Momstuff: pregnancy book recommendations?

• 08-26-2008 9:09 PM

  Cita Joined on 12-13-2006 CT Posts 4,674 Points 735

  Momstuff: pregnancy book recommendations? Reply Contact Okay, all you motherly-knowledgeable types...  I just found out a friend of mine's wife is apparently 4 weeks pregnant... it was not at all a planned pregnancy, and they're both in their early twenties. I'm not really sure how much knowledge/support they'll have through this - they are very very catholic and have lots of family members with children, but they're all several states away. Any good book recommendations? I'm thinking particularly things relating to prenatal nutrition - what to eat, what to avoid, maybe even some good recipes? I was thinking it might make a good congratulatory present - do you guys think that's a good idea? Also any advice on how to be friendly and supportive without being obnoxious would be great. I don't know her all that well at all, and she's the first of my friends to get pregnant, so my mind is kind of boggling a little bit, too. (And I thought it was bad when people were just getting married! lol!) Thanks in advance :)

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• 08-26-2008 9:35 PM

  In reply to Cita

  boneyjean Joined on 09-10-2007 FW, TX Posts 2,099 Points 30

  Re: Momstuff: pregnancy book recommendations? Reply Contact Gosh, there are SO MANY!  What to Expect when your Expecting is the book I think every pregnant women gets and is a good one that goes month by month and helps you think about the things that are important to be focused on in the month you are in as well as what to expect and answers to some questions.  I remember coming home the first week I knew which was my 6th week and reading something in that book that put my mind totally at ease about what was going on. Great Expectations is another month by month or week book.  I think that one is by week.  I have one that is even by day.  Mothers Know Best is kind of a fun book with other mother's remedies for things etc.  A friend let me borrow the book Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarty and although I haven't finished it, I laughed so hard I cried during some of it.  It was a light easy ready that really was humurous.  I think I will finish that one in the waiting room this week at the Dr's office.  :) Another wonderful book for the money minded research type person is Baby Bargains.  That one would be more for when you are starting to buy things for the baby or register.  I used it religiously in doing my research and deciding on which one of what to get.  You could also get a book for the dad to be.  I got one for hubby called The Expectant Father.  I didn't know if he would read it or not but he did and he got to be my hero a lot b/c of it, especially in those early weeks when I was feeling really sick and any bad smell was setting me off.  Not sure if she is the internet type or not but I found a website I LOVE.  http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/Pregnancy/calendar/week/4  It goes week by week and has people in that week responding below which can be nice when you are worrying about every little thing and then you have other people to compare and commiserate with.   I have used my Dr for info about nutrition but I also used the March of Dimes website for nutrition/what to avoid etc.  You might even just go to the book store and see what you find, and then you could go order it online.  There are also pregnancy diaries and other stuff like that.  I think that is a very nice gesture to show your support.  If you think she might already have some of the more popular books, you could always go the book route for her husband to show your support as well.           ~Sarah, Harley & Izzy~ boneyjean.blogspot.com

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• 08-26-2008 9:40 PM

  In reply to boneyjean

  mrstjohnson Joined on 07-13-2006 Sterling Heights, MI Posts 2,816 Points 65	Re: Momstuff: pregnancy book recommendations? Reply Contact Something more light hearted would be Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy...I thought it was hilarious! Lisa - Charlie & Riley's Mommy A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. -Josh Billings
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• 08-26-2008 11:37 PM

  In reply to mrstjohnson

  marlania Joined on 09-10-2007 South Louisiana Posts 2,133 Points 85

  Re: Momstuff: pregnancy book recommendations? Reply Contact I used What to Expect When You're Expecting throughout my pregnancy. It seems like all of the weird things that happen to you are covered in the book. I just finished the same book that covers the first year, and now I'm on the toddler one. Although nothing is predictable, but the books give you a pretty good idea of things that could happen. Can I have my 4000-something posts back? Pretty please?

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• 08-27-2008 12:20 PM

  In reply to marlania

  huskymom Joined on 09-10-2007 Thunder Bay ON Posts 5,871 Points 495

  Re: Momstuff: pregnancy book recommendations? Reply Contact  Just a note though, about What to Expect When You're Expecting, get the newest edition out there, as the book is as old as the hills and the older versions have some pretty outdated stuff in them.  I just took the one from the library out when I was pregnant and it was an older one.  Some of the stuff was laughable.  You could mention Babyfit.com.  Its a great group that has tons of support as well as great articles and meal plans.   Candace He said Hey, I said What? He said You, I said What? He said you left the fire burning and I burnt my butt. So now I've learned, you've got to turn, the fireplace down so Santa won't get burned. NKOTB

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• 08-27-2008 3:22 PM

  In reply to Cita

  Chuffy Joined on 12-17-2006 UK Posts 5,799 Points 10

  Re: Momstuff: pregnancy book recommendations? Reply Contact  Maybe not suggesting what to eat/not eat, but any book that talks you through the pregnancy and explains what you are likely to experience through pregnancy and the early days after the baby is born... something that forewarns about stuff and reassures you it's normal, and what is something that is valid to be worried about.... that would be a good book to have! I found that the whole "can I eat this?" "can I eat that" thing just make my head asplode! Another nice option might be a voucher for a clothes shop that does nice maternity wear, so she can "spoil herself" and look pretty, which will give her a boost if she feels like a hippo later, with no spare cash cos it's all being spent on baby stuff.  "Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life." (Pratchett, Jingo) "I used to look at [my dog] Smokey and think, 'If you were a little smarter you could tell me what you were thinking,' and he'd look at me like he was saying, 'If you were a little smarter, I wouldn't have to.'" - Fred Jungclaus

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• 09-03-2008 3:52 AM

  In reply to Cita

  janet_rose Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW area, Texas Posts 3,784 Points 330

  Re: Momstuff: pregnancy book recommendations? Reply Contact It is hard to get really specific on an Amazon.com search, but here are a couple.  The "relevance" ordering can be changed to several things; for instance, "bestselling".  However, that can put the less relevant items at the top of the list. Search one:  books - pregnancy nutrition - Health, Mind & Body - printed books - new - 4 to 5 stars - relevance Search two:  books - pregnancy father - Health, Mind & Body - printed books - new - 4 to 5 stars - relevance Search three:  books - pregnancy - Health, Mind & Body - printed books - new - 4 to 5 stars - relevance Taking ratings with a grain of salt if there are not many reviewers.  Look at the publication dates and check for newer editions.  Books with multiple editions obviously have sold well. Some of the books may be available in your local library.  Borrow your friend's library card and "donate" some time finding them some books. Cita: Also any advice on how to be friendly and supportive without being obnoxious would be great. Congratulate them and ask how she is feeling, but do not spread the news.  Keep in mind that 4-weeks is very early to announce a pregnancy.  Many couples wait until 3 months because the chance of miscarriage is much lower by that time. I sure hope that she has seen a doctor and is on pre-natal vitamins.

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• 09-03-2008 6:18 AM

  In reply to Cita

  Bonita of Bwana Joined on 09-14-2007 Foley , Alabama Posts 1,889 Points 4,850

  Re: Momstuff: pregnancy book recommendations? Reply Contact Dump the book concept... they are floating on air not ready to read..... If you really feel you must.... buy them a Books a Million gift certificate... Next Just be happy for them.... it is THAT simple..... they will have strangers  and family  and "friends" a plenty telling them how awful their labor was or how big they got, or didn't get.. They will have people touching the Bump with or without asking...  You want to be the Cool Bud right??  No Problem... I can give you detailed instructions on how to make a "cake" out of diapers, receiving blankets and rattles/  I am not sure how old You are... so that makes it a little bit more difficult . If you were my age you would be handling it differently than if you are a contemporary...but the general thought is the same... Be happy for them. don't scold because they do not have the college fund started...don't give more than you can easily afford and they truly need,  and be prepared to understand as the great expectation goes on there will be days they are amped and days they are close to devastated... that is the realization of parenting. If you want to be ultra cool get them the Parenting Magazines....   Parents.... and  Simple Living are both very cool... lots of great articles and more importantly to most young parents both the acknowledgment they are going to be real adults and parents ... AND the coupons / advertisements. If they have a dog (s)  then get info on how to complete the family by adding a two legger, print it out and put it in a cool binder that has lots of space for other articles etc.... Put a couple of coupons saying you will walk the dog when they have the bahy etc ... What ever you do  Do NOT overwhelm them... do not hover and try to be everything at all times. Very loving and friendly people article don't tell them how massively life will now change just ket then know as adpotive aunti or mom  You need to suppor t her now.... Give him kudos for anthy and everything they do well on their own. Make mistakes just a simple funny in growing up. This is based off of over 30 years experience I am still good friends with every child they all pop out and I am God parent to a handful...Why?  you can not teach anyone anything they think they already know or are fated to handle. All you can do is be happy for them and let them know you are there and care. Bonita of Bwana Bonita of Bwana AKC Rhodesian Ridgebacks Champions, Therapy Dogs and Awesome Companions

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• 09-03-2008 1:29 PM

  In reply to Bonita of Bwana

  Agnes L. Joined on 04-30-2008 Posts 75 Points 10

  Re: Momstuff: pregnancy book recommendations? Reply Contact Folic acid is very important early in pregnancy, but yes, 4 weeks is early still (2 weeks after missed period) and there is a chance f miscarriage still. that said, you said they were VERY catholic. i am pretty sure there are some daily meditation/daily prayer books for pregnant women. the what to expect books are good. right now, she probably is dealing with morning sickness, dealing with suddenly their whole life is changing focus. the last htought that comes to mind is don't overwhelm her with what to do/eat and what not to do/eat. sometimes when i was pregnant it seemed like there were "experts" that said it was bad to drink coffee, bad to eat food with preservatives, imprtant to get omega 3's but be careful not to go overboard on fish to avoid excess mercury, etc. etc. perhaps the best thing is to offer to listen and reassure her. agnes

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