Rating: 
Summary: Loved it!
Review: As soon as I picked up the book- I felt like she was speaking to me...I'm a first time mom-to-be...and I have a lot of baby anxiety. It's excellent for those who want a real down-to-earth reading about baby care. I would totally recommend it to friends and am considering buying this book as a shower gift for my friends who will be having babies.
Rating: 
Summary: I wrote this book because I was pregnant and panicked!
Review: First babies are scary! I knew I didn't know what to do with a newborn -- never babysitted one (what parent turns newborn over to sitter?), didn't particularly enjoy holding other people's. The LaMaze class was going to get me through labor and delivery, but THEN WHAT?! Books I'd read had only a small, almost patronizing section on newborn care, but that's where I needed help most. And newborn care IS different than caring for a six-week-old baby. I thought maybe I'd get a magazine article out of my research, since I write freelance. But then it EASILY turned into a book. I wrote it while I was pregnant, and then re-wrote it having lived through it. I'm so gratified that others find it helpful, too! And, let me assure you, you won't drop the first one on its head, and the second one IS easier!
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous information!
Review: I feel so much better after having read this book. While much of the advice from the author I have seen in other books, many topics were covered much more thoroughly. You hear all about how you won't have any time after the baby's born, but this book helps give you a good idea why by breaking down how much time feeding, sleeping, changing and awake time actually take. Of course, every child is different, but I feel better having at least a vague idea! Also, the author's diary of the first month with her child was VERY reassuring. I will definately give this book to all my friends who are first time parents.
Rating: 
Summary: Hated this book ...
Review: If you've read anything else, don't get this book. The information in here is SO general that it could be applied to just about anything. The book lists quick explanations of what will happen, but no information on how to respond to what you'll experience. Additionally, there were frightening statements in this book letting me know the author was no expert on the subject of baby rearing. I was exasperated to read her thought that babies should usually be placed in the backseat of the car. I think that everyone knows that is the ONLY place to put a baby in the car. Though, I'm afraid unknowledgeable people will read this book and think it's ok to do such things as put a baby in the front seat of the car.If you've read ANYTHING else, you don't need this book. In fact, if you haven't read anything else, you still don't need this book. Don't waste your time or money.
Rating:
Summary: Killing your dog
Review: In the chapter on Pets, Zahn lists "euthanizing your companion" as an option if "Fido or Kitty will not take kindly- ever- to your baby." (p103) This struck me as rather compassionless, especially for a book about parenting. She could have mentioned the possibility that some pet owners may have to find new homes for their companions, and left it at that.
Rating:
Summary: Killing your dog
Review: In the chapter on Pets, Zahn lists "euthanizing your companion" as an option if "Fido or Kitty will not take kindly- ever- to your baby." (p103) This struck me as rather compassionless, especially for a book about parenting. She could have mentioned the possibility that some pet owners may have to find new homes for their companions, and left it at that.
Rating:
Summary: Killing your dog
Review: In the chapter on Pets, Zahn lists "euthanizing your companion" as an option if "Fido or Kitty will not take kindly- ever- to your baby." (p103) This struck me as rather compassionless, especially for a book about parenting. She could have mentioned the possibility that some pet owners may have to find new homes for their companions, and left it at that.
Rating:
Summary: Cutesy Poo from La La Land
Review: Maybe a lot of people enjoy being addressed as though they're just a little bit dumber than this 1st time Mother, but I did not. The author writes as though becoming a mother is akin to being left alone in the nuclear bomb assembly room without an employee handbook. As a first-timer I needed more specific information and less hand-holding from a fellow neophite. Keep looking if you want a book that will yield something useful when he's crying frantically at 3:00AM.
Rating:
Summary: a great read for people who are expecting their first baby
Review: My husband and I wanted to research the ins and outs to having a baby before we got in over our heads. This book not only tells you what to expect, but, it helps with simple, inexpensive little hints for the "breaking even" first time parents.
Rating:
Summary: a great read for people who are expecting their first baby
Review: Reading this book is like sitting at Laura Zahn's kitchen table and getting the scoop on what to expect when you bring your new bundle of joy home. It's written in a friendly, sincere, down-to-earth tone. I read it several times before my son was born and it really helped me feel emotionally prepared. It's small enough that you can read it cover to cover, and yet it also has an index so you can use it as a reference, later. I also bought Penelope Leach's book and Dr. Spock's latest edition. They are great for reference, but page for page, I got more good information from Zahn.
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