A comprehensive month by month guide to pregnancy, birth and beyond from mother of four and media personality Bec Judd. What you're not expecting, when you're expecting … Bec Judd has been pregnant quite a three pregnancies, three deliveries and four gorgeous newborn babies. From carrying a baby, delivering it, feeding it and raising it, Bec has experienced almost everything motherhood can throw at you and she wants to share the secrets and stories that she has learned along the way. Not to mention all those things about pregnancy, birth and motherhood that often come as a complete surprise. Join Bec and her dream team of experts (an obstetrician, a midwife, an ultrasound specialist, a women's health physio and a paediatric sleep specialist) as they take you month by month through your pregnancy. They will share their insider advice on the best ways to eat for two (or three!), stay in shape and get you and your baby sleeping well. This comprehensive handbook contains a wealth of honest, practical and sometimes hilarious advice to prepare you and your baby for life after birth.
DNF at 15%. First I was annoyed (possibly irrationally) that this book doesn’t even discuss nausea as a symptom of first trimester, which is debilitating for majority of women, because Bec herself didn’t experience it. Totally brushed over. The thing that made me stop listening completely was that Bec’s ‘number one piece of advice’ which was to ‘do NOT look at your vagina’ (she meant vulva) during pregnancy because it changes and I quote ‘is so GROSS’ and will ‘totally freak you out’ so just ‘don’t look’. Is it my hormones or am I allowed to feel enraged at someone for downplaying others experiences when they don’t affect you, using incorrect anatomy terms AND shaming a woman’s body as it goes through a normal and healthy biological change? This is not the book for me. I would not recommend to anyone. There are so many better books out there by actual professionals which love and celebrate all aspects of our bodies and can support women through what is a super confronting time of change. The only reason this book is on shelves and (is the only pregnancy book) in my library audiobook app is because of Bec’s Instagram following, which makes me want to stop the planet and hop off.
I bought this book because I’m expecting twins and she has had that experience herself. I was disappointed that most things she had recommended in the book were way too expensive and unachievable when it came to maternity wear suggestions and baby gear etc.
I feel like I really needed advice from someone who is experiencing the public system and how it really is.
There were a few good tips I took away from the book.
A fair bit of the book unfortunately made me sad because a lot of chapters covering baby showers, travel, being with friends or family, indulging in beauty care or massages etc were wasted on me because I have been in Covid 19 lockdown for over 10 weeks and missed out on all of that 😞
I found this book very helpful and informative. I was reminded about abdominal separation and recommended Stratamark for stretch marks. It totally doesn’t matter how big you get! We created and have a human growing inside us! Our body is so amazing!
Pregnancy is such a fragile time. Do whatever feels right for us and don’t worry about what others say. All the myths about genders reveals are false (like holding up a strong and seeing which direction it turns).
Women who exercise during pregnancy have safer and quicker recovery periods. Good to know!
I can see what this book is trying to achieve, and I think for lots of new time mums it will present a trove of information in an accessible way. I personally, prefer a more scientific approach and I’m less concerned with styling nurseries and skincare, but there were still some gems in here which I found really useful. Recommend for someone who won’t read a lot of books, this one has lots of good beginner material.
This book oozes of Bec’s AFL wife privilege. Weekly manicures and massages, the ‘Rolls Royce’ of baby gear, exotic babymoons, and the city’s best private obstetricians and midwife.
Nevertheless, a nice little insight into what pregnancy and the newborn stage will be like, with regular reminders to look after yourself during this time.