Baby Spice and Kit and Kin founder Emma Bunton, plus a team of UK and US experts, offer stories and simple, supportive advice for the first year.
You have a baby! Isn't it amazing - and also pretty terrifying?!
I love being a Spice Girl, but what I am proudest of is being a mom. Even though I had all the real-life girl power of the actual Spice Girls on speed-dial, my incredible partner and my mom, I had so many worries and questions I couldn't always ask out loud. What I really, really wanted was one, easy-to-read, honest book that would give me support without judgement - that might even make me chuckle occasionally.
So, I've written it for you! I've included all my stories about what that precious, exhausting first year was like for me, and I've also asked some brilliant experts for their help too, including a pediatric sleep consultant, a trusted childbirth counselor, a mindfulness coach, and no-less than five amazing midwives and doulas.
I want you to feel like you've got this. Because guess what mama? You have!
Reflections and lessons learned: “I want you to feel like you’ve got this, because guess what mama - you have!”
I felt guilty borrowing this from the library as I’m not a new mom - I have two babies of 9 and 6 so I knew that I’d be taking this away from someone who could benefit from the hints and tips, but I still felt drawn to the title. For me, Motherhood has vaguely been like a happy PTSD, only now life starting to settle at the end of the first decade. When I became a new mom I read celebrity mom books like this, but this one was surprisingly practical and balanced, with many different elements covered, including from medical and parenting experts. I was worried when it started that it was going to one long advert for the related baby range, but to be fair that only cropped up twice, and is relevant as it’s this information that they must have researched for the products. I’m jealous as this book makes you feel so positive about being a Mom, is was very reassuring. Only at the end when I heard how old the Bunton children now are did I feel less guilty - a mom is a mom is a mom…
I was told by a family member to read this as it’s useful for mums, it is good especially if your pregnant and going to be a first time mum. Lots of advice and good tips, however it’s worth a read just after the baby is born or whilst pregnant. I have a 4 months old and have worked with children for many years so babies are no stranger to me. It’s a good reassurance that all babies are different, and no mum is perfect. You know your child better than anyone else.
It was interesting to read this. I really enjoyed it as it was full of tips that some would say is common sense however the way it was written made me really understand this next chapter in life a lot more as a person that pretty much knows nothing about it so it was a reassuring read and makes me feel more prepared.
Again, not a mother but very curious especially since I have friends who have kids and they all mother in different ways.
What was clever is that Baby Spice shared her stories and roped in various experts to further advise on the various topics.
Most importantly, she advocates on the need for parents to communicate that they need help.
So many moms are in denial about melting down for fear of being deemed a failure versus their supposed picture perfect friends.
Seek help, not just for your own benefit but for everyone around you.
I would have gotten this as a gift for my friends when they became first time mothers. Baby Spice spills the tea on the reality of being a mom. Well done.
P.s for some reason, the Spice Girls' Mama kept playing in my head and now it is an ear worm... ahhhhhh
Overall, a good book. It was easy to get through and I found myself far less stressed reading this one than other parenting books. I didn't know that Emma Bunton was behind the Kit and Kin compostable nappies that I had delivered in bulk a couple of months ago! But if I hadn't already got them, I think I'd have struggled with how much Emma promotes her own brand in this book. I mean, I'm sure the nappies are great - I did my research and bought them. But if you aren't going down that route, you might find her references to her company a bit annoying by the end.
This was a positive little book filled with tips and tricks for mothers, and some tips for partners too. I would say at its core this is a book to reassure mothers, to make you realise that you can do this and that what you’re doing, as long as it’s what’s best for your baby, is the right thing to do.
Was it revolutionary? No, but it was very sweet and do make me feel supported and positive, which is really all you’re after postpartum. Get this for your pregnant bestie!
I highly recommend the audiobook. It was very accessible and informative at the same time. I liked that the book alternated between Emma’s own experience and advice from the experts (often healthcare professionals or professionals of a specific area). I liked that it covered a wide range of topics including breastfeeding, postpartum, nappies, toys etc. I accidentally found this in my library as an audiobook and I think I’ll revisit certain sections later.
VERY easy and pleasant to read. I think there are many things in this book that you can take away as a Mother.
The only criticism I'd say is that for me personally there wasn't any thing in particular in the book I didn't know but that's only due to experience as a Mother, no criticism of the Author.
Useful book for first time mums. Honest and true. I enjoyed Emma sharing her own personal experiences. It is easy and quick to read. This is the type of book you get for a mum-to-be. Perhaps ideal as a baby shower gift.
Some gorgeous advice ranging from using crystals to seriously looking out for yourself and advice and guidance around motherhood. At times is can be a little patronising but a lovely little read for a first time mum, especially one who loved Baby Spice.