Collection Development "Pregnancy": A Healthy Delivery

Books on the topic of pregnancy abound; in fact, publishers are more attentive to the subject than ever. According to R.R. Bowker's Books in Print, 226 nonfiction pregnancy titles were published in 2006, a 30 percent increase over the decade before. Add to this glut all the magazines, DVDs, web sites, and TV programs (e.g., TLC's A Baby Story and Discovery Health's Birth Day) available on the topic, and mothers-to-be are left carrying a full load. Librarians serving these expectant patrons and their loved ones have hardly had it easy themselves—the last related collection development article, which focused on childcare and parenting rather than pregnancy, ran in 1992! Here, at last, LJ lends a hand.

In January 2007, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued new guidelines for medical practitioners to screen for Down syndrome in pregnant women of all ages in their first trimester. This factor, the growing sophistication of medical techniques, and the medical profession's increased acceptance of patients' participation in their own care have led to a greater number of pregnancy books addressing such matters as prenatal testing, the availability of 3-D/4-D ultrasound images, the use and effectiveness of alternative therapies, and composing birth plans.

Depression is another subject that has garnered major attention. Moms-to-be can find realistic and honestly represented information not just on postpartum depression but also on women's in utero states of mind. What's more, they can expect to count on their partners for support. Today's father-to-be, as books published in recent years and addressing this audience indicate, participates in all phases of his partner's pregnancy.

Increasingly, more expectant women are working throughout their pregnancies. Newer titles address this burgeoning area, if only briefly. For fuller coverage, Nancy W. Hall's Balancing Pregnancy and Work (Rodale, 2004; o.p.) is an excellent resource, if you can get a secondhand copy.

Adams Media, Da Capo Press, and DK all publish heavily in this area, but so do the big New York houses and small independents scattered around the country; look, then, for pregnancy-related titles in all publishers' catalogs.

Keep tabs on new or reissued books from the field's leading authors, e.g., pregnancy/parenting expert Ann Douglas, by periodically checking their web sites (in Douglas's case, www.having-a-baby.com) and/or blogs (anndouglas.blogspot.com)—often informative resources in and of themselves—for announcements.

Expectant mothers wanting natural births with a doula or midwife should be guided to books by established experts on this subject, like Ina May Gaskin (www.inamay.com) or Sheila Kitzinger (www.sheilakitzinger.com), whose The Complete Book on Pregnancy and Childbirth (Knopf, 2003. 4th ed.) is reviewed below.

Books on pregnancy will circulate frequently and should therefore be durable. As most are published in paperback, consider either ordering multiple copies of classics and recent best sellers or reinforcing these paperbacks with library bindings.

Most important, materials in this area should be as up-to-date as possible. When weeding, check that materials older than five years still offer a relevant perspective as well as cover avenues where medical progress has been made, e.g., prenatal testing. If they don't, they should come off the shelf.

Exceptions to this five-year rule are pregnancy memoirs and humorous takes on being pregnant—e.g., Jenny McCarthy's Belly Laughs (Da Capo, 2004). These resources are especially useful in offering personal experiences with which readers can identify and easing the jitters of first-time mothers.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) during pregnancy is a widely debated topic, so every individual should decide for herself and under the care of a medical professional how to proceed in this area; acquire titles covering as broad a range of these practices as demand warrants.

Because CAM is a subject area deserving an article all its own and because this piece primarily focuses on core standard medical titles, CAM will not be covered here, nor will books on natural childbirth or using midwives or doulas. Likewise, though memoirs dealing with postpartum issues, e.g., Brooke Shields's Down Came the Rain (Hyperion, 2005), are invaluable and deal with an also-controversial topic (who can forget the Brooke Shields—Tom Cruise clash over postpartum antidepressant use?), this article will not tackle postpartum issues or pregnancy memoirs in general. We will leave these deserving topics to the next collection development article in this area.

A rapidly growing category we can't ignore, however, is of books on organic, or "green," parenting, ignited by renewed interest in the environment. We showcase some of the freshest and brightest of this type below.

Most AV pregnancy materials are fitness-oriented (magazines like Fit Pregnancy—see below—are reliable sources for reviews of these materials), though more general pregnancy videos and DVDs are slowly becoming available. Owing to varying and shifting guidelines and opinions on exercising during pregnancy, materials in this area should be current and authoritative.

The following bibliography provides public libraries and consumer health collections in medical institutions with materials released between 2002 and 2008 and dealing primarily with pregnancy-related issues (as distinct from matters relating to conception or parenting). The highlighted web sites rely on expert advice and not wholly on individuals' experiences and points of view. Starred [ ] items are essential for all libraries.

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The Classics
Boston Women's Health Book Collective. Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth. Touchstone: S. & S. Mar. 2008. 352p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-7432-7486-9. pap. $16.
In its characteristically inclusive and nonjudgmental way, the Boston Women's Health Book Collective collects contributions by health-care providers, academics, and other experts. Brief, unique, and up-to-date sections detail such topics as cord-blood banking and postpartum physical recovery for women and their newborns. (Index not seen.) (LJ 1/08)
Curtis, Glade B., M.D. & Judith Schuler. Your Pregnancy Week by Week. 6th ed. Da Capo Lifelong. Jan. 2008. 648p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-7382-1109-1. pap. $15.95.
OB-GYN Curtis and longtime coauthor Schuler fully revise and amend their straightforward, information-packed book, adding 80 new topics that discuss trends, product and safety recommendations, and more. An essential update for libraries owning previous editions.
Kitzinger, Sheila. The Complete Book on Pregnancy and Childbirth. 4th ed. Knopf. 2003. 448p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-4000-4108-4. $35.
Pregnancy expert Kitzinger revises/updates this classic, whose nonaggressive, permissive tone (e.g., you can say no to ultrasounds) will appeal to women. Drawing on the latest research from the Cochrane Library, a collection of evidence-based medical/healthcare databases, this authoritative resource includes photos of actual bodily changes and delivery. (LJ 11/1/96)
Murkoff, Heidi with Sharon Mazel. What To Expect When You're Expecting. 4th ed. Workman. Mar. 2008. 624p. index. ISBN 978-0-7611-4857-9. pap. $14.95.
This totally revised edition of the best-selling mainstay includes, among other additions, new chapters on pregnancy nutrition and a section for expectant fathers. Because previous editions were criticized for promoting fear among pregnant women by focusing on medical complications, replace older editions with this one and refer with discretion. (Index not seen.) (LJ 4/1/02)

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The Green Baby
Dolan, Deirdre & Alexandra Zissu. The Complete Organic Pregnancy. HarperCollins. 2006. 289p. index. ISBN 978-0-06-088745-2. pap. $14.95.
Two journalist moms advise on creating an environmentally friendly, toxin-free existence for you and your baby, outlining inexpensive alternatives while acknowledging that a complete life overhaul may not be possible. With informative "personal diaries" by Barbara Kingsolver and Marion Nestle.
Fassa, Lynda. Green Babies, Sage Moms: The Ultimate Guide to Raising Your Organic Baby. NAL: Penguin Group (USA). Jan. 2008. 256p. photogs. ISBN 978-0-451-22289-3. pap. $14.
Fassa, founder of an organic baby-clothing company, helps moms-to-be and moms live green. Each chapter contains a rating system summarizing practical things you can do for you, your baby, and the environment that require varying degrees of effort. Engaging, informative, and practical. (LJ Xpress Review, 11/27/07)
Greene, Alan, M.D., with others (text) & Val Lawton (illus.). Raising Baby Green: The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby Care. Jossey-Bass. 2007. 306p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-7879-9622-2. pap. $16.95.
Pediatrician Greene, a leading figure in the green baby movement, enthusiastically discusses everything from what to take with you to the delivery room to questions to ask hospitals/birth centers about how green they are. "Buying Green" text boxes give contact info for recommended retailers of products of all types, useful for comparison shopping. (LJ Xpress Review 10/16/07)
Rider, Kimberly (text) & Thayer Allyson Gowdy (photogs.). Organic Baby: Simple Steps for Healthy Living. Chronicle. 2007. 188p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-8118-5573-0. spiral-bound. $24.95.
Interior designer Rider offers practical advice for healthy living before, during, and after pregnancy; for those not ready/able to go completely organic, she also gives tips on how to scale down. Sections are separated by tabs with topic headings for quick access; attractive full-color photos abound. Note: the book is spiral-bound, with an outside cover protecting the spirals.

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Special Concerns
Rogers, Judith. The Disabled Woman's Guide to Pregnancy and Birth. 2d ed. Demos. 2006. 528p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-932603-08-8. pap. $24.95.
Pregnancy/parenting specialist Rogers, a disabled mother of two, draws from interviews with 90 women like herself to help others with disabilities manage pregnancy. Special sections illustrate exercises with alternatives for those needing assistance and focus on medication during pregnancy. Solid and essential for libraries having the 1992 first edition, originally titled Mother To Be. (LJ 8/05)
Sember, Brette McWhorter. The Everything Guide to Pregnancy Over 35: From Conquering Your Fears to Assessing Health Risks—All You Need To Have a Happy, Healthy Nine Months. Adams Media. 2007. 289p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-59869-245-7. pap. $14.95.
With technical review by a doctor and nurse, Sember's (Your Plus-Size Pregnancy) upbeat book gives a clear and honest overview of the issues facing pregnant women over 35. Sections on such topics as financial planning present challenges that may resonate differently for older women than for younger ones.
Van Der Ziel, Cornelia, M.D. & Jacqueline Tourville. Big, Beautiful & Pregnant: Expert Advice & Comforting Wisdom for the Expecting Plus-Size Woman. Da Capo. 2006. 273p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-56924-319-0. pap. $15.95.
Van Der Ziel is an obstetrician specializing in plus-size and high-risk pregnancies; Tourville is a childbirth professional who personally went through the experience. Their uniquely focused guide explores gestational diabetes, exercise, and adequate and appropriate nutrition. Because most pregnancy books contain minimal information on plus-sized pregnancies, this belongs in every library's pregnancy collection. (LJ 5/15/06)

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Fathers-to-be
Hill, Thomas. What To Expect When Your Wife Is Expanding: A Reassuring Month-by-Month Guide for the Father-To-Be, Whether He Wants Advice or Not. 2d ed. Andrews McMeel. 2007. 142p. illus. bibliog. ISBN 978-0-7407-6752-4. pap. $12.95.
Hill, a TV exec and father of five, updates his parody of the "What To Expect" series to help new papas feel a little lightness during their partners' pregnancies. "The POPGAR Test" for gauging how fathers are doing during delivery is great fun. With the first edition now 15 years old, consider this update.
Lipps, Brian, M.D. The PlaySkool Guide for Expectant Fathers: The Best Information, Action Plans and Expert Advice for Your New Adventures in Daddyhood. Sourcebooks. 2007. 291p. ISBN 978-1-4022-0934-5. pap. $14.95.
Lipps, a father of three, shows prospective dads how to play meaningful and supportive roles in their partners' pregnancy. Month-by-month chapters explain what is physically happening to baby, Mom, and Dad, with practical suggestions on such issues as getting ready for the baby and work and child care. Readable and informative without being overwhelming.
Port, David & John Ralston. The Caveman's Pregnancy Companion: A Survival Guide for Expectant Fathers. Sterling. 2006. 227p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-4027-3526-4. pap. $12.95.
This guide by a writer and a manager of a dietary program at a Colorado hospital is an excellent overview of the pregnancy and birthing process presented in an entertaining format, e.g., difficulty ratings for recipes range from "Knuckledragger" to "Homosapiens." An expert team and occasional factoids from "Dr. Brian" (Ralston, M.D.) support the text.

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Pregancy & Mental Health
Finn, Kristin K. Bipolar and Pregnant: How To Manage and Succeed in Planning and Parenting While Living with Manic Depression. Health Communications. 2007. 248p. index. ISBN 978-0-7573-0683-9. pap. $14.95.
Finn, bipolar mother of two daughters, combines her story with occasional input from her husband and excerpts from a journal she kept while off her meds. The appendixes cover genetic counseling, becoming pregnant, and postpartum disorders. Written in a conversational tone and bolstered by contributions from medical professionals, this is great advice from someone who's been there. (LJ Xpress Review, 9/4/07)
Misri, Shaila Kulkarni, M.D. Pregnancy Blues: What Every Woman Needs To Know About Depression During Pregnancy. Delta: Dell. 2006. 336p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-385-33867-7. pap. $15.
Reproductive psychiatrist Misri's philosophy is one of empowerment through information sharing, and she takes an advocacy approach toward optimal health-care support. Here, she thoroughly explores what is known about depression and adds anecdotes and patient case studies. She also covers the stages of each trimester, nonpharmaceutical treatments, the effects of a pregnant partner's depression on fathers/supporters, and more. (LJ 8/05)
Puryear, Lucy J., M.D. Understanding Your Moods When You're Expecting: Emotions, Mental Health, and Happiness—Before, During, and After Pregnancy. Houghton. 2007. 240p. index. ISBN 978-0-618-34107-8. $24.
Puryear, a psychiatrist specializing in women's reproductive mental health, reassures readers with her authoritative, sensitive, and calming tone as she discusses what to expect during and after pregnancy. Medical facts are effectively interspersed with real-life scenarios. Tips offer down-to-earth coping advice in bite-sized chunks. (LJ Xpress Reviews, 6/19/07)

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Multiples
Agnew, Connie & others. Twins! Pregnancy, Birth, and the First Year of Life. 2d ed. Collins: HarperCollins. 2006. 360p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-06-074219-5. pap. $18.95.
Perinatologist Agnew and pediatrician Alan H. Klein, together with writer Jill Alison Ganon, update the 1997 edition (LJ 11/1/97) with new information on complementary practices, 3-D imaging, immunizations and their safety, and the first year of life. "Roundtable Talk" transcripts of discussions between doctors and parents give voice to concerns and coping techniques while boxes highlight special information on topics covered in the text.
Fierro, Pamela. The Everything Twins, Triplets, and More Book: From Seeing the First Sonogram to Coordinating Nap Times and Feedings—All You Need To Enjoy Your Multiples. Adams Media. 2005. 303p. ISBN 978-1-59337-326-9. pap. $14.95.
About.com contributor and mother of twins Fierro briefly touches on all information relevant to women expecting multiples. Useful sections explain reproductive technology and selective reduction, detail stroller types, and address such issues as "Surviving an NICU Stay." Well researched and to the point.

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Magazines
Fit Pregnancy. 1995. bi-m. $7.97. 21100 Erwin St., Woodland Hills, CA 91367; 818-884-6800; www.fitpregnancy.com. ISSN 1079-3615.
This bimonthly analyzes the latest news, digests recent medical research, highlights fashions for baby and Mom, and has ads for products not seen elsewhere. The web site features Real Mom blogs, email newsletters that can be tailored to a subscriber's stage of pregnancy and fitness interest, and an Ask the Expert database of FAQs.
Pregnancy. 2001. m. $12. 4000 Shoreline Ct., Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080; www.pregnancymagazine.com. ISSN 1368-6194.
Although aimed at first-time moms, this magazine can also be enjoyed by "returnees." Classic sections written by contributors include "Your Body" (separated into trimesters), "Your Baby" (including postpartum), and "What's Kickin'" (news and research).

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DVDs
Go Mom Fitness: Patrea's Prenatal Fitness for the Entire Body. color. 90 min. Razor Fitness, 947 Hamilton Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025; 800-339-5287; www.razorfitness.com. 2007. DVD $14.99.
Patrea, a certified strength trainer and mom, created these workouts with help from a team of OB-GYNs, physical therapists, nurses, and pregnant women. An assorted mix of six 15-minute workouts features smooth transitions between positions and explanatory dialog. The workouts combine strength training, Pilates, and yoga sequences. A clock counts down onscreen during each workout.
Pregnancy for Dummies. color. 180 min. Wellspring Media, 419 Park Ave. S., 20th fl., New York, NY 10016; 212-686-6777; www.wellspring.com. 2002. DVD $19.95.
This entertaining, accessible video based on the book follows actual couples through their pregnancies and includes an animated character to help illustrate points. Four episodes on two discs cover the first trimester to the first few postpartum weeks. Two OB-GYNs from New York's Mount Sinai Medical Center (the book's authors) explain facts and debunk myths. Pleasantly informal, systematically presented, and somewhat timeless in relevancy.
Prenatal Fitness Fix with Erin O'Brien. color. 60 min. Acacia, 8515 Georgia Ave., Suite 650, Silver Spring, MD 20910; 800-944-0474; www.acacialifestyle.com. 2005. DVD $14.99.
While seven months pregnant, certified fitness instructor O'Brien demonstrates an energetic and intense workout. She incorporates a good mix of workout styles—especially strengthening and Pilates—for an all-over workout in 40 minutes, also including a 20-minute workout you can do with a partner. O'Brien uses living room furniture as props, so the routines are accessible.
Prenatal Yoga: A Complete Home Practice for a Healthy Mother and Baby. color. 2 hrs. Movement Center, Rudra Pr., PO Box 13310, Portland, OR 97213; 800-876-7798; www.rudrapress.com. 2005. DVD $25.
Pregnant women demonstrate three well-organized, gentle routines to voiced-over instruction; a split screen shows alternate poses for pregnancy-related physical restrictions. You can have music and vocals, just music, or just vocals overlaying the practice. Three full-length relaxations are a great addition.
Prenatal Yoga with Shiva Rea. color. 60 min. Gaiam, 360 Interlocken Blvd., Broomfield, CO 80021; 303-222-3600; www.gaiam.com. 2005. DVD $15.
Longtime yoga instructor Rea calmly works through a 50-minute routine. She and two other women each represent a trimester and illustrate appropriate postures. Exercises focus on strength, flexibility, stability, and stamina.

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Web Sites
American Pregnancy Association (APA) www.americanpregnancy.org
Overseen by a medical advisory committee and featuring informational pages on all topics (e.g., birth defects, pregnancy loss), this site from a recognized leader of reproductive and pregnancy health information is updated on an as-needed basis. The APA-supported discussion forums are well used and include monthly due-date groups to which users can subscribe.
Babycenter www.babycenter.com
This mutilayered one-stop information point for all stages of planning, pregnancy, and parenthood includes an ovulation calculator, articles by medical and parenting experts, and links to forums and chat rooms. Users can also opt to receive weekly emails updating them on their progress. Informative and with a comfortable online community feel.
BabyZone www.babyzone.com
Started in 1996 by a mother who needed organized and accessible information on pregnancy and so decided to build what she needed herself, this site has the usual customizable pregnancy calendars and weekly email newsletters as well as a strong section on working and pregnancy. Experts, including doctors and well-known authors, contribute.
MedlinePlus www.medlineplus.gov/pregnancy
MedlinePlus's pregnancy site contains current (updated as needed and reviewed by editors and medical professionals biannually) consumer health information from the National Library of Medicine and links to the web pages of other relevant and reputable organizations. Sections of note: health-check tools, coping, financial issues, journal articles, and dictionaries/glossaries.