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The Joy of Pregnancy: The Complete, Candid, and Reassuring Companion for Parents-to-Be by Tori Kropp
jholloed's review
4.0
Probably the most readable, factual pregnancy book I have found. Contains all the information you need, but in a more readable and friendly way. Doesn't seem to be slanted too much one way or other, but balances views equally. Reminds you to stop worrying and enjoy the miracle!
mikaiya's review
4.0
Nice book that doesn't follow the scare tactic approach, and is fairly balanced regarding birth choices. Definitely SO MUCH BETTER than What to Expect.
xterminal's review
4.0
Tori Kropp, The Joy of Pregnancy (Harvard Common, 2008)
When a rep from Harvard Common contacted me about reviewing The Joy of Pregnancy, I was initially ambivalent. After all, I don't really have the right plumbing, so to speak. Still, the rep seemed confident that I'd be able to review it, and sent me a copy along anyway. Well, it turns out he was right; I may never actually get pregnant, but I still found the book a very enjoyable guide to the experience, whether I can do it or not.
The Joy of Pregnancy is a fun and witty, if slightly repetitive, month-by-month guide to bodily (and emotional) changes that come with being in the family way. The book is written in an easy-to-read style, with Kropp offering up a plethora of options for all the choices moms-to-be-will face. (Take note that while in most cases she seems to be trying to be as neutral as possible in presenting choices, she doesn't always succeed; for example, while she's not one of the anti-formula wackos, at least not on the surface, she does rather consistently stress the idea that formula is second-best. As long as you're cognizant of the bias, you can take it into account while reading.) There's also a quick section at the end of each chapter for prospective dads (this is where the repetition comes into play), so the whole family can get involved. Quite enjoyable, this. ****
When a rep from Harvard Common contacted me about reviewing The Joy of Pregnancy, I was initially ambivalent. After all, I don't really have the right plumbing, so to speak. Still, the rep seemed confident that I'd be able to review it, and sent me a copy along anyway. Well, it turns out he was right; I may never actually get pregnant, but I still found the book a very enjoyable guide to the experience, whether I can do it or not.
The Joy of Pregnancy is a fun and witty, if slightly repetitive, month-by-month guide to bodily (and emotional) changes that come with being in the family way. The book is written in an easy-to-read style, with Kropp offering up a plethora of options for all the choices moms-to-be-will face. (Take note that while in most cases she seems to be trying to be as neutral as possible in presenting choices, she doesn't always succeed; for example, while she's not one of the anti-formula wackos, at least not on the surface, she does rather consistently stress the idea that formula is second-best. As long as you're cognizant of the bias, you can take it into account while reading.) There's also a quick section at the end of each chapter for prospective dads (this is where the repetition comes into play), so the whole family can get involved. Quite enjoyable, this. ****
booksteacupnreviews's review
5.0
*** Note: I received eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley, Publisher, and Author. ***
When the news spread about pregnancy every other person you meet will give advices and comment on your habits, body and what not. Some share their happy experiences and some bad ones. All they do just confuse pregnant women and nothing else. In the dilemma of what pregnant women actually should do and follow that can help and support them throughout the pregnancy was discussed in this book professionally as well as informatively.
Joy of Pregnancy was nonfiction pregnancy book with loads of good-to-know information for both parents-to-be and those who are planning for the baby. It was written by the author who has tremendous experience as a nurse and has been a childbirth educator and founder of PillowTalk- childbirth education program.
Book mainly contained changes in the body and what is happening to the baby throughout the pregnancy in each trimester along with symptoms mother experience and how to alleviate them as well discussion of common questions frequently asked from mothers and author’s answer to them.
There were many things that I loved to read in the book and I found all of them very useful and informative. –
Checklists were life saver! – what to do / keep in mind before you plan for baby; what to do one you find you’re pregnant, choosing / deciding birth centers, doctor, midwife; diets and supplements; do’s and don’ts in all stages of pregnancy; which prenatal classes one should do and what practices it should include; insurance policies; pregnancy leaves; what to do when you’re in labor; pregnancy shopping; what to pack for hospitals… Oh, my, there were all sort of lists and tips and guidance that I loved to go through.
I specifically loved dad’s corner at the end of each trimester that can help daddies-to-be who might be in dilemma what they can do for their partner and baby. It helps them to cope with their anxiety and how they can be more supportive.
Tori’s advices/ tips sections in between were remarkable. I also liked the way author shared her own experience with her pregnancy. I loved that ‘Old Wife’s Tales’ for guessing baby’s gender at the end of the fourth month. Few points I read on interne were also included in that points.
I gave more attention in the book after the end of first trimester as I’m in 5th month of pregnancy right now and I wanted to know all about the later stages. I specifically wanted to read the anxiety inducing topic that all mothers and mothers-to-be worry about, ‘the labor’. It was handled and discussed carefully, in straight forward manner with all medical details and also with information regarding how to cope with it and what to do when something goes wrong.
All stages were phenomenally informative and can be a great support to first time mothers. The book also included post pregnancy chapters which smoothly guides new mom to motherhood. It included most important topics like- breastfeeding, taking care of your baby and yourself, what changes are normal and what changes need more attention or can be harmful.
Afterwards was strong end with stories about bondage of new parents with their own parents that allows readers to think about those wonderful memories with their parents and understanding and appreciating all they have done while you are experiencing and sharing the same bond with your own kids.
All medical terms were explained in easy language with pictures wherever required and also there was a glossary at the end of the book to make the reading easy.
List, list and list…. given in Appendix A, B, and C were awesome. They were concise checklists that were discussed throughout the book. Readers can go through them after reading the book whenever they want to get brief information without reading the whole chapter. There were also list of pregnancy books that you can read apart from Joy of Pregnancy that author enjoyed reading during her pregnancy.
I liked author’s approach towards pregnancy. Every time she mentioned that all pregnancies are different and mother’s experience in all pregnancies are different. One should have the realistic approach, hope the good, enjoy the period but also be ready for the unexpected. Trust your doctors and midwifes and reach out to them if you have any questions or doubt. Prevention is better than cure.
In short, there was everything in this book that you would like to know and love to read about pregnancy. It was more like written for US residents but I assure you there were many information that can help all pregnant women from all over the world.
When the news spread about pregnancy every other person you meet will give advices and comment on your habits, body and what not. Some share their happy experiences and some bad ones. All they do just confuse pregnant women and nothing else. In the dilemma of what pregnant women actually should do and follow that can help and support them throughout the pregnancy was discussed in this book professionally as well as informatively.
Joy of Pregnancy was nonfiction pregnancy book with loads of good-to-know information for both parents-to-be and those who are planning for the baby. It was written by the author who has tremendous experience as a nurse and has been a childbirth educator and founder of PillowTalk- childbirth education program.
Book mainly contained changes in the body and what is happening to the baby throughout the pregnancy in each trimester along with symptoms mother experience and how to alleviate them as well discussion of common questions frequently asked from mothers and author’s answer to them.
There were many things that I loved to read in the book and I found all of them very useful and informative. –
Checklists were life saver! – what to do / keep in mind before you plan for baby; what to do one you find you’re pregnant, choosing / deciding birth centers, doctor, midwife; diets and supplements; do’s and don’ts in all stages of pregnancy; which prenatal classes one should do and what practices it should include; insurance policies; pregnancy leaves; what to do when you’re in labor; pregnancy shopping; what to pack for hospitals… Oh, my, there were all sort of lists and tips and guidance that I loved to go through.
I specifically loved dad’s corner at the end of each trimester that can help daddies-to-be who might be in dilemma what they can do for their partner and baby. It helps them to cope with their anxiety and how they can be more supportive.
Tori’s advices/ tips sections in between were remarkable. I also liked the way author shared her own experience with her pregnancy. I loved that ‘Old Wife’s Tales’ for guessing baby’s gender at the end of the fourth month. Few points I read on interne were also included in that points.
I gave more attention in the book after the end of first trimester as I’m in 5th month of pregnancy right now and I wanted to know all about the later stages. I specifically wanted to read the anxiety inducing topic that all mothers and mothers-to-be worry about, ‘the labor’. It was handled and discussed carefully, in straight forward manner with all medical details and also with information regarding how to cope with it and what to do when something goes wrong.
All stages were phenomenally informative and can be a great support to first time mothers. The book also included post pregnancy chapters which smoothly guides new mom to motherhood. It included most important topics like- breastfeeding, taking care of your baby and yourself, what changes are normal and what changes need more attention or can be harmful.
Afterwards was strong end with stories about bondage of new parents with their own parents that allows readers to think about those wonderful memories with their parents and understanding and appreciating all they have done while you are experiencing and sharing the same bond with your own kids.
All medical terms were explained in easy language with pictures wherever required and also there was a glossary at the end of the book to make the reading easy.
List, list and list…. given in Appendix A, B, and C were awesome. They were concise checklists that were discussed throughout the book. Readers can go through them after reading the book whenever they want to get brief information without reading the whole chapter. There were also list of pregnancy books that you can read apart from Joy of Pregnancy that author enjoyed reading during her pregnancy.
I liked author’s approach towards pregnancy. Every time she mentioned that all pregnancies are different and mother’s experience in all pregnancies are different. One should have the realistic approach, hope the good, enjoy the period but also be ready for the unexpected. Trust your doctors and midwifes and reach out to them if you have any questions or doubt. Prevention is better than cure.
In short, there was everything in this book that you would like to know and love to read about pregnancy. It was more like written for US residents but I assure you there were many information that can help all pregnant women from all over the world.
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