Keep Calm: The New Mum's Manual: Trust Yourself and Enjoy Your Baby

by Dr Ellie Cannon

Keep The New Mum's Manual, with an introduction by Jools Oliver, is the perfect antidote to inflexible, guilt-inducing parenting guides. Turning the tables on encyclopaedic tomes on parenthood and their often conflicting advice, GP and mum-of-two Dr Ellie will empower you to relax, trust your instincts and enjoy your new baby. Early days – looking after baby and listening to your instincts* Sleeping – establishing a flexible routine that works * Feeding – making the right, guilt-free choices * Soothing – understanding crying and settling your baby * Weaning – starting with a simple action plan for success* Development – identifying key milestones and not worrying* Health – recognising baby illnesses and when to call the doctor* Vaccinations – understanding the facts and getting them without tears This isn't a one-size-fits-all routine but a lighthearted, sensible guide that is full of essential advice to build your confidence and bring back mummy power.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2014

Reviews

[Erin Warden-English · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very comforting as a new mum! This book is not a from-scratch guide to parenting, it's a book for parents who have read too much already, been told 5 contradictory things about breastfeeding, and have sat up in the middle of the night googling how many layers of clothing to dress a baby in. It's the equivalent of someone sitting you down and firmly telling you that you're doing fine, actually.

[Reshma Jannath]

Very sensible book for new or expectant mums who are usually confused by conflicting advice or scared by competitive parenting they see around them.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pares down everything "vital" you need to know (and leave's out the messy stuff you don't) in an short entertaining read filled with humour and only useful stuff. Highly recommend for expectant mothers and fathers, even if you feel you have it under control!

[Jack Nicklaus · Rating 3 out of 5]

i will summarize the book in 3 words, 'trust your instinct', there is no specific guidelines on how to handle your baby best.

[Amy Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very basic advice, with the caveat of "whatever you do, be calm". Didn't think it was that helpful personally but it is concise.

[Susana Alves · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a good manual

Would not recommend to a child let alone an adult. Seriously boring content in the book and not meaningful at all.

[Arnina Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, no-nonsense guide for all round baby advice

[Bethany Ghani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this whilst feeding my baby (and some aloud to him during mite alert feeds). Very comforting book.

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, I have to say that I only got about half way through this book before returning it to the library. The approach is based on one tenet: you are the only baby expert you need and you will instinctively know everything you need to about your own baby. How this has been pulled out into a whole (not tiny) book is beyond me.

Each chapter looks at a different aspect of baby care, but the message is the same as above in each one. I found it quite patronising, which is ironic as the blurb claims that is it just the opposite (as you already are your baby's expert so you don't need anyone telling you what to do, etc, etc.).

I've just had my second baby and, having read loads of books the first time around, I said I wouldn't bother this time. But I can't help it! Perhaps there are reassuring words here, but there are plenty of other reads I would recommend before this one.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had read this book sooner! Fantastic resource. for those that are begging for schedules or rules, this isn't for you. for those who need to figure out what is right in a situation with a trickload of information, this is for you. A Dr who is a mother first and foremost. trust your instinct! and read this book!

[MartNov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book worth reading. Funny and yet full of things to think about. It's hard to find the healthy balance in today's world to make the right decisions either for us or for our children. It's written in a very enjoyable way of "live and let live".

[Keira Ledger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not keen on her tone... I get its important to instil confidence in a new mum but the language is very annoying. Def picked up some useful information though and yes I guess it does bolster my confidence despite the annoying language!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really practical and useful with loads of good tips

Reread if struggling

[Kat]

The tone of "super mummy powers" is a bit grating but apart from that, a straight-forward, sensible and comforting guide to being a new parent.