Pea in a Pod, Second Edition

Book excerpt: Back in the good old days, mothers-to-be visited their obstetricians once a month and gave birth to their babies heavily sedated, while their husbands paced nervously in the waiting room. Today, most parents choose to be active players. If you want to be a participant in the birth of your baby, Pea in a Pod is your playbook. Taking you from your first day of pregnancy through your child’s first year, Pea in a Pod presents everything from relaxation exercises to practice during pregnancy, birth positions, and breathing techniques. This comprehensive guide offers a month-by-month breakdown of the physical changes to expect during pregnancy and describes the emotional aspects of pregnancy. It also provides a nutrition plan for the pregnant woman; exercise plans for the mother-to-be, new mother, and cesarean mother; and a wealth of hints for the father-to-be and labor partner. The basics of infant care and breastfeeding are included, and over 200 photographs and illustrations clarify the text. A step-by-step handbook, a ready reference, and a source of practical advice, Pea in a Pod is a book you’ll turn to time and time again.