Blood Relations: Menstruation and the Origins of Culture Review

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(More customer reviews)This book was a revelation for me. Having struggled through numerousturgid anthropological works by the likes of Levi-Strauss, Roheim, etc., itwas thrilling to read such an ambitious clear-sighted and compellingaccount of the origins of human culture, together with an excellentcritique of much current anthropological thinking.
It's worth mentioningthat Chris Knight is a marxist, and by that I don't mean vaguely left-wingin the manner of, say, Eric Hobsbawm. He's a real believer...dialecticmaterialism, the whole works. Clearly Knight believes his marxism isessential to his thesis. I would argue that although this maybe enabled himto see through other anthropological schools - structuralism,functionalism, what-have-you - and to develop his own theories, in the endit's irrelevant to his conclusions. So, wade through the marxist stuff, youcan ignore it, it's not to my mind necessary to agree with his ideologicalbeliefs (I don't) to appreciate his arguments, and to agree with much ofwhat he says - or at least to find this a wonderfully stimulating book.

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This original and ingenious book presents a new theory of the origins of human culture. Integrating perspectives of evolutionary biology and social anthropology within a Marxist framework, Chris Knight rejects the common assumption that human culture was a modified extension of primate behavior and argues instead that it was the product of an immense social, sexual, and political revolution initiated by women.

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A Child Is Born Review

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(More customer reviews)Lennart Nilsson's amazing photography of life in the womb is gathered together into this book to help anyone understand the miracle of life. Unlike other books about pregnancy, this book deals with the child's development rather than the mother's, and as such can be appreciated by all.
If you are pregnant, know someone who is, or just want to know about babies in the womb, I highly recommend at least leafing thru the book in your local bookstore... you'll most likely buy it as soon as you see it, so be prepared! This is also an excellent gift for anyone who is pregnant!
We used this book to educate all our friends about pregnancy and later to show my 18 month old son what those twin babies in mommy's belly were looking like. My parents used an earlier version of this book to help my sister and I prepare for the birth of our baby brother.
Full color photographs of inutero babies fill the pages, going from preconception chapters on reproduction, through each week of life, all the way to the birth of the baby. Week by week, you can look at what a babies' development should be, learn when the ears and arms develop (as well as many other parts), etc.
The photography is amazing, crisper and clearer that the naked eye looking at a baby out of the womb. The beauty is something akin to the brilliant images that the Hubble Space Telescope has shot back to Earth. The discoveries that you will make seem endless (Did you know that at 4 1/2 weeks we all look like some prehistoric tentacle bearing sea creature?).
There is also a video out called "The Miracle of Life" that has Lennart Nilsson's videos of inutero babies that is an incredible learning tool as well. Most good libraries should have it.
Oh, the only real downfalls are that the photos of people outside the womb have that cheesy 70s/80s look to them, no twins inutero, and you will probably wear out the binding on your book because it is so spectacular.

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Pregnancy For Dummies Review

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(More customer reviews)Pregnancy for Dummies is an excellent resource for the journey of pregnancy. It is extremely well organized, including a chapter on things to think about and prepare for before you get pregnant as well as a chapter on what to do with the baby once he/she is here! It is also very well written... with humor and anecdotes. I believe it is written by two OB/GYNs - a man and a woman who has had children of her own. Like the others below, I too found it superior to "What to Expect" which was pretty dry, and in a Q&A format that might not appeal to everyone. I'm not sure why the reader below freaked out about scheduled inducing, but you have to remember the book is written by doctors... inducing is convenient for them as well as perhaps the parents! Anyway, you won't go wrong with this book.

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Obstetrics Illustrated (Hanretty, Obstetrics Illustrated) Review

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(More customer reviews)I would reccomend this book to anyone Who is not only interested in beinga doctor, but anyone that really wants to know what child birth is allabout.The drawings are excellent and the author gets right to the pointwithout a lot of excess verbage.This book would be a plus to anyoneslibrary.

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This popular guide uses illustrations and concise, integrated text to describe the essentials of obstetric practice today. From the physiology of reproduction through antenatal care and disorders in pregnancy to labour and the puerperium period, readers will find an easy-to-grasp presentation of the field's most important issues.

Features nearly 20 new line drawings to show the latest in obstetric practice.
All other illustrations and content thoroughly revised and updated.
New material includes: Current uses and types of IUCDs(including the Mirena IUS); Management of early pregnancy including ectopic pregnancy; Preterm labour; and Ventouse (to include Kiwi-style Ventouse Cup).

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The Unofficial Guide to Having a Baby Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this book when we decided we wanted a baby.I really wanted to get The Mother of All Baby Books, but my store didn't have it.Turns out, Ann Douglas wrote both books, so it didn't matter.
I found the preconception advice wonderful.It also gives you an overview of what to expect when you're actually pregnant, and breaks it down week by week.There are several helpful charts in the book, such as one that goes over the most common prescription and non-prescription drugs and the effects they have on the baby.There's also information on fertility testing when things don't go as planned.
However, now that I'm 7 months pregnant first time mom-to-be, I find I don't use the book very often.The week-to-week information is great when you want to know what to expect before you get pregnant/just get pregnant, but it's not sufficient information to keep you really informed when you're actually at those critical points.I find that the book is lacking in details on those conditions that can pop up during pregnancy, such as increased heart rate, shortness of breath, etc.These are normal events, but I just wanted more information on what to expect and when to expect these kinds of conditions.
Overall, it's still a great book.I definitely recommend it to those who are trying.However, if you're already pregnant, I recommend Your Pregnancy Week By Week.This has been my favorite book so far.

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The inside scoop for when you want more than the official line
Having a baby is one of life's most joyous--and overwhelming--events. The choices you make now will affect your baby's health long after it is born. How should you change your lifestyle now that you are pregnant? How can you be sure that your baby is developing properly? What should you expect at each doctor's visit? And how on earth will you survive labor?
Now thoroughly updated with more than 200 pages of new and completely revised material, including week-by-week pregnancy tips, The Unofficial Guide™ to Having a Baby gives savvy parents-to-be like you a foolproof appraisal of what works and what doesn't--revealing things even your doctor won't (or can't) tell you, with unbiased recommendations that are not influenced by any company, product, or organization.

Vital Information that other sources can't or won't reveal--including the very latest research on prenatal and genetic testing.
Insider Secrets on how to weather the physical and emotional highs and lows of pregnancy, with tips on health, exercise, sex, and career management.
Money-Saving Tips that help you save on baby gear and maternity wear.
The Latest Trends in new childbirth methods, including Doula care, pain management, and alternative birthing options.
Handy Checklists and Charts to track your baby's development, identify potentially dangerous medications and drugs, and record the milestones in your pregnancy.

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Miscarriage: Why it Happens and How Best to Reduce Your Risks--A Doctor's Guide to the Facts Review

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(More customer reviews)If you have had only one miscarriage and just want a good biology lesson on the different ways miscarriage can occur, this book may be for you. However, I do not recommend this book to anyone who has suffered two or more miscarriages and is seeking advice on what to do about it.After my second, my main concern was trying to at least have an educated guess as to whether they were caused by chromosomal abnormalities or some other cause which potentially needs to be treated before trying again.This book did not give me the answers I was looking for and instead left me more frustrated and confused than ever.Additionally, after reading several books and every article I could find on miscarriage in magazines and on the internet, it seems to me that many of Dr. Lerner's opinions are in the minority.He flatly recommends that women not seek testing until they have suffered three losses in a row. However, many doctors and the American College of Obstetritians and Gynecologists (ACOG) now recommend doing so after two, especially if the woman is in her 30's or 40's.I also do not think Dr. Lerner explained that there can be certain circumstances of your pregnancy and first trimester miscarriage that point to the likelihood that it was not chromosomal abnormality - I had to learn this from other sources (examples are occurring later in the trimester and normal fetus and hearbeat shown on ultrasound before miscarrying).He also flatly says that stress does not cause miscarriages because he has seen no study proving this to his satisfaction (he uses this reasoning for a lot of his opinions but does not explain how difficult it is to prove anything in this area). I have read of numerous studies (and also acknowledged by the ACOG) that indicate that stress can in fact cause or at least contribute to miscarriage.After seeing so much information that contradicts many of Dr. Lerner's opinions, I just don't have much confidence in what he has to say.Another fault I find is that while he acknowledges progesterone deficiency can cause early miscarriages, he is against the use of progesterone supplements but does not address whether he thinks there is a possible solution for this problem, again leaving me frustrated.
My recommendation is that if you read this book, at least don't stop there - read everything you can about miscarriages from reputable sources and don't take this doctor's word as the gospel. While there doesn't seem to be any complete certainty in this subject area, by becoming as informed as possible and using your own common sense you can figure out some of the answers you need in order to go on.

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Whether it happens in the first trimester or later on in pregnancy, a miscarriage is an emotionally traumatic event. It may also be a physically daunting experience, resulting in the need for surgical intervention. In the aftermath of a miscarriage there are almost always unanswered questions: Why did it happen? Did I do anything to cause my miscarriage? Will I have a miscarriage the next time I get pregnant? Most important of all, You will want to know, "What can I do to best prevent miscarrying again?"
This compassionate and authoritative guide fills the information void. From the causes of miscarriage -- chromosomal, illness-related, immunologic -- to the diagnostic tests and surgical procedures now available to help prevent you from miscarrying again, Dr. Henry Lerner has compiled the most current medical information on why miscarriages do and don't happen, and explains the best methods for recovering and preparing to conceive again. He also includes reassuring and practical advice from an expert in women's reproductive psychology on coping with the disappointment and depression that often accompany the loss of your pregnancy, and the anxiety that may come with your next positive pregnancy test.

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Fertility for Dummies Review

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(More customer reviews)This is my new fertility dictionary!I can look up all the technical stuff that I need to know while trying to conceive (ttc). It has given me a 'game plan' for what I need to do next.I have used this book to figure out the RIGHT questions before my doctor's visits and understand all that he said afterwards.I also really appreciate the personal stories.I have gotten down and out (even though I've only been trying to have a baby for six months) and worried about what it will take to get pregnant and hearing about other people the same as me has been kind of comforting.I have read some of the stories and suggestions about relationships to my husband as well.He and I have been at each other's throats during this process and at least it has given us some things to laugh about as well.
More so than any fertility book I have read so far, this book combines all the technical information with the emotional side as well.

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Product Description:
"This book is like having a friend and a fertility expert with you every step of the way."
-Joan Lunden, mom and broadcast journalist
Explains the basic and high-tech fertility choices
When getting pregnant gets hard, use this guide to help you succeed
Are you ready for a baby but having a hard time conceiving? This friendly guide uses humor, heartache, and the real-life experiences of actual patients to cover the complete fertility story - including the latest advances and hopes for the future. Find out when to see a specialist, what's involved in treatment, and how to manage your worries.
The Dummies Way

Explanations in plain English
"Get in, get out" information
Icons and other navigational aids
Tear-out cheat sheet
Top ten lists
A dash of humor and fun

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