Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: The Wisdom and Science of Gentle Choices in Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting is the excellent new work from favorite Mothering author Sarah J. Buckley. An Australian physician, Buckley marries solid research to intuitive awareness on a range of subjects, from prenatal testing to cosleeping. Of particular interest is how, like Michel Odent, she relates the biological and emotional processes of birth to those of sex. (One Moon Press, 2005; www.sarahjbuckley.com)
Having Twins and More: A Parent's Guide to Multiple Pregnancy, Birth, and Early Childhood, third edition, by Elizabeth Noble with Leo Sorger, MD, is the definitive, comprehensive, attachment parenting-friendly resource on multiples. Noble and Sorger cover the gamut, from prenatal bonding to optimal pregnancy nutrition; from natural, vaginal birth to lactation. And there is an extensive bibliography and resource section to boot! The work of many noted authors, such as perinatal psychologist David Chamberlain, birth reformer and scholar Henci Goer, and midwife Nancy Cohen--to name just a few--are referenced in this superb volume. (Houghton Mifflin, 2003)
In The Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy for Lesbians: How to Stay Sane and Care for Yourself from Preconception through Birth, second edition Rachel Pepper offers down-to-earth coverage of important issues such as sperm-donor selection, legal rights, and sexuality and self-esteem. Tae final chapter lists helpful websites and books, as well as contact info for lesbian-friendly sperm banks and health clinics. (Cleis Press, 2005)
Robert Bruce Newman's Calm Birth: New Method for Conscious Childbirth details three very effective relaxation exercises for pregnancy and labor. She visualizations. "Practice of Opening," "Womb Breathing," and "Giving and Receiving," are based on ancient Tibetan Buddhist practices taught by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Shenphen Rinpoche. I especially recommend the book's companion CD, which guides listeners through the exercises. (Book: North Atlantic Books, 2005; CD: Medigrace, 2005; www.CalmBirth.org)
The Black Woman's Guide to Breastfeeding: The Definitive Guide to Nursing for African-American Mothers by Katherine Barber, one of Mothering.com's lactation experts, is an approachable, reader-friendly manual on breastfeeding with an eye toward the unique economic and social issues affecting African American women, (Source Books, 2005)
Spilled Milk: Breastfeeding Adventures and Advice from Less-Than-Perfect Moms, by former Utne senior editor Andy Steiner, is a probreastfeeding book, but more to the point, it is promother. Steiner interviewed women across the country and concludes that yes, with proper guidance and effort, most mothers can breastfeed--but not all. So, she says, lay off judging others--and yourself; recognize that everyone is simply doing her best. Validation is a healing thing, and there is plenty of it in this hip, funny read. (Rodale Books, 2005)
The Baby Sleep Book: The Complete Guide to a Good Night's Rest for the Whole Family, from attachment-parenting guru William Sears, MD, and clan, is a godsend to cosleeping families.
Advocating for baby-centered nighttime parenting, the handbook provides viable options for common cosleeping dilemmas, including tips for helping dads support nursing mothers. This gem will undoubtedly prove indispensable to new and veteran cosleepers alike. (Little, Brown and Company, 2005)
For Adventures in Gentle Discipline: A Parent-to-Parent Guide, Hilary Flower collected the input of nearly 200 parents to create a theory and practice of discipline based on respect, compassion, and empathy. Encouraging parents to trust their hearts--and their children--this book is a welcome resource on setting limits. (La Leche League International, 2005)
Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves, by attachment-parenting author Naomi Aldort, asserts that effective discipline rests not in controlling but in listening to and validating children. Her methods have helped hundreds of parents establish a more authentic relationship with their kids. (Book Publishers Network, 2006; www.naomialdort.com)
Marked in Your Flesh: Circumcision from Ancient Judea to Modern America, by cultural anthropologist Leonard B. Glick, takes a critical look at circumcision, chronicling the procedure's development from biblical times to the present. The result is a dense, thoroughly researched work that serves as scholarly support for the decision not to circumcise. (Oxford University Press, 2005)
Marge Grant's A Stolen Life is the dramatic telling of the author's pioneering efforts in the movement for vaccination safety. In 1961 Grant's infant son was permanently brain-damaged by a DPT shot. After this tragedy, she devoted her life to educating parents about the danger of vaccinations. She cofounded two nonprofit organizations, successfully worked to change Wisconsin's vaccination laws, and later served on the National Academy of Science, Institute of Medicine's Vaccine Safety Forum for several years. (Precautionary Books, 2005; www.dptshot.com)
A Drug-Free Approach to Asperger Syndrome and Autism: Homeopathic Care for Exceptional Kids, by past Mothering contributors Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman, ND, LCSW, and Robert Ullman, ND, as well as Ian Luepker, ND, is an accessible, inspiring introduction to homeopathic treatment for kids with autism spectrum disorders. After outlining the basics of homeopathic care, the authors use case studies to demonstrate how they choose remedies to successfully treat common groups of symptoms. (Picnic Point Press, 2005; www.drugfreeasperger.com)
In Coyote Wisdom: The Power of Story in Healing, longtime Mothering friend Lewis Mehl-Madrona, MD, PhD, melds his background in Western medicine with the storytelling traditions of his Native American roots. He discusses the potency of personal images and myths and, using examples from his psychiatry practice, illustrates how to harness their power to shift internal and external realities. (Bear & Company, 2005)
With The Birth of Hathor, Heather Cushman-Dowdee recounts, in words and pictures, the creation of her comic-strip superhero, Hathor the Cow Goddess. Cushman-Dowdee uses her cow-masked wonder-mom character to make fun of profit-digging formula companies and cosleeping naysayers. On days when you feel as if your parenting mojo has just flown off to Fiji without you, pick up this book and let Hathor enliven you. (Heather Cushman-Dowdee, 2005; www.thecow goddess.com)
Born Yogis, by Susie Arnett and Doug Kim, features lyrical black-and-white photographs of small children naturally assuming yoga postures, each image capturing a profound moment of pure presence. Accompanying the photos are insights from great mystics, truths these babes seem to innocently embody with ease. Nourishment for the eyes and spirit, Born Yogis honors the grace children bring into our lives. (Rodale Books, 2005)
At Work in Life's Garden: Writers on the Spiritual Adventure of Parenting, edited by Sarah Conover and Tracy Springberry, is a collection of absorbing, contemplative essays on the emotional complexities and life lessons inherent in raising children. Such notables as Martha Beck, Anne Lamott, Barbara Kingsolver, and Scott Russell Sanders contribute to this soul-satisfying volume. (Eastern Washington University Press, 2005)
CHILDREN'S BOOKS
In Beyond the Great Mountains: A Visual Poem about China, Ed Young uses elegant paper collages to reveal the fascinating origins of basic Chinese ideograms. The artful book's vertical format allows for the original poem to appear in its entirety before any pages are turned. Ages 5 and up. (Chronicle Books, 2005)
Kelly Cunnane's For You Are a Kenyan Child shares a typical day in the life of a much-loved Kenyan boy and teaches some Swahili words along the way. Painted with a rainbow palette, Ana Juan's sensuous, nuanced images tenderly animate the tale. Ages 4 to 7. (Simon & Schuster, 2006)
Play with Hs: 100 Games from Around the World, by Oriol Ripoll, is an impressive collection of traditional children's pastimes clearly described and depicted. Ripoll traveled the globe while researching this book, which serves as an introduction to foreign cultures as well as a guide to hours of wholesome fun. Ages 6 to 12. (Chicago Review Press, 2005)
CDs
Soulfege's Heavy Structured features the Afrocentric band's unique brand of funk, reggae, and hip-hop grooves, buoyed by the powerful voice of front man Derrick N. Ashong. Arrangements include plenty of energetic percussion, brass, and bass, while positive lyrics celebrate life, love, and Mother Africa. Soulfege is the band behind the Sweet Mother Tour, a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower Africa by empowering its youth (www.sweet mothertour.org). (ASAFO Media, 2006; www.soulfege.com)
On Table Top People Volumes 1 & 2, Session Americana performs polished bluegrass and folk-rock tunes with straightforward exuberance. Harmonica and fiddle take center stage in clever, comical songs--perfect for a family hoedown. And the ballads, including an achingly moody "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star;' will surely move you. (Hi-n-Dry, 2005; www.sessionamericana.com)
On Daydreams & Lullabies, Diana Lynn croons mellow, even-tempo melodies accompanied by tasteful synth keyboards in a delightfully eclectic combination of styles and sounds. Listen for smatterings of R&B and jazz, with flute and cello featured on some tracks, congas or gospel organ on others. (Urth Mother Music, 2004; www.dianalynnmusic.com)
Melissa Chianta is Mothering's managing editor.
Painter Joel Parod's work, shown above, adorns the cover of Diana Lynn's CD Daydreams & Lullabies.
COPYRIGHT 2006 Mothering Magazine
No comments:
Post a Comment