Pea in a Pod

*** OVER 1 MILLION COPIES SOLD *** Pregnancyand childbirth are not what they used to be. Back in the good ol’ days, mothers-to-bevisited their obstetricians once a month, did exactly what they were told, andgave birth while heavily sedated or anesthetized. Their partners pacednervously in the waiting room, barred from the inner sanctum of the labor anddelivery rooms. Although some expectant parents still stand on the sidelines,more choose to be active players. If you want to be a participant rather than aspectator in the birth of your baby, Pea in a Pod, Third Edition is your playbook. Up-to-date and complete, Pea in a Pod is a “one-stop-shopping”guide that provides a wealth of pertinent, accurate information for expectantparents. With topics that begin with fertilization and continue throughpregnancy, childbirth, and baby’s first year, this comprehensive work couldeasily be called Absolutely EverythingYou Need to Know About Pregnancy, Birth, Breastfeeding, and the Newborn. Afterpresenting a general overview of available birthing options and caregiverchoices, the book offers a detailed description of conception and fetaldevelopment, along with the physical and emotional changes to expect duringpregnancy. It provides important nutritional guidelines; exercise plans for themother-to-be, new mother, and cesarean mother; information on prenatal testsand procedures; and a wealth of hints for the father-to-be, labor partner, andnew father. Also included is a variety of effective relaxation techniques andbreathing methods to help manage the work of labor. And since every labor isdifferent and may not necessarily go “by the book,” labor variations arediscussed along with the most common interventions and medications. The finalchapters focus on the basics of infant care, detailing such topics asbreastfeeding, childhood immunizations, and infant massage. Clear, step-by-stepinstructions for handling emergencies such as choking are presented, as well asdirections for performing infant CPR. The birth of a baby is one of the most significant events in a parent’slifetime. Whether this is your first birth or your first “prepared” birth, Pea in a Pod will help make the journey from pregnancy to parenthood bothmemorable and rewarding.