst of these hazy, early months, it's normal to feel overwhelmed. And when you're overwhelmed, it's easy to put your romantic relationship on the back burner. But, more and more, research shows that in order to be the best parents you can be, you and your partner need to make sure that your needs-as a couple-are also met. Written by a psychologist and relationship expert, Baby Bomb offers powerful tools based in psychology and neurobiology to help you and your partner co-parent and co-partner as a solid and supportive team-while also cultivating mad love for each other! You'll find more than just "tips" for better parenting and partnering; you'll discover how a secure-functioning relationship is essential for raising happy, healthy kids. This isn't a book with advice about how to have a romantic candlelit dinner while your baby is screaming in the other room. It's a road map for getting on the same page about your expectations as parents, about your needs as humans, and about how to maintain a strong and lasting relationship in the face of, well, a baby bomb.