How to Have a Baby and Still Live in the Real World: A Totally Candid Guide to the Whole Deal

by Jane Symons, Gila Leiter

Every newly pregnant woman has a sneaking suspicion that no one is telling her the whole truth. This humorous, practical guide, written by health writer Jane Symons, asks and answers all those questions that expectant mothers worry will shock their physicians and make their friends laugh out loud. Taking the reader from the moment she finds out she's pregnatnt to the point where push truly comes to shove (and beyond), this is a frank, funny, and indispensable companion to the ups and downs of the most eventful -- and surprising -- 40 weeks of a woman's life. A new, genuinely fresh contribution to the subject, it's designed in a chic, retro style that makes a great gift for mothers-to-be.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2003

Reviews

[Sharon Falduto]

Always good to read up on the pregnancy stuff, even when one has done it before. So much is easily forgotten. This one was informative but not dry, and was accompanied by cute '50's style illustrations with clever captions.

[Cat]

I really liked the tell-it-like-it-is, no fluff writting that leaves you in no way feeling patronised or lied to. Although it is't the most indepth I fealt it covered enough to leave me feeling well enough prepared and optimistic about going into labour. Despite knowing it was going to be like being in the trenches with sleep deprivation and a high (but normal considering the circumstances) liklihood of gore flying everywhere and an expected ammount of first-timer panic I was firmly reassured the pain will only be temporary and believe it or not if you don't choose pain relief while it may feel like it, you aren't actually going to die. A great giggle if nothing else but personally I liked being spoken to like an adult by this books dialogue and wasn't in anyway put off about the idea of labour. This was one of my fave books when I was pregnant.

[Cat]

I really liked the tell-it-like-it-is, no fluff writting that leaves you in no way feeling patronised or lied to. Although it is't the most indepth I fealt it covered enough to leave me feeling well enough prepared and optimistic about going into labour. Despite knowing it was going to be like being in the trenches with sleep deprivation and a high (but normal considering the circumstances) liklihood of gore flying everywhere and an expected ammount of first-timer panic I was firmly reassured the pain will only be temporary and believe it or not if you don't choose pain relief while it may feel like it, you aren't actually going to die. A great giggle if nothing else but personally I liked being spoken to like an adult by this books dialogue and wasn't in anyway put off about the idea of labour. This was one of my fave books when I was pregnant.

[James]

Don't really think it was aimed at me. I read it to be able to relate to some things she will be going through. As it is first pregnancy though somethings have helped us. Same as below no nonsense approach is nice

[Bree]

A fun read for the pregnant woman - a chatty, girlfriend tone.

[KJ]

Not too indepth, but there's no nonsense, and it "talks" to you on a level feild, like an adult. Which I like.

[Nicole]

Helpful and funny. Wish she would have stated her sources when referring to studies.

[Tosca Wijns-Van Eeden]

Grappig geschreven, lekker luchtig. Alle bakerpraatjes op een rijtje gezet en ook praktische tips.
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