The Pregnancy Journal: A Mothertalk Book Review and A Give-A-Way!
Today I’m reviewing The Pregnancy Journal by A. Christine Harris, Ph.D. I like this book for many reasons, the first being that it is spiral bound. For most books the construction is not something I even think about- make it book-like and I’m going to read it, but if you expect me to write in it, how I love a sturdy spiral binding so it lays flat! That is why I make my personal journals with spiral binding and why I’m enamored with my Bind-it-all tool. Spirals, they make me happy- so score one for the Pregnancy Journal! Score two when you flip it over and find that it is made from post consumer waste, and therefor, more eco-friendly. For a book with over a million copies sold, that’s helpful!
I was also thrilled to find that even though the book is called a journal, there’s more book than journal involved. It is divided by months, weeks and days, with facts about your stage of development for every single day. These facts are not dumbed down; the author speaks to her reader expecting that her audience is comprised of savvy, intelligent women, which I appreciated. That being said, the information is quite palatable, even for a first time mother with a lot of questions and limited experience. It covers everything from explaining how pregnancy is measured to foods to eat to who cut your baby’s cord. It is exceptionally detailed for the typical first or subsequent pregnancy, but does not delve very far into complications, so when you’re reading it and experiencing unusual symptoms, do talk to your doctor. (This is coming from a woman with very high risk, complicated, miserable pregnancies, so I’m much more attuned to that than the average person.)
Each week has a section for notes and also a small section asking you how you’re feeling that week. These spaces are a great place to record details like, “Had my first ultrasound!” “We’re having a boy!” “Heartburn sucks!” “Felt the baby kick!” But will not be sufficient for deeply thoughtful, detailed diary entries.
Now, because I just can’t seem to get pregnant, I have decided to send this book out into the world to one lucky expecting reader! So, if you’re interested in having a copy of your own, from me to you, leave me a comment here and let me know your due date! I’ll draw a winner on Friday, so be sure to check back to claim your prize!
I’m not preggo, but a dear friend of mine is- I think she’d adore this!
Comment by Jamie — June 17, 2008 @ 7:29 pm
I’m preggers! I looked at this book when I first found out but never got it, I might be a little far along for it now though
a journal was something that I really wanted to do this time around *sigh* but I do have a friend who just found out, so I could give it to her as a present.
Comment by Casey — June 17, 2008 @ 7:44 pm
the journal sounds cool. i’m due the end of october
Comment by Heather — June 18, 2008 @ 9:18 am
I’ve never thought about a specific, separate pregnancy journal, but I’m due around Thanksgiving.
By the way, is your site still under construction? All your links look invisible to me–they blend in with the background very well!
Comment by Mom2Six — June 18, 2008 @ 11:45 am
Hi Leah, this book sounds really interesting and if your recommending it then great! I have yet to go to the doctor (my appt is the 25th) and Ehren and I are guessing we are due either Jan or early Feb. Got lots to do in the next seven to eight months! I have never kept a separate pregnancy journal but I love the idea, why didn’t someone tell me about this idea 8-10 years ago, lol!
Comment by Casey Lu — June 18, 2008 @ 12:38 pm
ooooh I have that book and I love it! I used the same one for all three boys–writing each pregnancy in a different colored ink so I’d know who was who. It was nice to be able to compare and see where I was with each one. No need to enter me.
Comment by amie — June 18, 2008 @ 8:44 pm
I’m pregant, but due to a recent miscarriage and the strangeness of my ultrasound, I’m not sure of my due date. Sometime in the middle to late January, we hope. Anyway, the journal sounds fun, but I’m rooting for you to get to use it if you wanted.
Comment by Ellie — June 19, 2008 @ 1:55 am
Guess what?!!!! I am pregnant!!! yep, i cant believe it, Dustun and I are due, January 22, 2009!!! It has been a long hard road to get here, but i am very great full to finally be able to be a mommy!
Comment by crystal carlsen — June 19, 2008 @ 8:02 am
I JUST bought that book! I found out I am pregnant ( last week) and immideiatly went to target to get a new “baby” book. I even have apicture of it on my blog. Just thought I’d let you know! Oh, and I guess if it’s ok, you can enter me in the drawing anyway because my sister and her hubby are “hoping” for a baby anytime : )
Comment by rebekah — June 19, 2008 @ 4:14 pm
Your site is terrific. I hope you’re making a bucket of money on your beautiful artwork. You deserve it! Auntie Jane
Comment by Jane Alm — June 28, 2008 @ 2:52 pm