At twenty-two, Chicagoan Nadine Kenney is thrilled to meet her future husband, Jamie, while vacationing in Florida. After a whirlwind, long-distance romance, Nadine leaves her friends, family, and city to join Jamie in suburban Massachusetts. Once married, they begin trying for a baby without knowing how hard that road will become. Nadine soon faces the little-known horrors of IVF when a procedure causes severe internal bleeding, and she wakes up from emergency surgery with a six-inch scar instead of a baby bump. In the difficult year that follows, anxiety and additional failed fertility treatments threaten her new marriage and her mental state. By some saving grace, she eventually becomes pregnant naturally, but the horrors are not over: her son is diagnosed with potentially terminal kidney complications. Ultimately, Nadine learns that in an unpredictable life, the only thing she can be sure of is the healing power of hope.

A free open access ebook is available upon publication. Learn more at www.luminosoa.org. Documenting Death is a gripping ethnographic account of the deaths of pregnant women in a hospital in a low-resource setting in Tanzania. Through an exploration of everyday ethics and care practices on a local maternity ward, anthropologist Adrienne E. Strong untangles the reasons Tanzania has achieved so little sustainable success in reducing maternal mortality rates, despite global development support. Growing administrative pressures to document good care serve to preclude good care in practice while placing frontline healthcare workers in moral and ethical peril. Maternal health emergencies expose the precarity of hospital social relations and accountability systems, which, together, continue to lead to the deaths of pregnant women.

Babycalm offers a refreshing alternative to prescriptive, routine-led parenting. If you want to find ways to cope with tiring days and difficult nights without putting your baby on a strict routine, or resorting to sleep training, this gentle guide is for you. Full of advice, support, tips and the experiences of other new parents, Sarah Ockwell-Smith, experienced mum of four, antenatal teacher, doula and author of the bestselling The Gentle Sleep Book, shares her methods which will enable you to enjoy your baby and to trust your own parenting instincts from the start. You will learn how to: Decipher your baby's cues Access a toolbox of calming techniques Understand normal baby sleep patterns Encourage your baby's sleep Trust your maternal instincts This invaluable guide will help you through the challenging early days, helping to ensure happier parents and calmer babies.

'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.

The stunningly original exploration of pregnancy and childbirth by the acclaimed author of Citizen In this, the landmark achievement that crowned the first phase of her writing career, Claudia Rankine invites us into the lives of Liv and her husband Erland, as they find themselves propelled into the classic plot: boy loves girl, girl gets pregnant. The couple's journey is charted through dreams, conversations and reflections, in a text like no other, deftly moulding language and crossing genres to arrive at new life: baby Ersatz. Plot is an inventive and engrossing meditation on pregnancy and the changes it heralds: the potential bodily cost, the loss of self, the sense of impending stasis. Each fear compounds Liv's reluctance to bring new life into a bewildering world. A profoundly daring collection, it explodes the emotive capabilities of language and form to achieve an unparalleled understanding of creation and existence.

Having Your Baby Through Egg Donation is a helpful, authoritative guide to negotiating the complex and emotive issues that arise for those considering whether or not to pursue egg donation. It presents information clearly and with compassion, exploring the practical, financial, logistical, social and ethical questions that commonly arise. This fully updated second edition also includes recent developments in the field, including travelling for egg donation and the emerging field of epigenetics. This book will be valued by all those considering or undergoing donor conception, as well as the range of professionals who support them, including infertility counsellors, psychologists, therapists and social workers.

Carey, Beth, and Pam, have good luck in their friendships and careers, but terrible luck in relationships. Which makes it more difficult to get what they truly desire: children. And time is running out. Carey is the first to abandon the traditional path to motherhood. She decides to go it alone, and buys eight vials of sperm from the perfect donor. Maybe it's newfound confidence from taking control of her destiny. Maybe it's sheer coincidence. But on the day the vials arrive, she meets a man online. They fall in love. And she gets pregnant the old fashioned way. Carey passes the vials to Beth, who has just recovered from a wrenching divorce. But before she can use the vials, Beth meets a man on an ice-climbing trip. She too falls in love. And gets pregnant. So she gives the vials to Pam. Pam will never stop searching for the love of her life, but she's ready to be a single mother. Then the magic strikes again. Is it lucky sperm? Or shared hope, determination, and resilience that pave the way to these happy endings? Despite soured relationships and crushing losses, three women become three families, revelling in the shared joys of love, friendship, and never giving up.

Within these pages you will find all you need to know (and a few things you don't) in order to embark on the mindboggling journey that is modern motherhood. Discover humorous yet pertinent advice on everything from what a new mother ought to wear on the red carpet to the best books to read while feeding a baby, and marvel at what Mark Twain had to say on teething, Vladimir Nabokov on prams, Mrs Gaskell on six-month-olds and Mrs Beeton on breastfeeding. From the totally frivolous to the deeply serious, from the cultural to the historical, from the history of the Caesarean to celebrity baby names, this is an intelligent, classy and eclectic guide for every twenty-first-century mother or mother-to-be. For it is important to acknowledge that, even though they may have a basketball in their stomachs, they still have a brain in their heads. It is a book to give to friends, daughters and sisters - and to cherish for yourself. True, you may not ever need to know what year the epidural was invented, how to write your child's name in Chinese, or what the gestation period of an anteater is, but isn't it fabulous to know that you do?

Parents can cherish every special moment in the first year of their child's life in this special book. Space is provided for each special landmark - from the earliest photographs to the first lock of hair. A very special book to keep and look back on over the years.

This book is written for all women who find themselves unexpectedly pregnant and want information and advice on the available options facing them. It explains what will be inolved if the woman decides on adoptions, abortion, or motherhood. It also discusses why unplanned pregnancies occur and what happens to a woman's body in early pregnancy. The whole book is brought to life iwth many extracts from interviews with women who have had unplanned pregnancies talking about their varied experiences and the choices they took.

It's time to empower yourself and just say no to giving birth passively. This is the book that has revolutionized childbirth, turning birthing mothers from subdued and passive "patients" to active and empowered owners of their childbirth experience. Janet Balaskas started a movement of women who refused to give birth lying down and she has been teaching women about "active birth" ever since. She emphasizes the importance of movement during labor, the wide range of options and positions for delivery itself, and the many natural alternatives to heavy sedation and other medical interventions. Her book is eminently useful whether you are planning to give birth in a hospital, a free-standing birth center, or at home. If such options as water birth or hypno-birthing are appealing to you, this is an essential book; at the same time, it is non-judgmental and encourages you to give birth in whatever manner and position you see fit. It covers: Exercises for pregnancy, to prepare you optimally for childbirth Massage and yoga during labor Labor and birthing positions that maximize your comfort and encourage efficient contractions Essential tips for birth partners, spouses, doulas, and other attendants Relaxation and recovery exercises, for the postpartum period Janet Balaskas shows you how to prepare for and experience a truly natural, joyful, and empowering birth.

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.

John and Martha were an exceptionally ambitious and driven all-American couple. With six Harvard degrees between them, and living in the refined and competitive atmosphere of the Harvard campus, the last thing they expected was to become parents to a Down's Syndrome baby. Refusing to believe her child was 'defective', Martha decided to trust in the tiny life she felt growing inside her. And her hitherto ordinary life was transformed by magical visions and strange, heartstopping experiences which persisted throughout her pregnancy. By the time Adam was born, Martha and John had to redefine everything of value to them, question their deepest beliefs, and put all their faith in miracles. And it worked.

At last, the book that answers the question on every parent's mind: Why does my toddler hate me? Okay, it's not really hate. It's just that a little psychopath who walks through life 100% convinced that he or she is the center of the universe does not care that you have a heart, a mind, or a soul. You are simply a skin-covered robot tall enough to reach the candy on top of the fridge. And clean up the rage-vomit when you make the fatal mistake of cutting off the crust on your toddler's toast. (Or not cutting it off--seriously, you can't win.) Includes: The theory of toddler evolution Mealtime (AKA Hell) Your unraveling life And how not to die inside

Another Twinkle in the Eye is an essential guide for anyone contemplating another pregnancy after perinatal mental illness. The decision to bring a child into the world is rarely one that is taken lightly. When a previous pregnancy and early parenthood has resulted in poor maternal and/or paternal perinatal mental health, making a conscious decision to have another baby can be even more challenging. This unique book provides facts, resources, and discussion points to support people in making informed and comfortable decisions. It is also an essential resource for health professionals who support or are involved in the decision-making process of couples planning another pregnancy. The author combines personal experience with real-life stories from other parents. Also included are contributions from healthcare professionals. The book offers comprehensive coverage across five key areas: Reflection on the previous pregnancy, miscarriage or stillbirth, Decisions to be made when considering another pregnancy, Ways to plan for and to have a healthier experience, The role of healthcare professionals and facilities, and Self-help and complementary techniques for good mental health in the perinatal period.

Meet the frenemy of every working, breastfeeding mother: the breast pump. Many women are beyond "breast is best" and on to figuring out how to make milk while returning to demanding jobs. Work. Pump. Repeat. is the first book to give women what they need to know beyond the noise of the "Mummy Wars" and judgment on breastfeeding choices. Jessica Shortall shares the nitty-gritty basics of surviving the working world as a breastfeeding mum, offering a roadmap for negotiating the pumping schedule with colleagues, navigating business travel and problem-solving when forced to pump in less-than-desirable locales. Drawing on the war stories, hacks, and humour of working mums, and her own stories from her demanding job and travel in developing countries, she gives women moral support for dealing with the stress and guilt that come with juggling working and breastfeeding. As she tells the reader in her witty, inspiring manifesto, "Your worth as a mother is not measured in ounces."

Here s an amazing baby book like no other. For one, because The Baby Keepsake Book and Planner is in a binder, it s completely guilt-free and customizable. Forgot to record baby s first steps? No matter, just tear out that page. Is your baby adopted? No need to avoid the pages about your birthing experience; instead, add pages about your journey to adoption. Second, it combines the precious and the practical. The binder includes six tabbed dividers with pockets, covering pregnancy through age four. Then inside are 100 full-color pages, including everything from checklists, doctor s notes, menu planning charts, vaccine and immunization schedule to All About Us, First Feelings, Your Favorite Things, Birthday Party Memories. In addition, there is a plastic pouch for odd-sized memorabilia like a hospital bracelet; ten pages of heavyweight stock to mount photographs and other visual memorabilia; a foldout growth chart (on the underside of the belly band); and a keepsake envelope for a lock of hair. And third, the binder includes three portable booklets Prenatal Doctor s Visits, Nursing Tracker, and Pediatrician Visits. This perfect baby shower gift is as stylish as it is useful. In the same format as the author s category-killing Wedding Planner & Organizer, it is inspiring, easy to use, and fun and will be a memento to hand down from one generation to the next."

Offers a description of prenatal development explaining the technical aspects of conception and growth without losing the sense of wonder.

The international bestseller that has helped millions of women trust in their body - and their baby - and give birth without fear Drawing on over 40 years' experience, internationally acclaimed midwife Ina May Gaskin shows you how to use the mind-body connection to help labour progress calmly and safely. In Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, she shares: - Inspiring real-life stories that show what a positive experience childbirth can be - What happens during labour and the true capabilities of the female body - How to create a comfortable environment for birth in any setting - Tips for maximising your chances of a relaxed and joyful birth experience Read by millions of women around the world, this reassuring and practical guide will take the fear out of childbirth and restore your faith in the power of your body. With Gaskin's timeless wisdom, you can approach birth with confidence and excitement, wherever and however it happens.

An original graphic novel based on the IVF stories of its husband-and-wife authors and the 1-in-50 couples around the world like them. Conrad and Joanne met in their final year of university and have been virtually inseparable since then. For a while, it felt like they had all the time in the world. Yet now, when they are finally ready to have kids, they find that getting pregnant isn't always so easy. Ahead of them lies a difficult, expensive, and emotional journey into the world of assisted fertility, where each 'successful' implantation is followed by a two-week wait to see if the pregnancy takes. Join Joanne and Conrad, their friends, their family, their coworkers, and a stream of expert medical practitioners as they experience the highs and the lows, the tears and the laughter in this sensitive but unflinching portrayal of the hope and heartbreak offered to so many by modern medicine.

The touching, honest and laugh-out-loud account of what it's like to become a first-time mum after 40 Whatever your age, becoming a mum for the first time brings excitement, anxiety and numerous challenges. But how do you cope when, to top it all off, you discover you are almost old enough to be the mother of everyone else in your birth prep group? As one in five babies is born to a mum over 35, and the number of women over 40 giving birth has doubled, The Secret Diary of a New Mum (Aged 43 1/4) is Cari Rosen's timely and hilarious account of becoming a first-time mother in her 40s. Whether it's deftly side-stepping questions about your age and baby number two, weeping as younger counterparts ping back into their size ten jeans within thirty seconds of giving birth, or your doctor suddenly referring to you as geriatric, Cari approaches the shared experiences of an ever-increasing number of mothers with insight, humour and honesty. ***Praise for The Secret Diary of a New Mum*** 'Hilariously candid.' Daily Mail 'Brilliantly observed... funny, embarrassing and yet cruelly honest. It feels good to laugh about it, now the stitches are out.' Fay Ripley 'Warm, witty and very, very wise the perfect antidote to all those po-faced pregnancy books. As a fellow ''Geriatric Mother'' I found myself constantly laughing and nodding along in agreement.' Imogen Edwards-Jones

Your choice to give birth by caesarean may have been influenced by any number of decisions. No matter which reasons have led you to make this informed choice, you know, that even though this may not have been what you wanted or expected, this is still an act of giving birth and as such will still a be beautiful and important moment.By choosing Hypnobirthing to Prepare for a Caesarean you have made another choice to prepare your self emotionally, physically and mentally to give birth by caesarean. By preparing effectively, it will help you have an easier, more relaxed and comfortable caesarean birth and a more rapid recovery. Simply by listening to his album you are giving yourself permission to relax and to feel excited about the forthcoming birth, allowing yourself to expect a positive, good birth experience.Benefits of listening to Hypnobirthing to Prepare for a Caesarean:-* Be at ease with having a caesarean* Feel positive about giving birth by caesarean* Overcome any fears* Be relaxed, calm and confident* Increase bonding with your baby* Have a speedy recovery

In an age when normal birth can still be overtaken by obstetrics, Grantly Dick-Read's philosophy is still as fresh and relevant as it was when he originally wrote this book. He unpicks the root causes of women's fears and anxiety about pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding with overwhelming heart and empathy. As one of the most influential birthing books of all time, Childbirth Without Fear is essential reading for all parents-to-be, childbirth educators, midwives and obstetricians! This definitive reissue includes the full text of the fourth edition, the last completed by Grantly Dick-Read before his death in 1959, and The Autobiography of Grantly Dick-Read, compiled from his writings. With a foreword by Ina May Gaskin.

This is a staple gift for the millenial parent. Being pregnant is an exciting time, your little avocado that finally grows to be a fantastic water melon brings a lot of change. Change in your body, your moods and, more often than not, also your appetite. Because for the next nine months your flavour will never be the same. And though we always celebrate the dawning arrival of a new family member, this book will celebrate the arrival of pregnancy cravings. Together we’ll celebrate 40 pregnancy dishes; one for every week you’re pregnant.