Oh Baby: Birth, Babies & Motherhood Uncensored

by Kathy Fray

Much-recommended by new mothers, this is the only book you'll need for the best baby advice Refreshingly honest, openly frank and candidly blunt, this book has been written by a mother for other mothers. It oozes with warm fuzzies, it reeks of mumsy terms, it exudes realism in every paragraph and it is refreshing in its guiltless honesty. Modern first-time mothers are often alone - devoid of once traditional motherhood knowledge and practical support. Often previously self-confident women find themselves inconceivably isolated, hopelessly fumbling over everyday mothering tasks, enduring torturous levels of sleep deprivation, feeling desperately despondent and physiologically aching and leaking everywhere. This book provides supportive, caring advice - one mum to another - while at the same time serving as an encyclopaedic medical reference regarding the mother and baby. Checked thoroughly by medical professionals, this book is a unique blend, like having access to a kind and gentle GP as well as to all the gems of wisdom of years of mothers' coffee groups. This title clearly and compassionately explains the ups as well as the downs which are perfectly normal aspects of giving birth and mothering in today's society.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Tahna Pearce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great birthing section. Slightly unrealistic views on the first 3 months

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Borrowed a copy from a friend and ended up buying my own so I'd be able to keep it. Very approachable writing style and lots of reassurance given throughout, which is especially appreciated by the first-time mum! Presents a variety of both expected and surprising facts in a way that makes them as easy for the reader to engage with as is possible without firsthand experience. Plenty of suggestions are given for further reading but the practical advice contained in this book provides a grounding basis for the what-am-I-doing (or what-am-I-NOT-doing) moments that strike throughout the stages of pregnancy. Definitely left me feeling more informed.

[Kristina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Still reading this as I'm currently in my 2nd trimester. Only issue I have so far is the patronising messages to the dad's. I'm reading the updated 2015 version and she seems to think we live in some 1950's world where men don't know how to do housework or cook.

Edit: Other note, she's pretty much pro sleep training - which I'm not. But worse she won't take a stance on vaccines which pissed me off and is incredibly irresponsible for a medical specialist, she even implied that the likes of Jenny McCarthy had a valid side in the debate!

I threw it in the bin after that!

Vaccinate your kids people!!!!

[LouD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reads like a conversation with a comforting friend. A comfort to new mums, with great advice that I valued and followed successfully. She just managed to nail the art of giving advice without sounding condescending like so many other books in this category.

[di · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most helpful pregnancy, birth & newborn book I've read.

[Keryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic - the best baby book I've read.

[Rita Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource book. Practical. Balanced. Accessible. Covers everything and is written for kiwi parents.