Strong as a Mother: How to Stay Healthy, Happy, and (Most Importantly) Sane from Pregnancy to Parenthood

In Rope’s approachable guide, the focus is on the fears and concerns around pregnancy that women may be reluctant to discuss. After enduring a difficult pregnancy, Rope (The Complete Guide to Medications During Pregnancy) decided a book representing “all the experiences of pregnancy” was needed. Writing in the tone of a friendly, nonjudgmental peer, she ticks off potential sources of distress for mothers-to-be that other people might have trouble understanding, such as feeling no sense of connection to the fetus, or having overwhelming and unfounded fears about the baby’s well-being. Rope mixes in solid advice from experts and her personal experiences, but a disappointingly light sprinkling of anecdotes from parents. A strong proponent of caring for oneself in order to be able to care for others, Rope extensively discusses finding a support group and “building your village.” A noteworthy section argues for avoiding the trap of becoming the “default parent”—the one who knows everything from shoe sizes to school schedules—with Rope urging parents to discuss who will handle what responsibilities. Although occasionally repetitive, Rope’s book offers women commonsense guidance and vigorous reassurances on coping with the tumultuous changes of pregnancy and parenthood. (May)