Important resource for all mothers
353741
An important resource for all mothers, arguably the most effective way to nurture brain development and secure the bond between mother and child. A classic.
4892105
I've seen these myths played out with my wife and children. The authors are accurate in disclosing the common traps moms face and possibly duped to believe.

The target audience is moms at every stage of motherhood. Hoodwinked addresses ten myths of motherhood that affect women and then the authors seek to dispel those myths by grounding moms with truisms and principles rooted in the Bible. It offers sound advice to counter the cultural norm or status quo. Ehman and Schwenk list ten myths and state, These myths of motherhood we will explore and dismantle together (Page 13).

So how do we approach motherhood with a right view? . . . How do we throw off the myths that have us all horribly hoodwinked? (Pages 13, 15) Those are the questions raised and answered in this book.

I found the writing style makes it easy to read. The stories and illustrations capture the readers attention and keep her interest. They make you feel that you are not alone in your motherhood experience. Hoodwinked provides sound and practical advice for moms of all ages that will encourage them to reflect on where to find ultimate fulfillment and significance.
4641967
Use Your Words: A Writing Guide for Mothers by Kate Hopper is an excellent resource. As a mother, she understands the value of writing about the many challenges of parenting, even from pregnancy. She includes many examples of writings, both from her own musings and those of others. She writes in a straightforward voice, using writing exercises throughout the book to prompt readers to take action instead of passively reading. I think the writing exercises in each chapter are the most valuable part of her book. Each writing exercise is a paragraph or three, designed to focus the reader on their own thoughts. In some, she'll ask you to make a list. In others, she'll ask you to describe someone's face. Then using questions, she probes you to think further, while teaching you how to do it. I really enjoyed this book and will reach for it repeatedly to help me in my own memoirs.
1231012
A great resource for parents in any stage of life.  Raising kiddos, working in or out of the home, juggling school, work, sports, household, marriage and more can be quite overwhelming, yet author Michelle Perry Higgins brings Motherhood back into focus in a down-to-earth way.  With witty and down-to earth stories from her life that mirror many of my own experiences, Michelle brings Mommyhood back into focus in a real way that any Mom can empathize with.  I found many of her stories and points were not only inspirational but I could completely see it in my own life - a few eye openers for this Mom.  I really feel that this is a Must-Read book for Moms everywhere of any age. A great book to have on-hand for any Mom to read, re-read and share with other Mom Friends!

*I received a free copy of this book through Tomoson  for this review - all my reviews are my personal and honest opinion!  Check out my blog for a great GIVEAWAY of this book - as well as more great reviews and giveaways - www(dot)momloves2read(dot)com
1949228
Dr. Kendall-Tackett's book provides an excellent articulation of the
various difficulties faced by mothers.  The book succinctly explains
current academic knowledge and makes it relevant to the lived
experiences of mothers in today's families.  Written in a truly caring
tone, the book does an outstanding job of placing the reader at ease
about challenges they may face as mothers and offers a wide array of
highly effective solutions.  Written primarily for mothers, this book
also provides men with useful insights into the difficulties faced by
their mothers, wives, sisters and friends, and so can help them to both
sympathize and effect changes to help the mothers in their lives.
125142
Ann Kroeker's book for stressed out moms does so much more than challenge  women to take moments from their hectic schedule to thoughtfully engage our  loving Creator. She shows moms how to achieve the seemingly impossible and  the ideas Ann shares work! From pausing for a moment of reflection (maybe  even adoration) to taking some bits of scheduled time out to converse with  God; Kroeker's insights illustrate the spiritual vitality available to  every seeking mom. It's all here....and what's also intriguing is reading  about other moms' thoughts and methods of drawing closer to the only One  who can truly refresh us and impart the vision necessary for mothering our  kids Biblically. Whether you're organized by nature or more given to  spontaneous celebration...this book has something for you...and your  children.

Michele Howe, author of&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Burdens-Do-a-Body-Good-Meeting-Life-s-Challenges-with-Strength-and-Soul/dp/1598564331/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Burdens Do a Body Good: Meeting Life's Challenges with Strength (and Soul)</a>
3104074
This book has been the most helpful resource that I have come across during my pregnancy. After reading it, I feel empowered and ready to take labor on, where as before reading it, I was scared. This book is NOT an EASY read. But, if you can make it through, it will be well worth it. I actually LOVE the cover photo. It does not depict PAIN to me, it depicts MIGHT. Hear us roar! :)
1788687
I have been a long time benefactor of Lori Mihalich-Levins blog and would have benefitted so much from her course if it had been available when I had my first child. Although one can cobble together info from the pediatrician, miscellaneous mom groups, relatives and friends, it is oftentimes hard to find peers for the corporate working mother and there just isn't that much information and support available that addresses our specific needs and lifestyle. Loris book is a collection of knowledge from experts on all aspects of this process, from planning maternity leave to managing your calendar, workload and relationships upon your return to work. Also, the book is filled with tips to manage all of the logistics involved in having a caregiver for your child or children, running your household and focusing on what matters. The advice on pumping at work and pumping on work travel is so important!! This is a must have resource for the working mom or anyone who is supporting a working mom- partners, grandparents, etc.
3648942
Sally Clarkson' s book was gifted to me when I was pregnant with my first son and I cannot imagine being a mother without a this guide to consider mothering from an eternal perspective. It has inspired and encouraged me to be the mom God created me to be and continues to be a resource for me in my 8th year of parenting.  Thank you Sally for your grace-filled words and always pointing me back to God's plan for my family!
4971507
I was simply delighted when I received a request to review Ina May's new book Birth Matters. As a fan of her work, I wondered if this book would just rehash information and ideas from her previous books. I hoped that we would finally get a better glimpse into her thoughts on the current state of birth in our culture and a better understanding of her teachings and findings. In the back of my mind, I feared that this would be just another book about natural childbirth.

I applaud the title of this book, Birth Matters; It seems so clear and simple. It sums up perfectly the message that Ina May and many other influential voices have dedicated their lives to bringing to the world. In this manifesta, it will be made clear to you that Ina May does not do this work for money or fame, but because she cares about women and babies, who's lives are on the line.

Ina May has a vision. That vision is that outcomes for women and babies would be put first and foremost in America and that US maternal outcomes would be reported accurately. It doesn't seem like too much to ask, does it? Ina May tells us why this isn't happening, and more importantly what needs to be done to fix it.

Birth Matters tells the story of how we view birth. At the core of who we are as a society is the way in which babies are being born and how women feel about the process.

Ina May stresses the importance of passing on birth stories, and how this simple act can help shape a healthy birth culture. She includes birth stories in this book as well; What Ina May book would be complete without them?

She gets straight to the heart of the problems in our birth culture, e.g., our shame at the intimacy of birth, our ignorance and willingness to ignore the simple physiology of natural birth and it's connection with other innate bodily functions, and our denial of midwifery's impact on healthy birth outcomes and family relationships.

Dedication and research shine through in her attention to detail. She offers insights into the history of midwifery in the United States and those she refers to as "medical men"; How this history has shaped our current views and practices in maternal care. References are cited well, but it's Ina May's thoughts and opinions, not facts and figures, that make this book worthwhile.

While reading, one question remained. What did Ina May propose that we do about all of this? She presented a lot of problems, but did she have a solution? I am happy to report that Ina May does propose real solutions so that you and I can take action immediately. Read this book only if you want to shed light on the problems with our current birth culture and want to see real, lasting change.
4442116
I love this book. I first purchased this book after reading "Mom Enough: The Fearless Mother's Heart and Hope." Rachel Jankovic knows her stuff. She keeps her chapters short (no more than 5 or so pages) yet each chapter is filled with wise advice followed by practical examples on how to act on that advice. As a new mom, I need the break down. Even when I am sleep deprived I feel like this book feeds a part of my soul and reminds me of what motherhood is all about. I am reminded that the good and the bad all have a purpose and that my kid is not the the embodiment of my own virtues and vices, rather, they are their own creation that needs to be encouraged, developed, corrected, and loved. This is a book you will want to read at least once a year. It is worth every cent.
3869585
It seems as though motherhood can only be viewed in one of two ways. We're either pandered to with our experiences reduced to a placement among the divine or we're looked at as boring automatons who can do nothing but discuss our wonderful,  brilliant and beautiful offspring. I was reluctant to pick up this book for fear of being subjected to either version of motherhood. The truth is, every mother is different and this book excels in acknowledging that. Intertwined with exercises and advice are written pieces by mothers from all backgrounds and experiences. It motivates the writer to put pen to paper (or, most likely, fingers to keyboard) and then offers real advice on ways to present and/or sell your completed work. I would recommend it to any mom looking for a push to get started on writing that book, blog, or article they've been putting off since they had their kids.
755931
The main focus of "The Nursing Mother's Herbal" is Breastfeeding. Herbal remedies are also included.

Sheila Humphrey has included just about everything you would want to know about this subject. She has also included information on specific herbal remedies for various situations.

If you are trying to decide between breastfeeding and feeding your baby "formula" you will want to read the benefits and risks section in chapter one. There is also information on donated milk and other fascinating facts.

This book is divided into 11 main sections:

The Health Benefits of Breastfeeding & Health Risks of Baby Formulas

Successful Breastfeeding - Everything from finding a lactation specialist to organizing your day.

How Milk is Made and Why This Matters

Herbs and Herbal Products

Healthcare Options - A discussion about Western and Conventional Medicine.

Postpartum Recovery - What to eat and what to expect after delivery.

Solutions for Regulating Your Milk Supply - herbal help

Breast Problems

Common Illnesses and Health Problems

Common Signs to look for when Your Child is Ill

Weaning and the Return to Fertility

The Nursing Mother's Herbal is one of the books I'd recommend to every woman who is considering becoming a mother or who is already pregnant. This book gives you a wealth of information and I think it is one of the most interesting books I've ever read on breastfeeding and postpartum issues.

Sheila also encourages you to find the support you need. She gives excellent advice on how to deal with every aspect of breastfeeding and also focuses on the most intricate details of every positive and negative situation that could occur. There are recipes for various "galactogogue teas" to encourage a good milk supply. By reading this book you can also find out interesting things about why you should not use aloe vera gel and why you might want to use tea rinses or poultices made from herbs for their skin healing properties.

Other features include:

An extensive list of organizations and websites
A Plant Safety Table (they also include information on herbs that will help or decrease milk production)
Detailed Information about Herbs like fennel, fenugreek, hops and milk thistle.

"The Nursing Mother's Herbal" is simply fascinating and I can highly recommend it to mothers who are preparing for breastfeeding or who are considering their options.

~The Rebecca Review
1433471
This wonderful book got me through a rough time being the mother of small children.  It was easy to read in the middle of diapers, naps, and playtime. She makes you laugh and feel good through her escapades as a mother.  Jen Singer expresses "Mommy Hood" in a new light.  Jen's website is an excellent source for Mommies who need a five minute break to brighten there day.  Jen's book helped me realize there are other moms out there going through similar trials.  I will forever be a loyal reader to her work.  Thank you, Jen!
2949275
Thank you for writing this book.  We need to affirm to modern moms that they are important, their choices are important and EVERYONE (them AND their children) are thriving under modern medical advances despite the war waged by "holier than thou" sanctimonious moms we encounter on the internet and elsewhere these days.  There are a lot of people trying to set women back by making us feel guilty and wrong if we're not laboring in pain and playing milk maid constantly, if we're vaccinating, if we're using Tylenol to soothe a child in pain, etc. etc. etc.  Don't feel guilty when you're a victim of the Mom Wars - READ THIS.  THANK YOU DOCTOR AMY!
3947078
While most parenting literature deals with infant through teen years, this book is all about the more permanent state of adult parents' ongoing interactions with their adult children.  A very interesting book that is especially well written, in vignette format, that would find a useful place in most adult parents' self-improvement libraries.  The author is extremely knowledgeable and conveys this through real-life stories of her own experience as well as the experiences of her many clients.

The title is misleading as this book is essential for not only Mothers, but also Fathers!  The examples discussed will help me in the relationships with my entire family, both up and down the family tree.  Hooray to Wendy Boorn for writing this and I look forward to future editions!
2940758
Though Dr. Northrup is a role model of mine, it wasn't until I was pregnant with my second child that I discovered any of Dr. Northrup's work, and it wasn't until my oldest child was 8 that I came across Mother-Daughter Wisdom. Dr. Northrup describes the stages of a woman and a daughter's life, and shares practical tips for holistic parenting. Early chapters go over the early years, and a healthy pregnancy, natural and enjoyable childbirth, conscious decision-making about vaccination, the importance of bonding and breastfeeding, and more are covered. She continues to give practical tips for raising a physically and emotionally child as your daughter moves through each developmental stage. And she doesn't forget to talk about the importance of healing your own past as your relationship with your daughter reminds you of your relationship with your mother.

I highly recommend this book for all women who are expecting a son or a daughter!

Adrienne Carmack, MD
Author of Reclaiming My Birth Rights: A Mother's Wisdom Triumphs Over the Harmful Practices of Her Medical Profession