Let's Talk About... – serie

In this ‘antenatal course in a book’, experienced hypnobirthing and antenatal practitioner Jackie Kietz discusses labour and birth in the way that it would be covered at face-to-face birth preparation classes.From how to tell whether you’re really in labour, to choosing where and how to give birth and communicating your wishes to healthcare staff, the book is packed with essential information for new parents. As well as practical details, there are also MP3s and suggestions for ways to relax using hypnobirthing and breathing techniques to help you think positively about your upcoming birth.As a useful reminder of what’s covered in a course, or as a substitute if you don’t want to or can’t attend classes in person, this friendly, easy to follow and reassuring book is invaluable for anyone expecting a baby.

Many parents worry about their child’s sleep, and parents of new babies are often exhausted – but there is hope.This realistic, reassuring, and refreshing guide to sleep looks at sleep for both parents and children, and aims to empower and encourage parents to feel calm, confident and compassionate in their parenting. It strikes a balance between prioritising infant and child mental health and attachment, and being compassionate about the reality of raising a family in today’s society, with social support and understanding often in short supply.With practical and easily implementable ideas, and clear explanation of the many myths surrounding infant and baby sleep, this gentle and holistic guide is sure to allay many parents’ fears and help everyone in the family get the rest they need.

Becoming a parent is about so much more than just taking care of a baby – it involves changes in all areas of your life and it can be everything from fantastic and fulfilling to overwhelming and exhausting… sometimes all at once. It can be hard to work out what’s normal and what’s not, about everything from newborn baby behaviour, feeding and sleep, to your postnatal body, mental health, and relationships including who does the chores and who goes back to work and when.In this warm, reassuring and practical book, Amy Brown talks you through the first year of parenthood, helping you navigate some of the challenges caring for a newborn can bring for both parents. She focusses on you and your needs, while recognising that each family is unique, in a broad discussion that also tackles men’s mental health and dads staying home, and the experiences of single parents and same-sex couples.The central focus is on making sure you get the information and support you need, whatever your circumstances.

Feeding your baby is a big part of the first year. It can be an exciting and enjoyable time but also one that can raise many questions and concerns. What to give them? How much? And when? It can feel like everyone has an opinion on what you should do and what worked for them, with a confusing array of information online to wade through.Let’s talk about feeding your baby helps support you through this. Covering breast and formula feeding, mixed feeding, starting solids and more, this supportive and non-judgemental guide brings you the evidence, top tips and lots of support to answer all your feeding questions.Focusing on both the practicalities and emotions attached to feeding decisions, it will answer your questions big and small, supporting you to confidently feed your baby as they grow, in whatever way works for your family.With expert contributors and quotes from parents, Professor Amy Brown’s authoritative but easy-to-read style ensures that this book will inform and reassure anyone wanting to know more about how to support their baby to be a healthy and happy eater however they decide to feed them.