Review by Isabelle Karimov, Trainee antenatal teacher (NCT) and trainee doula (DUK)
The Practising Midwife – Vol 11 - Number 8 – September 2008

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'.

It is also a rare parenting book based on recent evidence and unbiased, interpreted research that presents an understandable guide to the psychological aspects of pregnancy for all those involved. So often these all too important aspects are merely glossed over in pregnancy books. Instead of focusing on medical issues or nursery decoration, this book reminds us how important is the psychological preparation for future parents as they embark on a new phase of their life. It will be a tremendous tool to assist any new parent in exploring, challenging and analysing thoughts and feelings about childbirth and being a parent. It could be particularly useful for men in considering fatherhood and their role during pregnancy and after the birth.

You will also rediscover that there is no such a thing as perfect parenting method (nice antidote against some sad reality TV show) and that maintaining a sense of perspective and following your instincts are probably among the best ways to raise healthy and happy babies. I would also highly recommend it for health and social care professionals, antenatal teachers, doulas, therapists and counsellors, for whom it provides a vital resource to help them in their daily work. But most of all, new parents and parents-to-be will love it!