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Summary: The "Human" Side of Pregnancy
Review: I purchased this book originally in 1997 for my best friend when she was pregnant. This year she was able to return it to me for my benefit and enjoyment. I LOVED this book. It really puts the "human" side of pregnancy into perspective, and tells you things that "your doctor won't tell you". I have spent many evenings laughing out loud at this wonderful collection of information and helpful hints. My husband wants to read it after I finish, just so he can see what I have been so tickled about! I have recommended it to my ob/gyn and their midwives to add to their "recommended reading" list.
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Summary: Supplied laughter when needed during hormonal pregnancy!
Review: This book provided light-hearted discussion about being pregnant. No serious medical terms, yet direct to the point and fun to read. The author is blunt and over-all funny! I would recommend this to anyone just wanting the light-hearted side of pregnancy without all the medical jargon!
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Summary: What a girlfriend!
Review: Thank goodness for this book. I bought 3 popular books when I first found out I was pregnant. This is the one that I sat down and read cover to cover. It is funny! I appreciated the straight talk about everything....and I mean everything. I also appreciated the way the author described her experiences including her husbands responses. This is a definate read if you have or want a sense of humor about your pregnancy.
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Summary: What the book review doesn't tell you:
Review: While I admit I was holding my sides with laughter several times while reading this book, I was disappointed by the author's view of pregnancy and childbirth. Mrs. Iovine's view of pregnancy came across a little on the misogynist side. She discusses "scheduling" her induction into labor so she's not surprised in the middle of the night, and asking her doctor to sew her up a bit tighter . If your pregnancy and childbirth style is more on the natural side then this book can be checked out at the library for a laugh. However, if you're concerned about breaking a nail during labor, this book is right up your alley!
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Summary: If you are pregnant, you NEED this book
Review: I learned more from this book (almost) than I did from my doctor. And since most of my friends and family are over 1,000 miles from me, it was nice to feel like you had a "girlfriend" who cares. And when I was a little down during some pregnancy struggle, this book always provided a laugh. Definately worth it!
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Summary: Thank you for not preaching!
Review: I'm pregnant for the first time at 39 and scared as can be. When I looked for books - like 'what to expect..' they were unbelievably negative. Better to be titled 'what to expect if everything goes wrong.' Do I need to be told that if I'm doubled over in pain & bleeding I'm having a miscarriage? I think not. I wanted a positive and supportive, friendly description of what's going to happen - not a warning list of all the pitfalls along the way. My husband and I have laughed out loud over and over reading this book - it offers relief from fear, some good advice on how to approach this event, and a blessed absence of preaching.I find the 'cult' of pregnancy rather annoying. For many of us it's just a new and radically different experience that generates a lot of questions. Simple 'what happens now?' kind of questions. This book gives practical advice on clothing, health, relationships without being so all-fired 'holy'. After all, birth is pretty down and dirty. I appreciated the plain talking and good humor. This book says, hey, take care of YOURSELF during this time, physically and emotionally - don't be too hard on yourself. And hey, don't wear your best nightie to the hospital. Now THAT's practical information! I wonder how many miscarriages are caused by stress and fear fostered by the negative stuff - It was great to have an opportunity to learn while laughing and not be forced to read about all the bad things that might happen. Hurrah for 'Girlfriends!' I'd buy it again in an instant.
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Summary: A True Friend & some Great Laughs!
Review: Being a first time mom, I started to read EVERYTHING I could get my hands on - books, articles in magazines, & websites: www.babycenter.com & www.storksite.com. I was just about at my wits end thinking "JUST EXACTLY WHAT HAVE I DONE?" when a friend recommended Vicki's book. I laughed so much that I shared it with my husband. There was so many helpful hints & things I had no idea about. I learned & laughed so much from this book! I highly recommend it for any woman thinking about getting or already is pregnant! This makes a great gift too!
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Summary: A funny, informative, wonderful book - couldn't put it down!
Review: I love this book! It answers so many questions that I wanted to ask, and it's really informative. The author is hilarious - I laughed all the way through it. This is the best book on pregnancy that I've ever read!
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Summary: The lighter side of pregnancy
Review: I cannot disagree with all the negative reviews more! Vicki's (hey, I can call her that, we're 'Girlfriends' now) book has made me laugh out loud and also read in rapt silence. She makes it abundantly clear that this book is not to be taken as a be-all-end-all medical reference on pregnancy. Instead, she offers first-hand accounts of what this 9 month experience is all about and does so in a frank manner. Since this is my first pregnancy, I've been scouring the book stores for every book written on the subject and feel this is the first one that doesn't preach. I like her honest takes on eating, exercise, and pain management during labor. I don't believe she ever tells the reader to eat poorly, not to exercise at all, and that an epidural is a must - she offers her opinions on the topics and leaves it at that. I love this book and encourage first timers and other moms-to-be to read and enjoy this book as well. If nothing else, remember that laughter is the best medicine...and you can even take it while you're pregnant!
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Summary: Everything not even your girlfriend will tell you!
Review: Besides being very humorous, this book describes the embarrassing facts of pregnancy that no other book I've read does. For example, many of the other books mention that during pregnancy or post-partum you might develop hemorrhoids (ick!), but how many of us know what they are? It also realistically described how messy things would be after childbirth (don't wear your good slippers!) I was glad to be prepared for these things. There is just so much information out there that seems socially unacceptable to discuss, but we really need to know. The author encouraged healthy realistic habits without making you feel like a failure for having an occasional ice cream. Every pregnant woman should read this book cover to cover.
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