I am a closet Chick-lit lover. Although I love reading the classics such as Doesteovsky, Maugham, and Hesse (my favorite writer); sometimes I need an easy and light reading that doesn’t need a dictionary as a companion. So it’s no surprise that I would totally take to the From the Hips: A Comprehensive, Open-Minded, Uncensored, Totally Honest Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, and Becoming a Parent by Rebecca Odes and Ceridwen Morrisis. Although pregnancy is a serious subject matter; I didn’t want to read the pregnancy bible, What to Expect When You are Expecting. I really had hard time making it past the first chapter. It seemed a bit too authoritative; I pictured a nagging mother instead of your best friend. But From the Hips is definitely your best girl friend talking you through the trials of pregnancy with wit and a bit of sass. Who doesn’t need a bit of humor when you are carrying around a baby 24/7?
According to Publisher’s Weekly:
Their approach is to consider the authorities with a mere grain of salt, while seeking a supportive environment in which to nurture one’s pregnancy and child-rearing. And while sorting through the opinions along the way, from choosing a health-care provider, coping with loss, birthing strategies, breastfeeding and sex, and baby-care basics, among other topics, the authors provide on most pages plentiful belly-shaped bubbles containing lively quotes from “anonymoms.”
Hear the mothers from the trenches express what they really feel, from one mom who enthuses, “The belly—I loved everything about it, and it makes people—strangers, even—feel enthralled with you”) to the sadly modern refrain of another, “Sometimes I bury myself in work so I don’t feel the sadness, fatigue and stress of having the baby waiting for me at home.”
Gosh, Publishers Weekly said it so succinctly and perfectly, that I really don’t have any more to add here. I LOVED this book. I felt as if motherhood was going to be a fun roller coaster ride of adventure rather than a marker of adulthood and serious undertaking of responsibility that can be overwhelming at times. Which of course it really is… but who needs to be reminded of that constantly? I would probably buy this book for all my newly pregnant friends. Well I have none at the moment but I know someone is going to try soon, right?
Even though it takes a lighthearted approach, there is a lot of research behind the book and consultation with many baby experts. So don’t feel as if this book is all fluff. It has the substantial wealth of information without cramming it down your throat. Like a nice soothing cocktail during Happy Hour (yeah, when can I get back to that?) It’s a nice respite from trials of pregnancy and beyond.
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[This post was written by Susie Kim.]
When I was preg 8 years ago, I eschewed “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” and read “The Hip Mama’s Guide to Pregnancy” by Vicki Iovine instead. I liked it very much. She made me feel human and loved instead of guilty and paranoid like “What to Expect” does. 🙂
This new book looks great. The cover design reminds me of the book “Female Chauvinist Pigs.” 🙂