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Summary: This book gave me morning sickness!
Review: Heaven only knows why I thought that because everyone talks about this book it must be good! For supposedly enjoying pregnancy and motherhood, the author is probably the biggest whiner I have ever had the displeasure of listening to. She has a very negative attitude about almost every aspect of pregnancy and especially childbirth and appears to be attempting to promote the idea that childbirth is impossible without being numbed! I would love to read a book written by a more down-to-earth woman who truly does enjoy pregnancy and childirth and doesn't dedicate a chapter to creating your own style while you're pregnant. How many pregnant women actually have the financial resources or time to buy loads and loads of expensive maternity clothes?And when she writes about getting back in shape after her fourth baby, she fails to realize that, unlike her, most women don't have the money to pay for a live-in nanny or some such thing so they can work out with a personal trainer for ninety minutes a day. Sure, the models she mentions got back into shape and looked virtually the same as they did before. They aren't middle-class women who can't afford a personal trainer or a nanny! And, as a woman who got through an incredibly tough labor (there aren't many that can't be described that way!) without an epidural and would do it again and again and again, I take offense at the author not even acknowledging a more natural approach.
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Summary: Good book for first time mothers
Review: This is a good book very funny and somewhat informational. Gave you the information that everyone needs to know in a comedic way good way to present this topic.
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Summary: A reassuring book,kept me less wound up!!
Review: I bought this book later in my pregnancy, at 6 months. I resisted by any books because I did not want to know about all the things I was doing wrong. Eventually I broke down and bought the usual textbooks and Mrs. Iovine's book. This is very good and accurate. Mind you it is not a medical journal nor is it supposed to be. It is a companion book that helps keep the whole pregnancy thing in perspective. I related to everything in that book whether I experienced it or not. The title is telling, would you ask your doctor, your mom or perhaps even your best friend about oral sex during pregnancy? Iovine gets flak for her position on exercise.Basically she outlines her opinions for taking it easy.I couldn't agree more. For those who want to continue marathon running, good for them.Personally, Iovine was right, I was just too tired to even lift a finger. She is also critized for her position in life, successful, white, and thin.Her book is universal and can be enjoyed by any one in any social strata.I certainly don't have her resources but I was able to connect and so should you. And a snide aside, I did enjoy learning that models get really fat during pregnancy and more so just like the rest of us. Also that a size 4 person suffers from cellulite and flabby thighs. I keep that in mind when those textbooks tell me I should gain only 25 pounds during the pregnancy. If you are pregnant, please buy this book for yourself and your husband. Mine even enjoyed it and he hates girl talk. My only criticism is that she was a bit too crass in some instances.
Rating:
Summary: Informative and full of humour.
Review: Vicki Iovine takes you on the pregnancy journey with gusto and humour. Most pregnancy books are full of cold, medical and clinical facts. The truth is, they are depressing. In the Girlfriends Guide to pregnancy you will find a friend who will answer your questions, touch on your anxieties and make you feel good about yourself. If you are pregnant, do yourself a favor and buy the book.
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Summary: All you really need to read
Review: ANTI NATAL CLASSES AND PREGNANCY BOOKS ARE A WASTE OF TIME. There simply isn't much factual info that is worth knowing. From this perspective Iovine's book is a breakthough, offering reassurance and shared experience on the emotional aspects of pregnancy. Two controversial issues: 1) excercise in pregnancy. Iovine is rather strident on this one, but the basic message - take it easy - is a valuable one. 2) medical intervention during labour. Iovine is happy to let the doctor do as he will, but for my money every intervention has a significant cost and in the majority of cases simply is not needed. GET THE DR OUT OF THE ROOM, GET YOURSELF OFF THE BED, IMAGINE YOURSELF AS A WILD BUFFALO ON THE SERENGETI AND YOULL (almost certainly) BE FINE.
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Summary: Good book, but not for single first-time young mothers.
Review: I found this book decent, but most of the time it just made the fact that I am going to be a single mother that much more painful. The part addressed to the father giving a gift to the mother pretty much added insult to injury for someone who's not even going to have the privledge of him even being there, let alone his concern and care for me or the baby. Also, the exercise bit was a bit much. I am (still, and I can get my foot over my head, even with a 20 pound growth off of my stomach) a kickboxer, and seven months pregnant. Another point here about the single-mother thing - Working out is a great stress reliever, especially when you wondering if you can pull this job off completely solo, even without finacial back-up from that <censored> who cheated on you with some bimbo while you were carrying his baby. Personally, it just seems to me that a girl has to not only be in somewhat decent physical shape to have a baby, but a decent frame of mind as well. Speaking from personal experience here, my working out has actually helped me through this pregnancy so far. I haven't had to use the bathroom any more than I would have normally, and my butt isn't still on the chair when I stand up. On the other hand, Size 4 jeans doesn't sound too healthy (there are exceptions to every rule) if you're over 5' tall. Her section on telling daddy isn't the best either. Maybe she just hasn't met my father. My father was tickled pink to hear he was going to be a grandfather, and so far his number one concern has been for my baby, I come second. Something I haven't noticed in this book is how annoyed (and ready to kill) you're going to be with everyone telling you what to do 24/7, from not reaching over your head, to you can't handle your favorite cat anymore. Overall, not my choice for someone in a situation like my own.
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Summary: the best,funniest,most down to earth and easy to read guide!
Review: this book was and is my pregnancy bible-of course i have "what to expect...";but this guide has been so easy and fun to read.this is my first pregnancy,and i've read and re-read this book more thanthree times!believe me,i was not a sze four before i got pregnant,and i know i won't be a four after,but i found this book to be the most honest and realistic of all the pregnancy books out there.vicki covers all aspects of pregnancy in real,down to earth terms that we can all understand and relate to. i commend her on a awesome job helping me relax and find more humor in my pregnancy,and making it easier for me during these nine (ten!) months!
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Summary: A wonderful, realistic alternative -- with a caveat!
Review: This is a terrific, breezy guide to pregnancy that many could benefit from. Her remarks about weight gain, mothers, and emotions are right on the money. HOWEVER, she sounds some too-cautious alarms when it comes to exercise, and that's a bit disappointing. Talk to your doctor about exercising and don't dismiss it out of hand as she does. It's still a great book overall, highly recommended.
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Summary: The best pregnancy book available!
Review: Vicki puts her readers at ease immediately. She uses a blend of humor and compassion to "tell it like it is." I read it during both of my pregnancies and was able to laugh my way through morning sickness and stretch marks. My husband even thought it was very funny. I recommend to anyone pregnant or even simply thinking about having a baby. You won't be disappointed!.
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Summary: I'm SO glad I read this book!
Review: I found this book to be hilarious! I have two pregnancy books written by doctors that give me the "medical" facts, but this book was just what I needed for how I was feeling emotionally. It was also a relief to read that there are other women out there who feel like me regarding epidurals and such. It seems that the "all-natural" moms out there are ready to beat up on those of us who don't believe in pain, and it was refreshing to read a similar point of view for a change!
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