Any Pregnancy books to recommend?

[bicentennial_baby]

For those of us who are trying to conceive and want to be prepared? We already have Great Expectations.

Thanks! :hi:

[wildeyed]

1. Here is a link I found today.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21950102/

Basic stuff, good diet, moderate exercise and decent rest. I have read that omega-3's are really good for the baby's developing brain and neurological system. You get it from nuts and fish, but they sell supplements at the heath food store, too. Folic acid is also important but you would probably plenty of that in a good multi-vitamin.

I ate really well during my pregnancies (minus the part of the first trimester where I was too sick to raise my head some mornings) and I believe that it paid off with very healthy kids long term. Mine don't get sick much at all. I guess part of that is luck, but getting them off to a good start probably helped, too.

[bicentennial_baby]

2. Thanks for that!

We've already started on what we call the "getting knocked up diet" :P

That being more veg protein, less animal, lots of spinach, calcium fortified OJ, etc...And I'm already taking a prenatal vitamin. I also have a very regular cycle, so...here's to hoping! :)

:hi:

[wildeyed]

4. The trying part is *so* much fun, at least if it doesn't go on too long.

Kinda adds a little spice to it, knowing that this time might be the time :) Have fun. :hi:

[Dora]

3. I took wild yam supplements as a fertility aid.

I know many are skeptical about herbal approaches - I hope you find this useful.

I had no reason to think that we would have trouble conceiving, but I was 34 and he was 45 when we decided we were ready for it. I didn't want to spend 1-2 years waiting for my body to realize it wasn't on the Pill any more, and I had read that wild yam helps with hormone balancing, fertility, and also birth control.

http://www.amazingpregnancy.com/pregnancy-articles/500.html
http://www.sisterzeus.com/infergen.html

At the start of my cycle, I took 1 capsule each morning with breakfast for two weeks, then stopped until my period began again, and then I'd begin the process all over. Two weeks on wild yam, two weeks off. Adjust the timing to match YOUR cycle - I just happened to be on a 28 day cycle.

I was 34, had smoked a pack a day for 15 years. After finally quitting cigarettes (thanks to Wellbutrin), I went off the Pill in February, began taking wild yam, and I was pregnant in May - three months later. Jacob was born in February, exactly one year after going off the Pill.

[wildeyed]

5. I think I still have this herbal book floating around somewhere.....

http://www.amazon.com/Wise-Woman-Herbal-Childbearing-Year/dp/0961462000/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196110446&sr=1-1

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AS784NEDL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg

I can look for it and share info if anyone is particularly interested.

[semillama]

6. I'm reading "The Birth Partner" by Simkin right now. It's pretty darn good.

Very comprehensive, easy to read and understand. My wife is going to prepare a written quiz on it for me to take (seriously).

My wife is also reading "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn" also by Simkin and "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Goer.

[tigereye]

7. I bought a book that someone had written about their difficulties trying to

conceive after their mid-30s, thinking that might be an issue for me.


It wasn't. I was pretty much gone from the first try!


I did read What to Expect When You're Expecting right after, but nothing much more philosophical than that, which was actually rather odd for me, since I tend to over-analyze and intellectualize everything! :rofl:


Good luck and enjoy and don't worry too much about things.... :hi:

[Ilsa]

8. I thought Birthing From Within was a fun book, and it had very useful

information. It emphasized the value of having a doula with you for the birth. There are alot fewer c-sections performed when a doula is helping the mom in labor.

Good luck!

[Sabriel]

9. I'm a fan of the Sears' books, so...

http://www.amazon.com/Pregnancy-Book-Month-Month-Everything/dp/0316779148/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1224776963&sr=8-1

I have several, including their attachment parenting and nutrition book. It's nice to be affirmed once in a while!

[Kittycat]

10. Dr. Sears Books are Fantastic!

By far my favorite. There was another that was a total right... A girlfriend's guide to pregnancy I believe. Check with your local library to see if they still have it in print.

For Dr. Sears - I've read:
Attachment Parenting (excellent read)
Breastfeeding
Baby Book
Discipline Book

He has a birth book as well, I didn't read that since I knew what type of deliver I was having (little choice on that).

Good luck TTC.