The Working Woman's Lamaze Handbook: The Essential Guide to Pregnancy, Lamaze, and Childbirth

Whether they are pregnant for the first or last time, pregnant working women should probably carry this book around with them for the entire nine months of their term. Sweet and Bryan have written a thorough and reassuring guide not only to Lamaze, but to larger issues concerning working mothers. The authors examine the emotional, physical and financial problems of pregnant working women and provide pragmatic suggestions tailored to their needs on such topics as arranging maternity leave, dieting and lining up daycare. The book is meant to serve as a primer on these concerns and as a do-it-yourself Lamaze class--or as a class supplement. Sweet and Bryan know their stuff; Sweet has taught Lamaze for 20 years, and her rundown of breathing and coaching techniques is clear and concise. Anecdotes from other mothers show that no two births are alike, and suggest that expectant mothers forget about the textbook case. Lamaze coaches aren't forgotten, either. They also should read the book, not just to learn about their appropriate role in childbirth, but to familiarize themselves with the tremendous choices that pregnancy can pose. (July)