The Journey to Parenthood: Myths, Reality and What Really Matters

ISBN-13: 9781846190148 / Angielski / Miękka / 2007 / 160 str.

Leigh G. Balber

Opis

This book contains a Foreword by Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff (authors of "Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize less"). New and expectant parents need support and confidence. This book is designed to provide that. It assists in exploring and analyzing thoughts and feelings about childbirth and being a parent. This advice is not just for new mothers, but is great for couples and particularly useful for men in considering fatherhood and the role men play during pregnancy and after the birth. This book is about being realistic. It draws on the experiences of many parents from a wide range of backgrounds, to look at the different perceived expectations and cultural pressures imposed on new and expectant parents. It is full of helpful guidance to lead parents towards discovering the role that is right for them. It is highly recommended for health and social care professionals, therapists and counselors, for whom it provides a vital resource to help them in their daily work. Most of all, new parents and parents-to-be will love it 'The transition to parenthood is filled with emotions-and the overriding question people ask as they ride this emotional roller coaster is: is this normal? In "The Journey to Parenthood," expectant and new parents openly share their deepest feelings and doubts, debunking the myth of parental bliss and perfection that shakes the confidence of too many moms and dads. This book offers readers the reassurance they need to recognize that the true job of parenting is not to subscribe to any cookie-cutter solutions but rather find the parenting style that works for you and your child.' - Miriam Arond, Editor in Chief of "Child" magazine and coauthor of "The First Year of Marriage: What to Expect, What to Accept and What You Can Change." 'Excellent. Accessible. This] is a book that really prepares you for pregnancy and having a baby. It focuses on psychological aspects, rather than medical, and tells you about the ups, as well as the possible downs. Recommended.' - Vivette Glover, Professor of Perinatal Psychobiology, Imperial College London. '"The Journey to Parenthood" is the antidote to this culture's insanity about preparing for parenthood. In these pages, you will learn that there is no such thing as the "perfect parent," and that when parents follow their instincts, they are probably doing the best thing possible to be good parents, and to raise intelligent and happy babies. You will also learn that getting ready to become a mother or father is about contemplating what kind of parent one would like to be. It is about considering how parenthood might affect one's career, marriage and priorities, even one's day-to-day routine. Childhood is about making discoveries. So too is the journey to parenthood.' - Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, in their Foreword.

Spis treści

Beginning the journey. The mind-body connection of pregnancy. Motherhood, the psychological experience. Fatherhood, the psychological experience. Labor and delivery. Welcoming baby. The changing marital relationship. Postpartum mood disorders and the baby blues. The many paths to parenthood. Conclusion. Exploration questions. Resources.

O autorze

Diana Lynn Barnes, Psy.D., MFT, an internationally recognized expert in the field of perinatal mood disorders, is a psychotherapist who has been writing and speaking on family issues and women’s mental health for over 20 years. She is the author of Celebrity Parenting: famous parents share personal stories and the creator/producer of The Parent Profile, a CBS nationally syndicated radio feature. In addition to her private practice, she teaches Family Studies and Child Development at Los Angeles Valley College and Pierce College. The past president of Postpartum Support International, Diana created and teaches a monthly seminar for expectant parents called Transition to Parenthood. She lives in Los Angeles with her son and daughter. Leigh G. Balber is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Child magazine, American Baby magazine and on BabyZone.com. She spent a decade in television news, writing and producing for CBS News, CNBC TV and Court TV. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.