The 9 months preceding and the 12 months following child birth are exciting, trying, confusing times; they are the months of many questions. You wonder about your itchy palms, morning sickness, fetus development, home midwife or hospital doctor choices, what to eat, amniocentesis, miscarriages, labor painkillers, maintaining your physical and emotional health after childbirth, and, not least, how to care for your growing, developing baby. A live-in pediatrician would be nice; a 750-page comprehensive reference guide is the next best solution. It won't eliminate anxiety, but it's a reassuring presence, and a soothing source of answers and explanations.


From Publishers Weekly
Summoning information from the Mayo Clinic's expert staffs in obstetrics, pediatrics, family medicine and parent education, this detailed companion for prospective parents and the parents of very young children offers more than ample guidance on what seems an almost infinite range of subjects and important decisions facing parents. Though focusing for the most part on basic prenatal, birthing and developmental counseling, the book goes well beyond the minimum standard expected. For example, in the chapter "Pregnancy and Ongoing Medical Conditions," the contributors discuss the effects of AIDS and herpes on pregnancy; an entire chapter is devoted to the medical, psychological and bureaucratic aspects of adoption; another counsels mothers on when and how to return to their jobs after childbirth. The tone throughout is refreshingly sober and unhyped, an antidote to the pushy cosiness of some child care tomes; readers with time to spare and a need to learn will relish this. Illustrations not seen by PW. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
The Mayo Clinic has done it again. Its new book is one that every expectant mother must have. Effectively combining a pregnancy text with an infant care text, this work answers parents' questions concerning pregnancy and infant care with exceptional completeness. The writing is thorough yet understandable, and the illustrations are wonderful. The one drawback is that the volume discusses the stages of pregnancy by trimester rather than following the changes month by month as do many books, such as Arlene Eisenberg and others' What To Expect When You're Expecting (Workman, 1991). The smaller segments of time can be easier to handle when a woman is growing impatient about being pregnant. Nevertheless, this up-to-date text is essential for all consumer health collections.Kelly Houtz Griffin. Harrison Memorial Hosp., Bremerton, Wash.Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
For complete in the title of this reference on pregnancy, childbirth, parenting, and infant care, read comprehensive, for the book provides detailed, concise descriptions of the many realities, issues, and decisions expectant and new parents must confront. Editor Johnson draws on the expertise of more than 100 Mayo Clinic health care professionals as well as parents' experiences in order to assemble a practical, clearly written, attractively illustrated landmark in the competitive field of infant care guides. Among the highlights are thorough reviews of prenatal tests and their purposes and of fetal development during the stages of pregnancy, a frank account of labor, advice on coping with the health problems associated with premature birth, and detailed guidance to developmental milestones, health care needs, daily care, and parental fears during the first few months of life. This guide's illustrations, showing, for instance, how wide ten centimeters actually is and including growth charts marked off into percentiles, are equally practical and more useful than those in most parenting guides. Kathryn Carpenter


From Book News, Inc.
A reference offering sound, conventional advice and information on the gamut of pregnancy, childbirth, and first-year health, well-being, and development issues. The language is clear, the organization is sensible, the range of topics covered is impressive, and the illustrations are attractive (although the photos show almost all Caucasian babies and parents). The book jacket's claim is that this is "the ultimate guide for expectant parents," but the lack of a bibliography is a serious, inexplicable deficiency in a reference covering such a broad range of topics in necessarily brief articles; parents and soon-to-be parents should be encouraged to seek more in-depth treatment and other opinions on many topics covered here. 9x11" Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.


Book Description
MAYO CLINIC COMPLETE BOOK OF PREGNANCY & BABY`S FIRST YEARFor more than a century, the health care professionals at Mayo Clinic have dedicated themselves to the well-being of the family. And in the life of the family, what more significant event can there be than the birth of a baby? Beginning with the decision to start a family, this comprehensive book guides parents through each phase of pregnancy, birth, and baby's all-important first year. Every page offers compassionate, clear answers to the many questions and decisions that accompany conceiving, giving birth, and caring for a treasured new life. Part One0--PregnancyExpectant parents learn how to choose a medical caregiver; what prenatal tests are done and why; what you can do about some of the common discomforts of pregnancy; sensible nutrition and safe exercise routines during pregnancy; balancing work and pregnancy; plus an easy-to-understand, trimester-by-trimester breakdown of what to expect as your pregnancy progresses. A special eight-page section features color photographs of how the baby develops during pregnancy. Part Two--ChildbirthToday's many birthing options are explained in full, and a detailed description of labor and birth helps parents anticipate this powerful experience. A thorough discussion of baby's first hours addresses every parent's question: "Is my baby OK?" Premature birth, cesarean birth, complications, and adoption are discussed, and an important chapter focuses on the new mother's health after childbirth.Part Three--Living with and Understanding Your BabyThe first months of parenthood can be a jumble ofjoy and worry. Here you'll find clear explanationsof baby-care essentials, including feeding, soothing and playing with your baby, and how to handle common illnesses and emergencies. Text and photographs detail baby's development during the crucial first year. Part Four--From Partners to Parents: A Family Is BornA new baby profoundly changes family roles and relationships. This section helps mothers, fathers, grandparents, and siblings strengthen their bonds asthey welcome a tiny new member into their home.With more than 130 contributors from Mayo's distinguished staff of obstetricians, family physicians, pediatricians, parent educators, nurses, dietitians, social workers, and other medical specialists-plus contributions from dozens of parents-this extraordinary book is a valuable resource for all expectant parents and young families. Widely regarded as one of the world's foremost medical centers, Mayo evolved from the nation's first group medical practice, established by Drs. William and Charles Mayo more than 100 years ago. Mayo provides family-oriented health care to pregnant women and their babies for both normal and high-risk pregnancies and births. Nearly 2,000 babies are born at Mayo each year. Consistently rated one of the best providers of health care in the world, Mayo is also the world's largest medical center--a full-service diagnostic and treatment institution embracing state-of-the-art medical care. There are Mayo Clinics in Rochester, Minnesota; Jacksonville, Florida; and Scottsdale, Arizona, as well as a broad system of affiliate practices and managed-care networks in other regions.


About the Author
Mayo Clinic took root in farm fields near Rochester, Minn., in the late 1800s. It grew from the medical practice of a country doctor, William Worrall Mayo, and the partnership of his two sons, William J. and Charles H. Mayo #150; affectionately known as Dr. Will and Dr. Charlie. The brothers' innovative ideas and tireless work in learning and creating new surgical techniques attracted international attention. Physicians from around the world came to watch the Mayo brothers perform surgery. The Mayo brothers invited other doctors to join them, forming teams of medical experts. Today, Mayo Clinic #150; one of the world#146;s oldest and largest multispecialty group practices #150; comprises more than 45,000 physicians, scientists, nurses and other staff at its three locations in Rochester, Minn., Jacksonville, Fla., and Scottsdale, Ariz., and its regional community-based health care practices.

ANNOTATION

"...a major new opus that encompasses the whole range of topics relevant to child birth and the ever important first year...specialists in obstetrics, family medicine, nursing, nutrition,social work,and other areas have all contributed."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

MAYO CLINIC COMPLETE BOOK OF PREGNANCY & BABY`S FIRST YEAR

For more than a century, the health care professionals at Mayo Clinic have dedicated themselves to the well-being of the family. And in the life of the family, what more significant event can there be than the birth of a baby?

Beginning with the decision to start a family, this comprehensive book guides parents through each phase of pregnancy, birth, and baby's all-important first year. Every page offers compassionate, clear answers to the many questions and decisions that accompany conceiving, giving birth, and caring for a treasured new life.

Part One0—Pregnancy

Expectant parents learn how to choose a medical caregiver; what prenatal tests are done and why; what you can do about some of the common discomforts of pregnancy; sensible nutrition and safe exercise routines during pregnancy; balancing work and pregnancy; plus an easy-to-understand, trimester-by-trimester breakdown of what to expect as your pregnancy progresses. A special eight-page section features color photographs of how the baby develops during pregnancy.

Part Two—Childbirth

Today's many birthing options are explained in full, and a detailed description of labor and birth helps parents anticipate this powerful experience. A thorough discussion of baby's first hours addresses every parent's question: "Is my baby OK?" Premature birth, cesarean birth, complications, and adoption are discussed, and an important chapter focuses on the new mother's health after childbirth.

Part Three—Living with and Understanding Your Baby

The first months of parenthood can be a jumble ofjoy and worry. Here you'll find clearexplanationsof baby-care essentials, including feeding, soothing and playing with your baby, and how to handle common illnesses and emergencies. Text and photographs detail baby's development during the crucial first year.

Part Four—From Partners to Parents: A Family Is Born

A new baby profoundly changes family roles and relationships. This section helps mothers, fathers, grandparents, and siblings strengthen their bonds asthey welcome a tiny new member into their home.

With more than 130 contributors from Mayo's distinguished staff of obstetricians, family physicians, pediatricians, parent educators, nurses, dietitians, social workers, and other medical specialists-plus contributions from dozens of parents-this extraordinary book is a valuable resource for all expectant parents and young families.

Widely regarded as one of the world's foremost medical centers, Mayo evolved from the nation's first group medical practice, established by Drs. William and Charles Mayo more than 100 years ago. Mayo provides family-oriented health care to pregnant women and their babies for both normal and high-risk pregnancies and births. Nearly 2,000 babies are born at Mayo each year. Consistently rated one of the best providers of health care in the world, Mayo is also the world's largest medical center—a full-service diagnostic and treatment institution embracing state-of-the-art medical care. There are Mayo Clinics in Rochester, Minnesota; Jacksonville, Florida; and Scottsdale, Arizona, as well as a broad system of affiliate practices and managed-care networks in other regions.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Summoning information from the Mayo Clinic's expert staffs in obstetrics, pediatrics, family medicine and parent education, this detailed companion for prospective parents and the parents of very young children offers more than ample guidance on what seems an almost infinite range of subjects and important decisions facing parents. Though focusing for the most part on basic prenatal, birthing and developmental counseling, the book goes well beyond the minimum standard expected. For example, in the chapter ``Pregnancy and Ongoing Medical Conditions,'' the contributors discuss the effects of AIDS and herpes on pregnancy; an entire chapter is devoted to the medical, psychological and bureaucratic aspects of adoption; another counsels mothers on when and how to return to their jobs after childbirth. The tone throughout is refreshingly sober and unhyped, an antidote to the pushy cosiness of some child care tomes; readers with time to spare and a need to learn will relish this. Illustrations not seen by PW. (Dec.)

Library Journal

The Mayo Clinic has done it again. Its new book is one that every expectant mother must have. Effectively combining a pregnancy text with an infant care text, this work answers parents' questions concerning pregnancy and infant care with exceptional completeness. The writing is thorough yet understandable, and the illustrations are wonderful. The one drawback is that the volume discusses the stages of pregnancy by trimester rather than following the changes month by month as do many books, such as Arlene Eisenberg and others' What To Expect When You're Expecting (Workman, 1991). The smaller segments of time can be easier to handle when a woman is growing impatient about being pregnant. Nevertheless, this up-to-date text is essential for all consumer health collections.-Kelly Houtz Griffin. Harrison Memorial Hosp., Bremerton, Wash.

BookList - Kathryn Carpenter

For "complete" in the title of this reference on pregnancy, childbirth, parenting, and infant care, read "comprehensive", for the book provides detailed, concise descriptions of the many realities, issues, and decisions expectant and new parents must confront. Editor Johnson draws on the expertise of more than 100 Mayo Clinic health care professionals as well as parents' experiences in order to assemble a practical, clearly written, attractively illustrated landmark in the competitive field of infant care guides. Among the highlights are thorough reviews of prenatal tests and their purposes and of fetal development during the stages of pregnancy, a frank account of labor, advice on coping with the health problems associated with premature birth, and detailed guidance to developmental milestones, health care needs, daily care, and parental fears during the first few months of life. This guide's illustrations, showing, for instance, how wide ten centimeters actually is and including growth charts marked off into percentiles, are equally practical and more useful than those in most parenting guides.

Booknews