Having a Baby

by Diana Bert (Contributor), Susan Keel, Mary Oei

A guide to pregnancy and birth, by seven women who experienced the pains and pleasures of having a child, discuss their hopes, fears, and realities of childbirth, planning, support groups, and more

Genres: Nonfiction

367 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1984

Reviews

[Renee Rozell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 1986 while pregnant with my son. The writing style is such that it follows each of the authors through their own pregnancy experience. This book made me laugh, it made me cry, it at times shocked and awed me (I was raised in a very strict environment). But the most memorable thing about this book for me was that it made me feel as if I were a part of this group of women. It made me feel as if I were right there with them every step of the way; as if I were their friend and one of them. And even if you don't agree with some of the lifestyles of the authors, the book definitely offers some wonderful insight into the pregnant woman's psych. I highly recommend!

[Deedee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this when I was pregnant with my second child. Very readable and very relatable to what I was experiencing at the time.

[Jobiska (Cindy) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a VERY weird book. NOT a good guide for those who want practical info re pregnancy, and not that great for those who want to read other's pregnancy and birth stories either, because both the era (1984-ish) and the privileged lives of the tellers really don't provide a wide range of experience to read about. Also, I was very unsettled by at least one of the women's unapologetic illegal drug use during her pregnancy.