First-Time Parents: What Every New Parent Needs to Know

This is my favorite Dr. Miriam Stoppard book because it is wonderfully organized and has plenty of great photographs and colorful blocks of information. The charts on everything from "What diagnostic tests are," to "What to look out for as your child develops," make this book the most practical book I have seen. If I had to buy one book for a new parent, this would be it. I love all of Dr. Stoppard's books, but this one is truly a book for mom and dad. This is also a book that focuses on the needs of the parents as well as the needs of the baby. The first-time parents concerns are examined and Dr. Miriam deals with every aspect from preparing for pregnancy to bonding with the baby as a family. The father's role in the childcare is also discussed in more detail. This takes a look at how parenthood will change your life and it offers constructive help on keeping your relationship alive. This book includes information on the needs of working women, house husbands and single parents. You will learn how to be a caregiver, supporter and teacher, as well as a loving partner. What I love most about this book is that it focuses on the "decision to become a parent." This is much more than just deciding to have a baby. This is about bringing a child into the world and about creating an entire new person. The process of pregnancy is also fascinating. You will want to check this section throughout your pregnancy. Issues during pregnancy are discussed in great detail. On many of the pages you will also find a block that gives information about how fathers can take an active role. There is a section on "Sex and Parenthood" which gives some sage advice if you don't want to immediately become pregnant again. A section is devoted to PPD (Postpartum Depression) and explains why this happens and how to deal with it. The best part of this book is the large charts which show the development of your new child. It focuses in on "mind, mobility, coordination, social skills and speech." In this way, you can keep track of how your child is developing and the beauty of these charts is that there is a whole section on "How You Can Help." This book shows you what it is really like to have a baby! Highly recommended if your goal is to enjoy life and have the knowledge you need to enjoy life as a family. ~The Rebecca Review

I had been looking for a book that will help in showing me all aspects of being a new parent. This book covered it all and then some. I am planning to have children in the next few years and this book has helped with all of my questions. I think the veiwpoints for the fathers makes this a book even the fathers will be excited to read. I have already read it many times and I keep it close by so I may just thumb through it. I just lent it to a friend and I am already missing it.