Let’s talk about the first year of parenting

by Amy Brown

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 focuses 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.

Genres: Nonfiction

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2020

Reviews

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful read but would have been more useful back just around the time baby was born and not 5 months later! I’m glad I read it though, particularly for the returning to work section.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wasn’t what I expected but I’m so glad I came across it. This book covers everything for how it feels to become a new parent in the first year. It is not about baby’s development (though this is covered) or parenting strategies but it is filled with helpful information and advice on how to navigate the life changing event of becoming a parent for the first time. The author covers breastfeeding, sleep, recovering from birth, returning to exercise, returning to work, mental health and so much more. The only thing that is not covered is how to get support for becoming a parent and going through child birth after pregnancy / baby loss. I would definitely recommend this book to others as it lets new parents know that you are not alone and you can do this!

[Harriet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really useful book preparing for the first year. Covers loads of topics I wouldn't have considered like looking after your own mental health. It's well written and accessible and you can dip in and out. It also made me laugh in places, and prompted some good conversations with my partner (who's turn it is to read it now!)