Journey to Parenthood

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"A book that really prepares you for pregnancy and having a baby...very accessible in style."
-- Vivette Glover, Professor of Perinatal Psychobiology, Imperial College London

"The Journey to Parenthood is the antidote to this culture's insanity about preparing for parenthood."
-- 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

Front cover of book 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.”

Read the full review from Doody's Book Review Service, with a subscription base of over 300,000

"This book offers readers the reassurance they need to recognize that the true job of parenting is not to subscribe to any cookie-cutter solutions but rather find the parenting style that works for you and your child."
--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

I've read dozens of parenting books over the years, but this is the best one I have come across so far and the only one I would recommend that new parents buy. To start with, it has a strong, healthy focus on parents, not just on babies! It's a great mix of real stories from future and new parents, fortunately not only from the usual happy ones who claim everything is perfect (exasperating or worrying when your child does not seem to be following the current milestones). It is reassuring to read about people's expectations and then the reality of their 'journeys to parenthood'.

Read the full review from Isabelle Karimov of The Practising Midwife

Visit Diana Lynn Barnes's web site for The Center for Postpartum Health^SM. For interviews, contact her at dlbarnes@postpartumhealth.com.

Email Leigh Balber at lbalber@nyc.rr.com.