Earlier this year, I started tracking what I am reading in a draft, ongoing blog post that I'll share in December. But since I love hearing what others are reading I thought it made sense to start sharing what I finished the previous month in a post. So here's the first!
Read moreNow! Or later...
My 8th grade English teacher Mr. West advised giving a book 50 pages. If we didn't like it at that point, he said, it was fair to put it down. I think if Mr. West were in my life today, he would say that it's also fair to return to it later. And, he'd agree with me when I say, put a book down if reading it doesn't feel right. This came to me last night after I looked at my bedside table reading material last night and looked away. Before bed I don't want to think about business or practical feeding tips for my toddler. I usually want to decompress as I gently beckon sleep, not feel the need to take notes. I shuffled my stack after looking back at the same table again. This time I saw Mama Zen.
Graphic courtesy of Seth Godin.
I'd started Mama Zen months ago and felt a little "meh". Nothing resonated with me. Looking at it last night though, everything was a click. Clearly there was a reason it was still in my possession. It can be easy though to drift into a sea of self-guilt over "other" unfinished projects or set aside hobbies. And I was almost there. I was close to should-ing on myself for piles of books that I wasn't reading. But then I remembered that reading should be a pleasure. It is self-care for those of us who see books as an oasis. If reading is a pleasure, then we must always read out of a desire to do so, not out of obligation or guilt.
"Every book is worth reading which puts the reader in a working mood." Emerson said. And if you consider reading to be a way to care for yourself as I do, perhaps this will feel true for you too. Never beat yourself up for not finishing a book. Instead, remember that with reading, like parenting, timing is everything. If something's not working, put it aside. Try it again later. Shake it up a bit even but put it away for later. Even way later. There's a reason it's not working but don't divert energy into puzzling out that question. Just set aside and try again another time. Be gentle with yourself. And, when in doubt, remember this thought from Emily McDowell.
Thanks for reading...now or later.
#bookreview: #Pregnancy, #Childbirth and the Newborn
Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Penny Simkin et al is the book that should take over from the absolutely horrible _What to Expect When You’re Expecting_as a pregnant mom-to-be’s go-to resource for everything related to her body, baby and postpartum period! It is The Book that I recommend to expecting parents for just that reason.
Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn offers a thoughtful, non-scary but honest guide for expecting women. It’s another one of these compendium Penny Simkin books which really offers the reader a boatload of bang for her buck in terms of quality of information, reassurance and resources as well as practical tips.
Books in this genre can always be counted on to talk about the importance of a birth doula but not as many include conversations about postpartum doulas and how they can help the new mom during this crucial time. But in Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn is great advice on both birth and postpartum doulas which is especially helpful for survivor moms who might not be aware of how great a role both of these doulas can play in helping mom feel good not only about her childbirth experience but also support her during the challenging postpartum period.
One of my favorite aspects of Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn is how inclusive it is. The information is offered in a matter of fact, nonjudgmental way which would be very reassuring to the stressed and already anxious mom-to-be, especially as survivor moms might be. For example, we all know how important breast-feeding is but some new moms, including survivor moms, cannot or choose not to breastfeed. There is an honest conversation about formula vs. breastmilk which contains good facts and non-judgy language. I don’t think we see enough of this in most books of this kind. But it is so important! Not only so new moms feel the best about their choices that they can but also so they can get the resources that they need without feeling guilty or inadequate.
Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn is the best, most through resource that I have found for expecting families. The detailed information in each chapter will not only be of help to the “average” pregnant family but also to the survivor mom who might need a little more knowledge in terms of understanding what to expect and also what steps she can take to feel more in control and confident through pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.
{new post} Visiting the library
When I saw this graphic last week, I was horrified...and inspired. I've always been a big reader and continue to spend copious amounts of time at the local library, bookstore or on Amazon seeking out books with and for Elisabeth. Reading is the kind of adventure that can (and should) start early. And what easier way to get going than to head to your local library?
Our local libraries are wonderful places to find new books, yes, but also to take in developmentally appropriate programs for our babies. Elisabeth and I attended Baby Lapsit story time on Wednesday mornings with Miss Amy at the Southwest branch of Durham County Library from about 7 months to almost 2 years. We've only recently stopped going because she wants to be outside. Lapsit story time for babies and toddlers includes finger plays, songs ("Itsy Bitsy Spider", anyone?), one real story and plenty of free playtime. It's really a lot of fun. Library programs are always free and a great way to connect with other new moms.
After your library program is over, head over early and check out a few books before the program begins. There are "regular" kids books but also stacks of board books that may be worn around the edges but are still a great way to add a little variety into your reading routine. Young babies love contrasty colors and simple images so look for some fun black and white board books that will captivate them. Older babies will enjoy the singsongy sentences in even something like _Little Blue Truck_, _Tumble Bumble_ or _Roadwork_. They don't need to "get" the whole story line. Early exposure to language is essential for their future learning and language skills, as this recent NPR piece points out.
As your baby gets older, let him or her take the lead on the library adventures: returning the books in the dropbox slot, "helping" check the books out, choosing a spot to sit for story time, etc. Of course this also includes them choosing their own books. It's always fun to plop that older baby or toddler down in the book area and watch what they pull off the shelf!
Ever said to yourself, "That book sounds interesting, I'll have to check that out" and then forget to order the book or decide you didn't want to spend the money? I sure do! Your local library can also locate books that they don't own. Inter-library loans are useful for adult books but they also "work" for kids books too. I often "test" books via interlibrary loan before I buy them so I can make sure that I definitely want to spend the money.
So head to the library this week and let me know how it goes. Leave your thoughts on this or pretty much anything below. And thank you for reading.