Dr. Miriam Stoppard’s New Pregnancy and Birth Book

This revised and updated edition by renowned pregnancy expert Stoppard (the original was published in 1986) takes into account the changing role of fathers, the inclusion of the “team” midwife, the changing—and often older—face of mothers-to-be, the heightened importance of balancing work and family throughout and beyond pregnancy and up-to-date information on prenatal testing. Photos, diagrams and charts accompany the text—including month-by-month photos of the evolving pregnant body and a chart detailing common physical complaints with advice on what to do about them. Stoppard covers emotional issues, labor and delivery concerns, breast and bottle-feeding, and preparing the home to accommodate a new baby. Stoppard offers plans for organizing and anticipating as many outcomes as possible, and her reassuring tone and attention to detail will be welcomed by anxious parents-to-be. There’s even a discussion (and photo) of sexual positions to use during pregnancy, pictures of breast-feeding holds for after a caesarean and photos and tips on comfortable ways to sleep and relax as pregnancy progresses. Well organized and straightforward, the book covers everything the expectant mom needs to know. (Jan.)