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Books make wonderful baby shower gifts and Hands Off My Belly is perfect for the mom-to-be.
Some pregnancy books on the market make a mom-to-be feel like she can’t possibly do anything right or do everything she needs to for a healthy pregnancy. There are many books that fuel the fears an expectant mom has and creates more worry than support. Some are trying to be so funny that, although the reader can relate, they may not learn much.
Hands Off My Belly balances the facts and necessary information a mom needs with a realistic perspective for today’s busy, information-inundated mom. Researching the truth behind existing false beliefs and sharing the roots of these myths allows it to be both an entertaining and informative read without preaching. This book is a fun read for first, second or third-time moms.
The authors Dr. Shawn A Tassone and Dr. Kathryn Landherr are experienced gynaecologists (who are also married) and parents of four children. They share the common myths and concerns they have encountered in 20 years of working with women trying to conceive and those who are pregnant.
Myths abound around conception, pregnancy diet, gender identification, the baby’s size, pre-term labor, mood and behavior, c-sections, delivery and myths around twins and multiples. Many are based on some truth (and good intentions) but some are quite ridiculous.
Some of the common myths that are widely accepted as truth are:
• Ultrasounds are 100% correct when determining gender
• If a woman craves spicy or tart foods, then she is having a boy
• My Grandmother says I have to eat more because I am eating for two
• When I arrive at the hospital I will be greeted with a shave and an enema
• The majority of multiple births come from infertility treatments
The great thing about this book is that it addresses probably one hundred of these myths that have been around for generations and gives you the real facts so that you aren’t mislead.
Pregnancy seems to be a time where perfect strangers are comfortable telling you that your big bottom (an offensive observation to verbalize to many pregnant women) means you are having a boy or that you shouldn’t eat ANY cheese or deli meat. Family will offer advice and input whether you asked or not. Both these situations can leave you feeling guilty, as though you have done something wrong, but they are passing on what they learned and although their intentions may be good, they may be misguided. Hands Off My Belly will give you the information to politely listen (but secretly ignore) what you now know is a myth.
The chapter The Seven Habits to a Highly Enjoyable Pregnancy is a fantastic addition to this book. It focuses on how to make pregnancy enjoyable (Hint: steer clear of cable’s graphic birth shows) and the importance of connection and listening to your voice. My favorite habit is You’re Expecting, So Expect Nothing which discusses the ways in which expectations may not be realistic and sets women up for failure or disappointment. It also touches on the importance of journaling to help new moms to get to a place of empowerment and control.
Overall Hands Off My Belly is an enjoyable read. Any pregnant woman (or their spouse, aunt or mother) will find it very helpful when navigating all the misinformation that today’s expectant mom has to sort though.
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