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BOOK/CD REVIEWS
Enjoy reading about some of the best books and CDs from innovative and creative businesses and individuals dedicated to families who practice breastfeeding, co-sleeping, alternative diapering & attachment parenting/natural living. The products featured here have all been read my myself and/or tested on my own children and family.
The Breastfeeding Cafe by Barbara L. Behrmann, Ph.D.
This is an absolutely amazing book that I highly recommend to ANYONE who has or will breastfeed, is working with breastfeeding families, or wants to learn about breastfeeding. The Breastfeeding Cafe at first glance seems like a simple delightful book that is filled with hundreds of stories from moms all over the world about their shared breastfeeding experiences, good and bad. But once you get into it, you begin to absorb the information Behrmann is beautifully getting out into the world where they need to be. You learn about society's negative impacts on the value of breastfeeding and breastfeeding families, you begin to understand cultural discrepancies and things you had no idea existed. The stories these amazing women share open your mind to how we as women, lack overall compassion for one another with regards to breastfeeding successes and failures. You begin to see how judged both sides are in today's formula-hungry fast paced adult centered world. I say every midwife, doula, doctor, and anyone in any position to teach breastfeeding mothers/families, should have this book and read it. I truly have learned so much, and even my eyes have been opened and I learned how judgmental even I can be against those who don't/can't breastfeed.
Beyond One: Growing a Family and Getting a Life by Jennifer Bingham Hull
This is a wonderfully written book by a busy mother/writer who gives great validation to those of us busy moms trying to make sense of our innermost emotions and fears with regards to adding more children to our families. Those of you who are in the midst of trying to decide to have a second child, you should read this. Those of you who already have added to the brood, this will lighten your spirits, make you smile, laugh and cry and most of all , give you cause for just being in the moment. No need to justify your decisions, your thoughts, your fears, even your worst mom moments. Hull basically has been there done that, as many of us have, yet she gives a voice to all the things that many of us hide or fear admitting to. Her simplistic views are from her own learned realities. By living vicariously through her mishaps and events, you come to realize we moms are human, first and foremost. And adding a second child to the family is a huge life altering step that shouldn't be taken lightly.
This is a must read for ANY mama. Ariel speaks of the happenings in her life which have made her the mama she is today. I laughed, wanted to cry, smiled, felt joy and a plethora of other emotions reading this book-I could NOT put it down. Any woman who has an ounce of old feminism in her will find it come to the surface reading this now matter how you deny it. I triumphed for her when she fought and won her battles, I laugher with her at her humourous life events and mishaps, everything beautifully shaping her journey as a mother. I highly recommend this and ANY of Ariel's works. She is an amazing author and mama.
Blessingways celebrates all mothers and their transition into motherhood. This book describes Blessingways as special mother-focused gatherings that give friends and family a unique way to honor, support, nurture and encourage mothers-to-be. The book teaches how to personalize a "mother shower", as opposed to the mainstream "baby showers" western society is so used to. You learn creative invitation ideas, unique celebrations, and you can read inspiring stories and thoughts from women who have taken part in such events. There are also ideas for men and children as well! It is a beautifully illustrated book, that is filled with stunning ideas that focus on the woman/mother, which I think is too easily forgotten in today's baby centered world. There are wonderful songs as well you can try out in your own celebrations. A great book for doulas and midwives, or even great as a gift for them!
Spilled Milk by Andy Steiner
I just finished reviewing this book and was overall quite pleased with it's promotion of breastfeeding and all types of nursing situations. As a breastfeeding advocate I am always thrilled to read honest opinions of the reality of nursing. I did get put off a few times with the permissive tone the book seemed to give off, with regards to the mothers who "gave up" nursing for more selfish reasons than serious. I am a nursing mom who overcame similar if not worse problems as mentioned in this book, so I get tired of hearing authors say we should just support the moms in their choice to give it up when no real reason is given other than it's hard to do. But aside from that it is a well written book and the fact that the author learned more about advocating breastfeeding and what it entails and envelops, made me enjoy the overall point she was trying to portray: women should be supported in breastfeeding by being told truthful stories and learn early on that it isn't always easy to manage but takes time patience and determination.
Playful Parenting, written by Larry Cohen, is a well written, detailed book on the forgotten joys of parenting in a playful manner, as practiced by Cohen with his own child. I found this book to be very well written and it gave me ideas on how to better interact with my own children. I liked the sections on wrestling, something I grew up with but never realized how much of a role in my life it played with regards to my own father and our relationship.
Tiffany Palisi's LOVING MAMA & MAMA'S WORLD
Wonderful stories about attached mothering and ways of life! I could not put either book down and finished them both within a week or two. Palisi truly corners the market on what attached mothering is. I felt such a deep sense of pride and compassion as she spoke of her initial pregnancy loss that sparked her journey into motherhood. I relished her everyday fun with her son, her devout love for him. I can't speak enough about these books. The stories from other moms about their own personal journeys into motherhood spoke to my own heart. I wish I had written these!
These are two wonderful books that promote a more attached family set of values. Just good reading! It is nice to see attached parenting and family life portrayed as normal and to have books like these to read to my own children, books that display the tender-hearted way my husband and I are raising them. Just to have books that show baby carrying made me feel very happy to place it on our bookshelf here at home.
Breastfeeding Meditation CD-Sherry Menelli
This is a great CD and wonderful idea! This CD helps mothers relax and nurse or pump, gets rid of all stresses! I wish I had this CD on the birth of my first child, when I struggled with low supply and other issues. This is a beautiful calming approach, not to mention innovative, for nursing mothers everywhere.
The
Calming Power of Touch
DK
Books
Baby Massage gives parents easy-to-learn massage techniques that reinforce bonding and all-around well-being. Great book! I was leery personally about practicing any sort of massage technique on my own children but this book is easy to grasp and shows how you can do it gently and the benefits to baby massage, something I hadn't considered.
Feeding
the Whole Family
Whole Foods Recipes for Babies,
Young Children and Their Parents
by Cynthia Lair
This is a great cookbook featuring wonderful wholesome recipes easy to make! I loved the fact that the recipes were easy to make, and they were child friendly. The explanations within regarding how eating right affects our children, and the discussions on how breastfeeding is best, what a nursing mom should eat and needs to sustain her diet. these were wonderful things to read in a cookbook!
This is a very neat idea to keep a journal of your breastfeeding experiences with your baby! I found the bright colours so sweet and so many places to put pictures. I started jotting down my feelings as soon as I got the book! It is a tribute to not only your new child but to your precious breastfeeding relationship. To be able to have a place to record your breastfeeding moments is truly something to be desired.
Spirit of motherhood: Returning to Our Senses CD.
Very nice CD...you must have! This was a spiritual awakening of sorts. Just life-affirming and energy filled. A calming yet spiritual view into what being a mother truly is, what encompasses our beings as mothers. I think all mothers should listen to this when running errands. it would make for a much better day!
Cathy
Winks and Anne Semans
Sexy Mamas
Keeping Your Sex Life Alive While Raising Kids
This is a great book! Every mama needs reminding of how sex is very much a part of us! I was touched at the honesty on the part of the writers of this book. They didn't dumb down the language and I appreciated that very much. Many ideas on not only how to spice up your bedroom life with your mate, but how to look at yourself again as sexy once becoming a mom, something many of us put aside or have trouble doing once we birth. To look at oneself more honestly and truly, to face your physical issues and parts, and to just go with your feelings and emotions and to open up more. A great read!