From the Hips: A Comprehensive, Open-Minded, Uncensored, Totally Honest Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, and Becoming a Parent

by Rebecca Odes, Ceridwen Morris

Drawing on the experiences of hundreds of real parents and the expertise of doctors, midwives and other birth and baby pros, this indispensable resource is filled with the most accurate and up-to-date information about having and caring for a baby, including:

Decisions, Decisions:
A judgment-free breakdown of every major choice, including prenatal testing, natural vs. medical childbirth, circumcision, breast or bottle feeding, and work/life options

The Endless No:
What not to eat, take, and do when you’re pregnant-get the real facts behind the prohibitions

I Want My Life Back:
Anxiety, regret, ambivalence, and other rarely discussed postpartum emotions

Parents and partners:
A look beyond the one-size-fits-all approach to family, with strategies for minimizing perfect-parent pressure and managing your real-life relationships through the changes

Sorting Through the Voices:
A user-friendly guide to the dueling gurus, trendy techniques, and conflicting theories that confuse new parents

A forward-thinking book that includes a wide range of voices and approaches, From the Hips reflects the many ways of being pregnant and parenting without suggesting that there is one right way.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Health, Lifestyle, Adult, How To

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not doing a whole lot of reading up on pregnancy/childbirth/parenting/etc before the baby comes because I feel like it kind of leads to freaking out over the magnitude of it all and/or setting preconceived notions of what your personal experience should be like that may not be all that realistic. So this is pretty much the only book I have read, and I’m glad I chose this one as it is very open minded. The two authors have two different mindsets, with one being a little more crunchy and one being a little more modern. It’s hard to tell where one stops and the other picks up because they have done well not to be too pushy with their personal beliefs. Add in the plethora of quotes from others who have traveled down this road before, and you have a pretty broad based introduction to the numerous topics to consider when you’re pregnant. You’re not going to get any detailed info in this book, but there are a number of resources provided for when you run across a topic that you want to learn more about. Definitely got me thinking about some topics I wouldn’t have otherwise thought about, without trying to set my opinion for me.

[Kristen Case · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the only pregnancy/baby book I read, and I read, um lots of them, that did not make me want to throw it across the room, or (in the case of What to Expect When You're Expecting) burn it. Brutally honest -- the section about what happens to your body immediately after childbirth is not for the faint of heart -- and very funny, this is the only pregnancy book that didn't make me feel guilty for eating chocolate, taking hot baths, sleeping on the wrong side, etc. The book also provides nice, short objective summaries of the various baby gurus people are always trying to push on you when you're pregnant. Also, the people (not just women! another plus) interviewed for the book seem like people you'd actually like talking to in real life.

[Shandy]

May return to this, but birth books are just too scary right now.

[Haley Mikula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Content was ok, though references to actual medical studies were sporadic. Occasional fear-mongering in the form of, "there are no actual studies about this topic and we don't know actually know if this is good or bad for baby... but... better not do this ever because why risk it?" (Which, to be honest, makes me want to rate this a 1 or no star ... but this kind of crap is so common in nearly EVERY pregnancy book I read that the fact that this book pulls this shit less often makes it more passable). Large resource section at the back of the book was helpful to guide towards books and websites on a variety of topics. Organization was puzzling. Divided into chapters that sometimes contain information grouped chronologically, sometimes topically, and sometimes alphabetically.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book because I thought it'd be a good alternative to all the cutesy/biased/condescending books out there, due to the "open-minded" and "honest" descriptors in the title. It's the most negative book—after reading it, you'll wonder why anyone opts to have kids at all. Such a downer; I'm glad I was in the right frame of mind and it didn't affect me too much. Both the authors' tones and the comments from parents that—I'm guessing—are supposed to be helpful are so dreary. I don't enjoy the overly sweet/adorable tones of many of the other books out there, either, but come on—there has got to be an in between.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I found this book informative, I never really felt a connection with it. But I think I've figured out why. This book is very neutral and presents you with lots of opinions and approaches to pregnancy / birth / early parenting. It is a very good book to read early in a pregnancy. After that, you can pick and choose your own personal approach and read books / take classes from the perspectives and philosophies you enjoy. So I would say read this book, early on, and decide for yourself if you want to take a less 'neutral' approach to your pregnancy and find what you like.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually really liked the tone and content of this book, but it was laid out in the style of a 9 year old who just discovered shapes in Microsoft Word. Knocking off two stars for design/usability.

Good introduction to various options/mommy war battlefronts, informative, and covers both pregnancy and early childhood.

[Kiersten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is extremely comprehensive, covering everything from early pregnancy to birthing balls to circumcision to feeding. Also, extremely unpreachy. Good read. Much more entertaining than "What to expect..."

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't get through this book. Every time I picked it up I immediately wanted to put it down. I don't think it's necessarily a bad book, just not for me.

The part I hated the most was the format. I like straightforward books you just read line to line. This was more like a textbook or a coffee table books. It was filled with little blurbs with no actual straightforward reading available. It also jumped around a lot. It didn't really flow chronologically or even by subject.

Also I bought this book because I wanted parenting books based in science and many articles advocated this book. This however was not so, at least compared to the other book I bought. It went through all the different options mothers have but did not include statistics or advocate for the scientifically more proven route, instead encouraging to do what you want. That may be what some women are looking for but I make my decisions based on data and that wasn't what I wanted.

[Lisa Petronio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being my third baby, I skimmed and read those sections that piqued my interest. I appreciated that the authors didn’t seem to have a strong predilection toward a certain type of pregnancy, birth or parenting style. I also liked that this book covered from pregnancy through to newborn care and parenting style - lots of breadth with plenty of resources listed throughout for more depth. I passed by the “anonymom” comments but I’m sure first timers would find those to be helpful.

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read many pregnancy books (2), but I really liked this book. Non-biased, judgement-free advice on all aspects of pregnancy and caring for new borns. The quotes from "anonymums" and "anonydaddys" were perfectly chosen so as to paint an honest picture of what to expect which I really appreciated.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read it cover to cover. I'd recommend instead keeping it on hand as a reference. Through guide to most things pregnancy and newborn. Tries hard to be inclusive and prevent a range of opinions. Interesting combination of reference-type text and anecdote.

[Jasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spelled out all the options and possibilities, no punches pulled. Super helpful in understanding what happens from conception to late infancy. Very cisheteronormative (like 3 mentions to lesbian couples i think?)

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth reading. I liked reading other parents' perspectives of their experiences. It was somehow reassuring that there was variety.

[Ralph N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, demystifies and informs in a very engaging manner.

[Courtney Haworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, the best pregnancy/birth/baby book I’ve come across. The authors truly offer nonjudgmental, well-balanced views on all of the various elements of pregnancy & beyond.

[Jannath]

Hi ask
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[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the "speech bubbles" were kind of distracting but it's a pretty thorough pregnancy book overall.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

BALANCED & BEAUTIFUL. No matter what your family situation, what type of childbirth experience you'd like to have or if you have absolutely no idea, this is a great book to read. It presents information in two ways: Objective, non-judgmental information, and anecdotes from people who had all different types of experiences and how they felt about them before during, and after. The authors leave no stone unturned when it comes to pros and cons, and make no assumptions about the reader.

Besides having great information, the aesthetics and layout of every page helps you zero in on the info you'll find most valuable. If you enjoy reading about peoples' experiences, your eye goes right to all the comic-style word bubbles. Want the objective low-down? There's a clear, concise blurb for every topic. Want some serious data? There are graphs & tables & references to further reading.

If there's a downside, it's that they don't go very deeply into any given topic, but that wasn't really the intent of the book and if they had tried, it would've taken away from what the book does do really well, which is put the entire landscape of pregnancy and childbirth into one enjoyable, easy-to-digest, and beautifully designed package.

[R.L. Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was pregnant with my first child, I picked this book up from my library and now am going to buy it for anyone else I know who gets pregnant.

If you are like me, you tend to fantasize about all the fun and games and great expectations of having a baby. And, while you do also have doubts and worries, you tend to push those to one side because you think they are "unnatural" or "not healthy." But, the truth is, new parents really need to know what is involved in the REALITY of having a child. Friends and relatives who have had babies may tell you some things, but often they romanticize the process either because they really don't remember how hard it was or, they don't want to scare you/talk badly about their children.

This book was great because it gave me the feeling that even if things don't go the way I had envisioned that doesn't make me a failure or a bad mom. Sometimes we react to this huge life-change in ways we never expected. I like that this book presents you with all sorts of possibilities--good and bad--and assures you that we all just do the best we can.

I would not make this the ONLY book a new mother reads, but definitely put it on your MUST list. It will make the road a little easier to waddle :)

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across a list of evidence-based pregnancy books, and since this is my last pregnancy, I thought it would be good to read them all now. Even though this book is eight years old, I thought it was great. All the issues are still relevant today. The book covers pregnancy changes, labor and birth, baby care, and emotional issues throughout pregnancy and postpartum. The vignettes from parents in the sidebars were my favorite part - real stories, and often stories that conflicted with each other, because parenting is never the same for everyone - babies are all different, and so are we. I love that the book recognizes and explains this.

I wish I'd known about this book for my first pregnancy, but it was a great refresher for this time around. There were a lot of things I'd forgotten/put out of my mind from before, so I made a list of things I wanted to consider this time around. I also made notes of things I wanted to ask the hospital so I'll be better prepared packing. Last time I had brought SO many things with me that I ended up not needing because the hospital provided them, so I'm going to check with them this time so I can pack lighter! (It's a new hospital).

[Lolakay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really dubious, but gave this one a go anyway. I'm so glad I did. I was already hooked when I got to the list of things you _actually_ need to buy for a new baby (filtering out all the crap you can do without), and then I was in love when I realized one of the authors was Rebecca Odes, a co-founder of gURL.com. This was also the first book I found with a decent discussion of circumcision-- openly admitting that views are shaped by politics, culture, and inexplicable feelings about 'the way things are done'.

In some ways the book is painfully hip, and it may not age all that well, but it's certainly a LOT closer to my own sensibility than What to Expect. I may actually buy this one. In addition to the list mentioned above, there's also the list of questions to consider when interviewing a nanny, and some good sections on basic infant care and feeding.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved, LOVED this book. To be honest, I skipped over most of the pregnancy stuff, why? Because I bought the book for the labor/delivery, postpartum and infant information it has. Why? Because this is the only book I found that talks about ALL sides of the options. Natural vs. medicated, breastfeeding vs. formula, etc, and it does so without making the reader feel like picking one over the other is a horrible thing to do. I didn't feel like the authors were pushing any sort of agenda which was lovely. If something caught my eye and made me think "hmm I want to know more" I know I can look up more information about it. So not only do Odes and Morris cover a range of issues, covering both points of view of the topics, but they do it with humor.

Seriously, if you are preggers, read this book.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reading several pregnancy books right now, and this one has been my favorite! It covers all aspects of pregnancy from the moment you conceive to dealing with the mommy wars after your baby is born. I didn't feel judged, because the authors talk about the pros and cons of all different pregnancy and parenting practices.

I recommend this book to any mom-to-be!

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know that my reading list makes it look like I'm about to have a baby but I promise you I'm not. Don't start looking for a baby bump for a few years folks. But I've always like to read about pregnancy and parenting, I'm a planner, what can I say? This book had been recommended and it was a good read. Very un-biased and seems to cover just about any topic that might come up - at least in the conception through infancy stages. Doesn't cover everything in great detail though but does have a great list of references and also includes lots of quotes from real moms and dads which gives you a range of perspectives. Was also very honest and doesn't sugar-coat so it's also a great read to remind you of what a life-changing event having a baby is.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for pregnant women as well as those thinking about pregnancy and children, and all it entails. I knew basic things before reading this book, but it really opened my eyes to the all that is involved in getting pregnant, giving birth, and taking care of the baby afterwards. I had heard of things like an amnio, but never connected it to the giant needle in the belly test (shudders at the thought). Now I think I'm more freaked out about the actual labor and recovering after the birth, as the authors point out, your insides are "shrinking from the the size of a watermelon to the size of a peach" and this takes some time. I

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably my favorite pregnancy book. This one tells it like it is, from modern moms' perspectives. The layout is bright and engaging, so you can really pick it up and just read one section, or keep reading for more. I also appreciate that the book is divided into quarters, and birth is only the second one. There's so much more to consider in the days and weeks after giving birth, and this book doesn't leave you wanting for guidance. It's also very non-judgmental, and the quote bubbles on every page give a great variety of viewpoints. This is not at all a week-by-week book, and those are fun and useful. But if I had to buy one book for a pregnant friend, this would be it.

[Neha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in my second trimester of my first pregnancy, and this book has been so useful! It's an honest and non-judgmental approach to pregnancy, just as advertised. The authors approach some "controversial" issues - e.g. going back to work versus staying home, nannies versus day care, breast-feeding versus bottle-feeding - with complete fairness.

Also, I learned about some of the horrible things that may happen to my body that I hadn't read about from other sources. The way I see it, the more bad things I know to expect, the less traumatic these changes will be when they do happen.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives a refreshingly modern perspective on pregnancy, delivery, babies and parenthood. The authors make a good attempt at covering both sides of all issues. The book is excelently crossreferenced and provides significant lists of references to other books and web sites. Because so many topics are covered in the book, none is covered in great depth, so it is good to know that going in. But, I believe it is a fairly comprehensive reference guide and a good place to start for anyone looking for a book to help start a new phase in their lives.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been the cause of some stressful nights for me, because I am freaking out about labor and delivery, but I SO appreciate reading about what to expect, and there are so many things discussed in this book that I've not heard anywhere else....especially about recovering right after delivery and open and honest thoughts about dealing with all of the major life changes that come along with having a child. Looks like there is also a lot of good info about breastfeeding, which I also desperately need to learn about. That's next to read! A very very helpful book!!