Rating: 
Summary: The best pregnancy reference book
Review: After buying a bunch of books, this turned out to be the one I kept referring to over and over again throughout my pregnancy. There was practically no question that I had that wasn't answered in this book. It's clear, thorough, and very straightforward. It's NOT really chatty or super-friendly like some of the others, but it is perfect if you're looking for a solid and complete source of information (rather than a humorous voice about pregnancy).
Rating: 
Summary: Great general reference
Review: An excellent alternative to "What to Expect . . . "Early in my pregnancy, I checked out almost every book in my local library on pregnancy. "What to Expect" went back in a week, and I now own this book, among others. This book is very thorough and is an excellent reference to the physiological and emotional aspects of pregnancy and birth. I only gave it 4 stars, though, because it doesn't have enough information on natural childbirth, completely unmedicated. If you're planning a natural birth (rather than a managed delivery), you'll need and want additional resources. I did find the tables listing various interventions with their benefits and risks very helpful. Penny Simpkin is extremely knowledgeable about pregnancy and birth. You should check out her other books as well, especially "The Birth Partner." My husband is totally engrossed with that book.
Rating:
Summary: Great general reference
Review: An excellent alternative to "What to Expect . . . " Early in my pregnancy, I checked out almost every book in my local library on pregnancy. "What to Expect" went back in a week, and I now own this book, among others. This book is very thorough and is an excellent reference to the physiological and emotional aspects of pregnancy and birth. I only gave it 4 stars, though, because it doesn't have enough information on natural childbirth, completely unmedicated. If you're planning a natural birth (rather than a managed delivery), you'll need and want additional resources. I did find the tables listing various interventions with their benefits and risks very helpful. Penny Simpkin is extremely knowledgeable about pregnancy and birth. You should check out her other books as well, especially "The Birth Partner." My husband is totally engrossed with that book.
Rating:
Summary: Great general reference
Review: An excellent alternative to "What to Expect . . . " Early in my pregnancy, I checked out almost every book in my local library on pregnancy. "What to Expect" went back in a week, and I now own this book, among others. This book is very thorough and is an excellent reference to the physiological and emotional aspects of pregnancy and birth. I only gave it 4 stars, though, because it doesn't have enough information on natural childbirth, completely unmedicated. If you're planning a natural birth (rather than a managed delivery), you'll need and want additional resources. I did find the tables listing various interventions with their benefits and risks very helpful. Penny Simpkin is extremely knowledgeable about pregnancy and birth. You should check out her other books as well, especially "The Birth Partner." My husband is totally engrossed with that book.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: For the most part, pregnancy books are written for and read by women, but if you're a caring father (or father-to-be) that wants to be involved with Mom and the baby, this is an outstanding book to read and refer to. It gives the fairest and most complete descriptions of the myriad medical options available to women before and during childbirth. It never surrenders the idea that individual differences or preferences may make some decisions right for one person, but not right for another. It portrays pregnancy as a natural and healthful (but challenging) condition, not as an abnormality. It is the best of the many books available. Penny has written other books, including The Birth Partner, which are also helpful and informative for Dads. They are uniformly excellent.
Rating:
Summary: THE book for expectant families
Review: Here it is---THE book for expectant families! Pregnant women are treated as if they are intelligent and are capable of making good decisions on behalf of themselves and their soon-to-be-born children. This book is completely evidence-based and allows consumers to learn about options so that they can better communicate with their careproviders and participate in their pregancy, birth and postpartum experiences. Partners are addressed in a respectful and essential manner As a childbirth educator, I make sure each of my couples has a copy of this book---it's the text I teach from. As a doula, I want all of my clients to read this as well. Don't give birth without reading this one!
Rating:
Summary: A great book for an expectant mother
Review: I bought this book for a great friend of mine who is expecting soon and she had nothing but good things to say about this book. Hopefully it will help her with the transition from career woman to mother. A great book for any new mother
Rating:
Summary: Thoughtful and intelligent book
Review: I collected a number of pregnancy books during those long nine months, and read and re-read each one. My friend gave me "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn," and it was the most thorough, straightforward, and informative - particularly the chapters on labor and deliver. And, unlike "What to Expect When You're Expecting," it didn't fill me with guilt and fear, just useful information.
Rating:
Summary: The best pregnancy book I've seen
Review: I collected a number of pregnancy books during those long nine months, and read and re-read each one. My friend gave me "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn," and it was the most thorough, straightforward, and informative - particularly the chapters on labor and deliver. And, unlike "What to Expect When You're Expecting," it didn't fill me with guilt and fear, just useful information.
Rating:
Summary: The best pregnancy book I've seen
Review: I collected a number of pregnancy books during those long nine months, and read and re-read each one. My friend gave me "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn," and it was the most thorough, straightforward, and informative - particularly the chapters on labor and deliver. And, unlike "What to Expect When You're Expecting," it didn't fill me with guilt and fear, just useful information.
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