Where are the instructions?

CONGRATS TO VALERIE M.!

The moment that second line appeared on my pregnancy test I cracked open the first pregnancy book.  I consumed every word of several books on my night stand.  There was so much information and at the same time, not enough!

I had so many questions even with all this information at my fingertips.  I wanted to know if feeling this twinge this week was normal or when you were this far along did your baby do this too?  The books went over generalities, how most normal pregnancies progress. 

Jennifer Bright Reich and Rallie McAllister, MD, MPH have come pretty close to doing such a thing.  Jennifer was wonderful enough to send me two of their books, The Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy & Birth and The Mommy MD Guide to Your Baby's First Year (see this post for review & details).

What is so wonderful & different about these books vs the others you see?  Jennifer & Rallie's books are like reading a bunch of friends "been there, done that, have the t-shirt" tips & tricks.  They're such an easy read that you don't feel like you're reading a medical book but a girlfriends guide to what worked for me.

In the Pregnancy & Birth book there are more than 900 tips from 60 doctors who are also mothers.  They break the pregnancy down week by week which I LOVE.  It's so nice to take it in smaller chunks than try to consume one month at a time.  Each chapter starts off with your baby's size then your baby's latest developments along with YOUR latest developments (weight gain anyone?).  Then one of my favorites, they throw in a "Justification for a Celebration".  For example, in week 23 it's "If not now, soon your partner will be able to feel your baby move."  Any mom who has reached that milestone will tell you that most certainly is a reason to celebrate! 

After these fun tidbits the doctors give you stories, tips & tricks they used in that week, for example in week 31 the doctors go over choosing to breastfeed or bottlefeed, preventing stretch marks, dealing with itchy skin, preventing & treating the loathed hemorrhoids.  Throughout the chapter they have "Mommy MD Guide-Recommended Products", "When to Call Your Doctor or Midwife", and my favorite "MomMy Time".

MomMy Time are tips for pampering mommy!  In Week 11 they suggest buying  yourself some new luxurious toiletries.

Now would be a great time to treat yourself to some soothing new bath products.  Lavender is very relaxing.  Or perhaps choose vanilla, which will come in handy after you baby is born

This book covers Week 1 - Just a Dream to Week 43 - Welcome to the World Little One!  The easy to read and find Index also helps you flip to the location you need in the book for reference.

The Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy & Birth is like having 60 of your best doctor friends tell you what worked for them.  Each woman is different so you're sure to find someone with your point of view on things.  In Week 21 three different doctors discuss their registering stories, one doctor's husband was overwhelmed and panicked, walking right out the door.  Another discusses taking her trusted friend with her instead of her husband (the road I went down) and another tells us why they registered prior to their baby but didn't bring anything home until after their child was born.

In a crazy 40 weeks (more or less) of pregnancy, it's nice to know that's you're not alone in your feelings or emotions even if other books may imply that.  Plus it's always great to hear that a doctor did things the same way you feel you want to progress.

Buy:
Purchase their books here for yourself or a family or friend for this holiday season!  Or just to say congratulations!  This is a must have for all mom-to-bes!

Along with the book they also offer an app at the App Store for just $0.99! 

Win:
Rallie McAllister, MD, MPH & Jennifer Bright Reich has offered one of my readers a copy of The Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy & Birth.  Drawing ends at 12:01 AM on Wednesday November 23. I’ll draw the winner, via random.org, on Wednesday November 23. I will send an email to the winner & you will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen. Please be sure to read the rules!

Use the Rafflecopter form below. If you don't see it - click on the title of this post. Otherwise email me at tarah716[at]ymail.com for instructions on how to enter.




I wasn't paid or swayed to write this post, I was sent the above mentioned products and asked to provide an open and honest review and giveaway!