Publisher's Synopsis
You've read all the books, but you still want to know what it's REALLY like in those first few months after having a baby. Your wife/daughter/daughter-in-law/sister/friend is about to deliver and you want to know what you can do to help her. If you are asking yourself these questions, this book is for you! Author Kathleen McCue surveyed mothers in her practice to find their answers to 20 questions, including "What is the most important advice you received before birth?", "What was the most unexpected part of becoming a new mother?", "What things did spouse/family/friends do that were helpful/not helpful?", and "What would you do differently next time?" Sample survey comments included those such as: -"Boobs are like children and require structure and predictability." -"Support and reassurance. No gadget or book helped me more than people telling me that I was doing a good job and just needed to stick with it." -"Make lists before the baby comes for things you'll need--grocery shopping, pets' grooming appointments, vacuuming the house... People will want to help you, so have a clear idea of what you'd like them to do." -"Really, really sleep whenever you can." -"My in-laws insisted on coming to visit for an entire week right when the baby was born. While it was nice to have a hand around the house, it was actually pretty stressful having visitors staying at my house during that time. I wish they had come a couple of weeks later." -"I wish my husband had complimented me on my pregnant body." -"A certain unnamed relative loved to take off with my daughter, even if she was crying, and she would just say 'oh, babies cry sometimes' without giving her back to me. This drove me crazy!" Author McCue follows up the answers to each survey question with her thoughts, suggestions, and advice. This book really "tells it like it is!" And sometimes it's not easy and doesn't always come naturally, as you'll learn from the mothers' comments. But knowing what to realistically expect and being prepared may make your own experience easier and better!
