I realize that I'm one of those incredibly Type-A structure-loving people. But when I read this I felt--especially given the title--that the content was good, but the order was off. I expected Chapter 1 to be about putting a tiny squirmy baby into a carseat, Chapter 2 to be about what the hell you do when you walk through the front door, Chapter 3 to be about changing that first tiny diaper all by yourself, Chapter 4 to be about laying her down to sleep for the very first time, etc. But it wasn't like that at all.
The first chapter was about breastfeeding, which is probably the most important chapter anyway (for those who are doing that, at least!). And there is some really good information to be had.
Having at this point read more baby books than I care to admit, I can say that the section on finding a pediatrician was most helpful. It gave you not only the questions to ask, but why it's important. And a reminder that physicians are people, so there's no such thing as the "perfect" one. Some of the questions included:
- Do you have hospital privileges at the place where we plan to deliver?
- Where do you admit infants and children in the event that they require hospitalization?
- What are your office hours and location(s)?
- How does your office handle scheduling appointments, answering patient phone calls, and after-hour emergencies?
- How difficult is it to get an appointment for a sick visit? For a routine checkup?
- Will other physicians in the practice see my baby?
- What is your philosophy about (insert whatever is important to you: breastfeeding, vaccinations, antibiotics, sleep problems, colic, etc.)?
Then, the chapters on fever and jaundice were helpful.
Bottom line: if you aren't reading a dozen other books (not to mention all the magazines, but we won't get into that), this is a good one. If you are, read the parts or chapters that pertain to you or aren't included in other books.
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