Parenting Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth

Spencer, a contributing editor of Parenting magazine, was pregnant during the nine months she wrote this cheery, comforting guide for new moms-to-be. A three-time mother, she loves being pregnant, and her enthusiasm shows. Vetted by experts from the UCLA Center for Healthy Children, Families, and Communities, and presented in short, accessible segments that reflect its magazine ancestry, this illustrated sourcebook is divided into five parts: one on each trimester of pregnancy; one on labor and delivery; and one on recovery and care of the newborn. Each is filled with practical tips on everything from what to eat and how to exercise to choosing office-worthy maternity clothes or a childbirth class. Checklists (when to call the doctor, what to pack for the hospital, what to bring home) abound, as do handy resource lists and frequently asked questions, which are followed by straightforward, reassuring answers. For young women who prefer getting their information packaged in easy-to-read chunks, this is a handy, encouraging guide. (Feb.)