Amazing for moms or soon to be moms
926574
I have recently been looking into essential oils for my health and well being as well as my baby. This has helped tremendously. Christina Anthis has been an extremely great help with this book. I was a beginner with no experience with oils and what to use and when. I love that she included the dilution percentages and amounts. She really has covered everything you need to know including what not to use at certain points in pregnancy or breastfeeding and everything in between. I highly recommend this book to any mother or soon to be mother. I am excited to use all of the knowledge gained from this book with my family and next pregnancy.
3690418
This book is a must read for first time parents. As a soon to be mother with basically no experience in baby care this book was the ultimate life and sanity savior.

As soon as I picked up this book (about 2 weeks before my daughter was born) and started reading I knew it was the book for me. It outlined a simple plan that I could follow to care for my baby. Finally, I was able to move from fear and anticipation of becoming a mom to breathing a big sigh of relief. This book was exactly what I needed - a game plan - with simple steps and tried and true methods to guide both me and my baby.

My daughter ended up being born 5 weeks early and spending the first week of her life in the special care nursery at the hospital. Even at the hospital they were basically following the schedule outlined in this book --- why? --- because it works and the nurses know it.

When we got home from the hospital, I continued to followed the schedules and advice in this book. I don't know how I would have been able to get through our baby's first months with out this book. We had no baby care help from family or friends and my husband went back to work full time, 2 weeks after my daughter's birth. So I was basically on my own but this book helped me find time to rest and shower while still giving my baby everything she needed.

I did stick with the schedules a bit longer instead of moving from week to week so I followed the 1st week schedule for a couple weeks then moved on to the 2nd week schedule for a couple weeks, excreta. (I did this partly because my baby was a preemie). But by 8 weeks (2 months) my baby was pretty much sleeping through the night. The book worked and I was transformed into a calm confident parent and my daughter is a very happy baby. I can honestly say that I love being a mother and I'm good at it (thanks to this book). Plus, it is always nice when people ask me why I don't look tired and stressed out! The answer of course is because I'm following this book, I know when the baby is going to do what, and I can schedule my day around it. Plus, she is happy and sleeps through the night.

Tomorrow, I dropping off this book to my friend who has a 9 month old who still isn't sleeping through the night.

I do have to admit that the author should do a better job at explaining risk factors for SIDS and that she does misrepresent some of the other baby books out there. But neither of these things should stop you from buying and using the tips in this book. I used this book in combination with the tips from The Happiest Baby on the Block. Combining the calming techniques from that book with the scheduling of this one worked awesome for us.
146136
I am expecting my first kid, so I won't know for sure how good this book is for a year or so, but so far it sounds so true. I loved the play on what the media has you idealizing and what is real when the baby is here.
The separate opinions of the MOFLs was so enlightening that parenting and babies are different for each and everyone
447884
As a new mom, I received this book as a gift. I didn't know what to expect as most mom books are pretty useless (no offense!). This book tells it like it is and is REALLY FUNNY! My post-baby belly hurts from laughing, but that counts as a workout, right?
I love being brought into Lyss' life and seeing that even the most put together moms aren't so put together all the time, and that there is a community to relate to. Last night my husband asked him what was for dinner, and with my 4 month old on my lap, I took a note from the book and told him to ask seamless.com instead! LOL
728702
I'm a huge Mama Natural fan and this book did not disappoint. I have many books on pregnancy (some seem like they were thrown together for a sale) and this is by far the most real and down to earth one I have.

The others are great for basic information, but Genevieve really put her heart into this and every week I feel like I've learned something I can carry with me.

The illustrations are also lovely and you can tell that she and Mike took their time to equip moms with what they need, while meeting them where they are.

I plan to keep this book in my family and hopefully pass it on to my daughter someday.

Thank you so much, Mama Natural. Keep doing what you do. It does not go unnoticed!!
2421576
I meant to read this book over the space of a few days, but wasn't able to put it down! This book is full of real, tangible items that I can do as an expectant mom working full time who wants to grow my personal business and manage my time well. I'm so thankful to have these tips and advice to help me transition to motherhood. My favorite part of the book is that it doesn't guilt you for the stage of life that you're in and is kind to all women; building them up instead of tearing them down.
2108390
This book/CD is absolutely amazing!!  Even though my two daughters are grown, this is so appropriate and can be passed on to their children if they wish.  This was not a gift for a specific event, just to show them how much they mean to me and what a blessing they are.  Truly a wonderful gift for any mom to give to her daughter(s).  Thank you.
1657855
I totally recommend this book to all mothers (especially first time moms).
Being a first time mom myself, this book helped me gain a new perspective about the new life of being a mom and motherhood itself.
It is soo funny and the writing and illustrations will keep you going cover to cover.  :) Great buy!
3875517
Being a mom to 5 small children, this book was such an encouragement to me right where I am. I found myself laughing--reminding myself to just laugh in the little things--and even crying as this mom to 5 boys often feels just like I do. My 5 children came to us through the old fashioned way and through adoption--and one of the chapters that ministered to my heart the most was when Careen talks about closing that chapter of having more children. I think this can be hard for moms--whether you stop at 1, 5 or 10 as we are all made for different numbers of children--but saying goodbye to those sweet baby and toddler days can be really hard on a momma's heart. I loved how she described it not being the end--but rather different things ahead. This book was just what I needed in this season of starting a different phase with our family. I'm inspired to journal as she did the ashes and the beauty in my mommy hood. I have had the joy of knowing this author and some of her boys--and I'm amazed at how each of her boys truly walks the walk of following the Lord. If you are looking for a mentor from afar--this book will be an encouragement to you no matter where you are in your mommy-hood journey!
2987960
This book came recommended by another first time mom.  I am so glad I purchased it!  It's been a great tool to have and allows me feel more confident as a parent.  There are a variety of games to choose from, categorized by recommended age, allowing your little one to stay entertained and engaged. It's nice to learn how your child benefits from each game/activity too.  This has become my go to gift for any other first time moms.
4436854
After reading some of the negative reviews I had to share my opinion.  This program, while at first glance may sound strict, has made motherhood a great experience.  Several mothers I know suggested this program and they swear by it, as do i.  My 10 week old is sleeping 9-10 hours at night and naps regularly after each meal.  His awake time is great and he is happy!  I can lay him down while he is wide awake and he falls asleep on his own.  He can sleep anywhere...not just in a swing, not just in his crib, not just in a bouncy seat, and more importantly...never with me and my husband :) he had signs of colic early on, but I think it has been subdued because of the schedule.  My advice to moms is take EVERYTHING you read with a grain of salt.  No human is predictable, but we are all conditioned by schedules (whether some would like to admit that or not). and a schedule, if anything, will help a new mom feel better and in turn be a better mom.  I know exactly when I can shower, do the dishes, run to the store, eat lunch, fix dinner, and spend time with my husband alone.  It has made all the difference for us, and I suggest all moms to give it a try.  Be flexible and don't beat yourself up if you can't get it perfect all the time everyday. That's impossible.  But the book describes a great goal to strive for.
3445362
This book, although huge, is very organized.  It's logically in order for a pregnant mother to read, with soothing comfort about how your body is actually working to prepare to breastfeed during your pregnancy.  It contains informed consent about options for during your birth.  There are chapters split up dealing with specific ages of babies and what you can expect and tips for dealing with these times.  The entire book has an empathetic tone of encouragement and empowerment.  All of the issues are indexed in the back of the book so it would make for a great reference for any nursing mother to have on hand.
I consider myself to know more than most women do about breastfeeding.  I read many books while struggling very much to breastfeed my baby, saw several pediatricians and a few IBCLC's, and eventually it all worked out and now my nursling is 2.  I've provided breastfeeding mentorship for over a year, and I participate in several breastfeeding groups.  I wish this book had existed 2 years ago, as it would have answered a lot quickly for me.  It's as though the authors took the very best tips from many different knowledgeable experts in the field, and combined them all into this one masterpiece.  For those of us who love to read even more detail, the many scientific references are in the back of the book.  Also, as you read along in the book, other books are listed if you want to read more about specific topics.  I checked out probably 20 baby books from my library, but only found a couple that I liked and felt right for my own family.  It was great to see only the best books recommended in this masterpiece.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is filled with the most current science about breastfeeding - how if your baby is exposed to a virus even while away from you, at your next feeding the baby's saliva communicates with your body to make the antibodies the baby needs and send it through your milk.  How the actual act of nursing physically helps to develop the baby's jaw and palate and make more room for teeth.  How using pacifiers does NOT reduce the risk of SIDS.  How you do not need to give baby special "baby foods" when you start solids, but can take a relaxed healthy approach and offer the foods your family eats.  It has tips on how to get better sleep, how to lovingly set boundaries with your baby, and support for standing up to attacks from others.
Like the La Leche Meetings (mother-to-mother breastfeeding support group) that I've attended, this book had a very "take what works for you, and leave the rest" type of warm and accepting attitude.  Filled with encouragement to trust your own mothering instincts, with advice that you know your baby best, this book will be a great confidence boost to many mothers.
There are beautiful illustrations throughout the book.  Also helpful pictures of latching, positions, how to counter-pressure (I sure could have used that in the early days!), laid-back breastfeeding, etc.  I also enjoyed reading that the book was written with breastfeeding normative language.
This book is absolutely amazing.  Inspiring.  Sprinkled with great little anecdotes.  Make sure you get the 8th edition - the newest version, as it's a complete rewrite from previous editions.  In the back, they have "tear-off" reference sheets - summations of some important and useful sections.  Such as milk storage guidelines to post on your fridge, a handout for your daycare about handling your milk, even a handout for the grandparents that made me laugh but was exactly what I could/would have used!
Thank you to the authors.  I'm amazed and impressed.
1560907
Perfect gift for mom's to be or new moms! I got one for myself as a gift and bought a few for friends of mine!
4492398
I love this book as it truly resonates with EVERY working mom. I've never felt as though I couldn't connect to other books about mom and baby because really, we do all of that, as well.. but this book.. it spoke to such a special place in my heart because it really summed up what it feels like to be a mom with ambition and a career that is constantly thinking of her baby. It touches on the joy that you feel when you are reunited at the end of each day and how much you cherish those short evenings that you try and cram everything into. This is a must-have for working mamas. It was a mother's day gift to me from my husband and I couldn't have asked for a better gift.
388547
First I must admit one thing: I haven't read the entire book. It is so full of stories from mothers who describe their struggles to find balance, but it also includes helpful suggestions for moms who are struggling right now. And if we're honest, I'd have to say we're all struggling right now, today and everyday. Just like laundry, there is no end to the balancing act we must perform. Each morning will present new challenges to our best-laid plans, and it is our ability to find ways to weave those challenges into our lives without giving in to the chaos that make us "Good Enough" moms.

My second confession: I'm not rushing to finish the book anytime soon. Rather, I see it as a permanent fixture on my nightstand, something to read carefully and completely, not skim through to the end so that I can check it off my to do list. It is the book that I will pick up at night after a particularly hard day when I need encouragement, support or just a good laugh. It will be the one I use when my children or family or friends or co-workers come up with a completely new way to frustrate or confuse me. And it will be the one I will turn to when I am on the verge of tears, desperately trying to keep my life in balance and feeling like a complete failure.

What I like the most about The New Perfect is how Hollee and Becky have woven personal stories of their own along with stories from a variety of women to provide us with the "how we got here" history of modern motherhood. Our mothers provided us with unprecedented opportunity, and we have felt the pressure to live up to their expectations ever since. What we forgot along the way is that these women didn't live up to anyone else's expectations; they created their own. That's how they made progress and changed the workplace. Instead of feeling like we're not doing enough from their point of view, we need to use our energy to make sure we're doing enough from ours.

With Mother's Day coming this weekend, I know that The New Perfect will be a popular gift for moms of all ages, but I have another suggestion. I see this book as a wonderful graduation gift for those young women who are just starting their lives. College graduates, and even some from high school, may really benefit from reading our stories. Would they take from this book the same things I do as a mom who has been out of school for a number of years? I wouldn't expect that. But I would expect them to find inspiration in its pages, and I hope that they would see that we still don't have all of the answers. Maybe they'll see this as an opportunity to find new ways to balance their lives at an earlier age. And maybe they won't expect to have the answers, either. And that's good enough for me.
3718528
I was skeptical at first with baby scheduling like so many others, but the way it is presented in this book is easy for mom and baby and totally natural. The baby adapted easily and was sleeping through the night just the way the book said by 7 weeks! Even better I never worried if my baby was hungry because I knew he was getting enough by feeding every 2 1/2 to 3 hours, I never knew that hospitals used this schedule for the premature babies. This book took a lot of guess work out of the early days of mothering, I loved it!!
391250
Amazing and wonderful great lists and spelling. Just the right size for looking through. The perfect book. almost  as good as mother of All. also number 4 on my top of the top list of baby name books. Great gift Idea too for expecting mommies