Many mothers and those who support them do not know that they can experience negative emotions associated with breastfeeding. In modern society breastfeeding is often used - problematically - to exemplify myths about motherhood and maternal love, and is bound up with ideas of what makes a 'good mother'. In this context nursing aversion and agitation - intense, distressing feelings that are experienced by the mother during breastfeeding - can be both unexpected and hugely upsetting, particularly when women may have already overcome significant challenges in order to breastfeed. In When Breastfeeding Sucks Zainab Yate examines what we know about this poorly understood aspect of infant feeding, in a carefully researched discussion that will be valuable for individual mothers who may be suffering, and the breastfeeding supporters who work to support them.

In the 21st century, women are supposed to have a choice about where they give birth. But when that choice is home, women often encounter obstacles, despite robust evidence that birth at home is safe, beneficial and should be available for women who want it. Why Home Birth Matters is a clear discussion of the reality of modern home birth, which aims to show how the home environment supports and powers the birth process, while encouraging parents to consider how it might work for them.

Strong as a Mother is a practical and compassionate guide to preparing for a smooth start to motherhood. Everyone knows the secret to having "the Happiest Baby on the Block." This is your guide to being the Sanest Mommy on the Block. It will prepare you with humour and grace for what lies ahead, give you the tools you need to take care of yourself, permission to struggle at times, and professional advice on how to move through it when you do. This book will become a dog-eared resource on your nightstand, offering you the same care and support that you are working so hard to provide to your child. It will help you prioritise your emotional health, set boundaries and ask for help, make choices about feeding and childcare that feel good to you, get good sleep, create a strong relationship with your partner, make self care an everyday priority, trust your instincts, and actually enjoy the hardest job you will ever love. This book is here to take care of you.

In the tradition of Jessica Mitford's "The American Way of Death," an eye-opening work of investigative journalism that challenges our common wisdom about pregnancy, childbirth, and the first year of a baby's life, showing how the mother and child's wellbeing are often undermined by corporate profit margins and the private interests of the medical community.

Award-winning journalist Jennifer Margulis questions the information parents are given by the medical community and the consumer culture, addressing the relationship between the vast money-making business of pregnancy and the early childcare advice parents are given. Margulis encourages us to question what we're told about prenatal and infant care and explains how financial interests skew the care we give to mothers and infants. She investigates how the diaper industry perpetuates longer delays in potty training than ever before; why cesareans are increasingly prevalent; why more women don't breastfeed; and why, despite our state-of-the-art medical technology, the United States has among the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the industrialized world.

An illuminating combination of investigative journalism, meticulous research and in-depth interviews with parents, doctors, midwives, nurses, and scientists, Margulis's critique uncovers how business interests and profit margins undermine the health of pregnant women and their babies. Shocking, groundbreaking, and revelatory, "The Business of Baby" arms parents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their own health and the health of their infants.

Evidence continues to increase on the practical and emotional benefits of babywearing, both to parents and their children. Among many other benefits, babywearing can help parents bond with a new baby, and facilitate both breastfeeding and the care of the baby's older siblings. Babywearing also has benefits for society at large. Children are more securely emotionally attached and there is evidence of a link between the reduced incidence of postnatal depression and babywearing. In this new book, Rosie Knowles explores all these advantages, along with the practicalities of how to babywear and babywearing culture. She demonstrates how a clearer understanding of babywearing, and the attachment parenting philosophy as a whole, can ultimately lead to a happier, healthier society.

A beautifully designed guided journal to record key milestones, moments and memories during your pregnancy. My Pregnancy Journal is a relatable and nurturing guide through pregnancy, and the perfect place to document your special experience - from the first person you told, your cravings, the first scan, watching your baby grow, feeling the first kick and ideas for names, to the first sight of your baby and reflections on becoming a parent. The journal breaks down month by month and week by week the phases of your pregnancy so you can plan and collect memories, as well as offering advice on wide-ranging themes from health and community to stress and worries about pregnancy to baby names. This beautiful and comprehensive journal from doula and teacher Riga Forbes includes: Plenty of space to record memories, plans and hopes for the future A guide to the baby's development in the womb What changes you can expect each month Week by week help in preparing for the birth, both practical and emotional aspects An expandable pocket at the back allows you to hold on to photographs and mementos, and an elastic enclosure keeps everything in place. Whether you are going to be a first time parent or have gone on this journey before, My Pregnancy Journal is the ideal companion to take with you along the way!

'Birth is a feminist issue ' The Art of Birth offers a radical new approach to conception, pregnancy and birth using expressive Art for self-development. Alexandra will lead you on a gentle, respectful and artistic journey into a feminine world of Art, art exercises, relaxation, positive affirmations, inner work, emotional support and pleasure, where the dream of a natural, empowered journey to motherhood and a positive birth experience can become a new reality. The Art of Birth is about creative freedom rather than technical skill, so No experience of art is necessary. You will be able to interpret your art work to see what it reveals and with this insight, rejoice in connecting with yourself and your baby on a deeper level. Alexandra's personal story contrasts the beliefs and behaviours in the United Kingdom with those of the Balinese culture, and conveys the message that a new positive birth paradigm is desperately needed. Cutting edge research is included to substantiate her claims that emotional well being during the creation of new life is paramount. Likewise, we can collectively support one of the most significant rites of passage in a woman's life. Art and birth are creative and non-intellectual processes and this is why Art can be a great asset in our preparation for birth as it allows us to access images and the unconscious. Before conception, through pregnancy, birth and beyond a woman, and her partner, can clear unhelpful emotional and psychological barriers. This book will give you the tools to empower yourself to create the experience you desire. The Art of Birth aims to inspire, educate and support pregnant women, fathers, partners, midwives, doulas, childbirth practitioners and anyone who is passionate about conscious conception, pregnancy, birth and parenting. Alexandra Florschutz, MA is a registered Art Psychotherapist (hcpc), Artist, Film Maker, Doula and Mother who lives and works in East Sussex, UK, with her son. www.theartofbirth.co.uk www.florschutz.com

There comes a time in every new mother's life when she finds herself staring at her screaming, smelly "bundle of joy" and wishing someone had told her that her house would reek of vomit, or that she shouldn't buy the cute onesies with a thousand impossible buttons, or that she might cry more than the baby. Best-selling author Dawn Dais, mother of two tiny terrors, is convinced that there is a reason for this lack of preparedness. She believes that a vast conspiracy exists to hide the horrific truth about parenting from doe-eyed expectant mothers who might otherwise abandon their babies in hospitals and run for it. Eschewing the adorableness that oozes out of other parenting books, Dais offers real advice from real moms-along with hilarious anecdotes, clever tips, and the genuine encouragement every mom needs in order to survive the first year of parenthood. Revised and updated with several new chapters, including new advice for single moms, tips on what to do when you inevitable mess up, and a reassuring update on Dais' own family (it really does get easier, it turns out). The Sh!t No One Tells You is a must-have companion for every new mother's sleepless nights and poop-filled days. In this new and revised edition, Dais brings her trademark brand of no-nonsense parenting advice up to the present.

One day you will feel better... Eyes without Sparkle is a powerful medical autobiography describing the journey followed by the author into, through, and out of puerperal psychosis, the most severe form of postnatal depression. With vivid and intimate descriptions of events and the author's feelings, this is the only book offering a single first-hand account of postnatal illness. The book serves as an inspiration for anyone suffering from or involved with a depressive illness. For health and social care professionals it is a reflective guide to learning from patients' experiences, and the examples of positive and negative aspects of treatment can inform mental health services and policies.

Current public health promotion of breastfeeding relies heavily on health messaging and individual behavior change. Women are told that "breast is best" but too little serious attention is given to addressing the many social, economic, and political factors that combine to limit women's real choice to breastfeed beyond a few days or weeks. The result: women's, infants', and public health interests are undermined. Beyond Health, Beyond Choice examines how feminist perspectives can inform public health support for breastfeeding. Written by authors from diverse disciplines, perspectives, and countries, this collection of essays is arranged thematically and considers breastfeeding in relation to public health and health care; work and family; embodiment (specifically breastfeeding in public); economic and ethnic factors; guilt; violence; and commercialization. By examining women's experiences and bringing feminist insights to bear on a public issue, the editors attempt to reframe the discussion to better inform public health approaches and political action. Doing so can help us recognize the value of breastfeeding for the public's health and the important productive and reproductive contributions women make to the world.

'I started Lucy's routine on Saturday night and even with a cold Theodore has been sleeping through all week. I actually can't believe it! I feel like a new person. Thank you Lucy!' Vogue Williams 'If you're a parent who needs a helping hand, and who wants a gentle approach that gets results, Lucy's got your back.' Natalie Millman, Deputy Editor, Mother and Baby Lucy Wolfe, a baby and child sleep expert, introduces the stay-and-support method for parents who want to help their babies sleep through the night. With sleep-shaping supports for newborns, top tips for toddlers, and advice for older children up to the age of six, Lucy's approach provides a gentle and emotionally considerate way to get your little one to sleep - without leaving them alone to cry, ensuring they feel loved, safe and secure at all times. To date, this 98% effective method has helped over 4,000 parents, with most reporting improvements within the first seven days of introducing the recommendations. Now it's your turn! The Baby Sleep Solution will help you: -Discover the issues that prevent your baby from sleeping through the night -Tailor your own personal routine to suit your child's temperament -Deal with real-life disruptions such as balancing feeding and sleep, landing the nap, returning to work, holidays, daycare, sickness and teething -Develop good sleep habits that will last your baby a lifetime The Baby Sleep Solution provides all the support needed for both baby and you to get what everyone needs - a good night's sleep!

The bestselling authors of the First Forty Days encourage mothers-to-be to care for themselves-and not just their babies-during pregnancyThere is so much noise surrounding pregnancy and birth. There are countless books teeming with information-what test does what, the "rights" and "wrongs" of eating, and "safe" or "risky" lifestyle choices-but few that hold a woman through the experience, acting as an elder sister, a matriarch, or a circle of women might hold her-with compassion, nonjudgment, and, most of all, wisdom. To the authors of Nine Golden Months, this is exactly what's needed now, in an era of high-speed living, endless demands, and more than a little anxiety and fear. A woman needs to feel connected to others, rooted in the knowledge that many have done this before her, and calmed and fortified by time-honored practices that nourish her body, soothe her mind, and hold up her spirit. The (still-growing) success of The First Forty Days showed that women are longing to experience the deeper aspects of becoming a mother. Nine Golden Months shares timeless guidance from the authors' extraordinary circle of practitioners, guides, and wisdom-keepers specializing in prenatal care; it draws from Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, and features rituals and self-sourced wisdom, so that it addresses all aspects of a woman's pregnancy experience: emotional, mental, physiological, and spiritual.

This edited volume explores the intersection of spirituality with childbirth from 1800 to the present day from a comparative perspective. It illustrates how over this time period in much of the world, traditional practices, home births, and midwives have been overshadowed and undermined by male dominated obstetrics, hospitalization, and ultimately the medicalization of the birthing process itself.

In the newest edition of my Baby & Child Care Handbook, Marina Petropulos has added Everything You Need To Know About Pregnancy.

Pregnancy was always a part of the book, but recently there has been a great increase worldwide of various infections during pregnancy. Not only is a woman's system more than twenty per cent more vulnerable during pregnancy, but bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxins found in food are a problem. For example, even some cheeses that you enjoy will have to be avoided, and your loved cat may need to be ostracised because of the danger of transmitting toxoplasmosis infection. You will find a vast updated amount of important information that will hopefully protect the amazing system of life developing within you. You will also be updated on the latest medical information regarding the prevention of food allergies; by starting to feed your baby a variety of solids from four months. Even the belief that eggs, peanut and other problematic foods should not be given to the young, has been debunked.

These, and many other important medical breakthroughs, mean that updated information is essential today.

Parents can cherish every special moment in the first year of their child's life in this stylish, contemporary baby record book. Space is provided for photos, footprints and handprints, and a pocket at the back for important keepsakes. Illustrated throughout with classic Beatrix Potter artwork, including illustrations of favourite characters like Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck. Sections to fill in begin before baby even arrives, so parents can note their thoughts and dreams, and continue through the milestones until baby's first year is at an end.

Feeding your baby is a big part of the first year. It can be an exciting and enjoyable time but also one that can raise many questions and concerns. What to give them? How much? And when? It can feel like everyone has an opinion on what you should do and what worked for them, with a confusing array of information online to wade through. Let's talk about feeding your baby helps support you through this. Covering breast and formula feeding, mixed feeding, starting solids and more, this supportive and non-judgemental guide brings you the evidence, top tips and lots of support to answer all your feeding questions. Focusing on both the practicalities and emotions attached to feeding decisions, it will answer your questions big and small, supporting you to confidently feed your baby as they grow, in whatever way works for your family. With expert contributors and quotes from parents, Professor Amy Brown's authoritative but easy-to-read style ensures that this book will inform and reassure anyone wanting to know more about how to support their baby to be a healthy and happy eater however they decide to feed them.

In Breastfeeding made Easy renowned paediatrician and father-of-three Carlos Gonzalez, author of Kiss Me! How to raise your children with love and My Child Won't Eat!, brings his warmth and positivity to a subject close to his heart: breastfeeding. In his characteristic friendly style he explains how breastfeeding is a woman's right, as an integral part of her normal sexual and reproductive life. With this clear perspective he carefully explains how breastfeeding works, and gently debunks many of the myths that still surround breastfeeding, while also offering sound practical suggestions that will empower mothers to find the answers to questions they have and seek out appropriate help. The author's own experience of supporting breastfeeding mothers and their babies, coupled with his scientific understanding of human lactation, are combined in a book that is an accessible, confidence-inspiring companion for every breastfeeding mother.

From conception to age two, a child's body develops at superspeed, with 60 percent of caloric intake going straight to brain development-so good nutrition is essential. First Bites connects nutrition and development with flavourful, healthy food. Part One examines the significance of the first 1,000 days, surveying key nutrients and milestones. Discover what to keep on hand, learn how to start solids, avoid creating a picky eater and spot changes in your baby's digestion. Part Two offers more than 60 easy recipes-free of added sugars, dairy and gluten-that strategically introduce your child to 100 ingredients by age two. From an Apricot Turmeric Bowl and Beet Chips to Quinoa Cornbread and Zucchini Fritters, these aren't your grandma's recipes. They taste great and will help you make good nutrition decisions and optimise time and quality while feeding your little one.

While postpartum depression has become a recognizable condition, this is the first book to treat root causes of mommy brain, baby blues, and other symptoms that leave mothers feeling exhausted.

Any woman who has read What to Expect When You're Expecting needs a copy of The Postnatal Depletion Cure. Filled with trustworthy advice, protocols for successful recovery, and written by a compassionate expert in women's health, this book is a guide to help any mother restore her energy, replenish her body, and reclaim her sense of self.

Most mothers have experienced pain, forgetfulness, indecision, low energy levels, moodiness, or some form of baby brain. And it's no wonder: The process of growing a baby depletes a mother's body in substantial ways--on average, a mother's brain shrinks 5% during pregnancy, and the placenta saps her of essential nutrients that she needs to be healthy and contented. But with postnatal care ending after 6 weeks, most women never learn how to rebuild their strength and care for their bodies after childbirth. As a result, they can suffer from the effects of depletion for many years, without knowing what's wrong as well as getting the support and treatments that they need.