cover image Debunking the Bump: A Mathematician Mom Explodes Myths About Pregnancy

Debunking the Bump: A Mathematician Mom Explodes Myths About Pregnancy

Daphne Adler. Daphne Adler, $14.99 (368p) ISBN 978-1-5053-9312-5

In this important book, Adler, a mathematician, management consultant, and self-proclaimed "numbers junkie," equips mothers with researched data behind recommendations for what to do (and not do) during pregnancy and kids' early childhood. She decided to write the book after becoming exasperated with the bounty of conflicting (and often scary) information about pregnancy. Revelatory chapters address pathogens, environmental toxins, "voluntary poison" (tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine), lifestyle, positive influences, and unavoidable risks. Adler writes that not only is it nearly impossible to avoid food poisoning through dietary changes, but that only a handful of food-borne illnesses will cause problems for one's pregnancy. Each "myth" is summarized with Adler's own threat/benefit level rating system; for instance, the threat level of eating oysters is very low, while kissing your kids poses a medium threat, due to viruses. Comprehensive appendices cover Adler's methodology and calculations and the exhaustive catalogues behind her conclusions. She writes in a tone that is both authoritative and assuring%E2%80%94that of a mother rooting for all other mothers. (BookLife)