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-- Vivette Glover, Professor of Perinatal Psychobiology, Imperial College London
-- Roberta Michnick Golinkoff and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Authors of Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less
by Diana Lynn Barnes, Psy.D., MFT and Leigh G. Balber
A rehearsal for parenthood? Who would ever think that what we have been led to believe is natural, instinctive and automatic might require a run-through? Many expectant couples spend the pregnancy period shopping for high-tech baby paraphernalia and decorating the nursery. Yet, while they are busy searching for these props of parenthood, they fail to consider the most important part of becoming a parent - what it really means to be a mother or father.
Pregnancy is the perfect time for expectant parents to run through a "psychological dress rehearsal" of what life may be like once the baby is born. Why is it important for a couple to discuss how housework and childcare responsibilities will be divided? How can pregnancy and, later, a new baby affect a couple's relationship? Who determines what makes a good parent? When is a woman at risk for postpartum depression? These are just some of the questions "The Journey to Parenthood: Myths, Reality and What Really Matters" answers. The book also debunks some of the myths about the journey to parenthood, illustrating how idealistic expectations can clash with the stark realities of pregnancy and the postpartum period. It offers readers a glimpse into the lives and minds of first-time parents, both before and after delivery. Couples from various socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds share their innermost thoughts about the journey to parenthood.
* “The book explores the many facets of parenthood in ways most other books have failed.”
* "The beauty of this book is that any expectant parent, new parent, or not-so new parent from any background will find it enlightening and a breath of fresh air. Notably, healthcare professionals will enjoy this book and find it a valuable tool in their day-to-day work with parents.”
* “Neither condescending or basic.”
* “What a truly wonderful addition to the literature for both those in the mental health field and the lay public. There is no finer book on parenthood available today.”
--Miriam Arond, Editor in Chief of Child magazine, coauthor of The First Year of Marriage: What to Expect, What to Accept & What You Can Change
Visit Diana Lynn Barnes's web site for The Center for Postpartum HealthSM. For interviews, contact her at dlbarnes@postpartumhealth.com.
Email Leigh Balber at lbalber@nyc.rr.com.