Synopsis
Lisa Damour is a clinical psychologist, author, and speaker who specializes in child and adolescent development. She earned her undergraduate degree from Yale University and her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan. Dr. Damour writes a column for The New York Times and is a regular contributor to CBS News. She also maintains a private practice in Shaker Heights, Ohio, where she works with children, adolescents, and their families. Dr. Damour has written two books, “Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood” and “Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls.”
About the author
Jeanne Faulkner is a registered nurse and a freelance writer who specializes in women’s health, particularly pregnancy and childbirth. She has over 25 years of experience working with pregnant women, both as a nurse and as a childbirth educator. Faulkner has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, birth centers, and homebirth practices. In addition to her work as a healthcare professional, she is also an advocate for maternal and child health, serving on the board of several non-profit organizations focused on improving the health of women and children.
Chapter summary
Here’s a list of chapters and a brief summary of each from the book Common Sense Pregnancy by Jeanne Faulkner:
- Start with Common Sense: In this chapter, the author introduces her common-sense approach to pregnancy and childbirth.
- Conception: This chapter covers everything you need to know about conceiving a baby, including fertility, ovulation, and timing.
- The First Trimester: This chapter discusses the first three months of pregnancy, including common symptoms and how to cope with them.
- The Second Trimester: Here, the author covers weeks 14 to 27 of pregnancy, including fetal development, prenatal testing, and preparing for childbirth.
- The Third Trimester: This chapter focuses on the last few months of pregnancy, including preparing for labor and delivery, dealing with common discomforts, and choosing a healthcare provider.
- Nutrition: In this chapter, the author discusses healthy eating during pregnancy, including what to eat, what to avoid, and how to deal with food cravings.
- Exercise: Here, the author covers the benefits of exercise during pregnancy, as well as how to safely incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.
- Sex and Intimacy: This chapter discusses the changes in sex drive and intimacy during pregnancy, as well as how to stay sexually active and safe.
- Preparing for Labor and Delivery: Here, the author covers everything you need to know about childbirth, including creating a birth plan, choosing a hospital or birth center, and coping with pain.
- Labor and Delivery: This chapter covers the stages of labor and delivery, as well as medical interventions and alternative pain management techniques.
- Postpartum: In this chapter, the author discusses the first few weeks after childbirth, including recovery, breastfeeding, and caring for a newborn.
- High-Risk Pregnancies: Here, the author covers what to expect if you have a high-risk pregnancy, including complications and medical interventions.
- Emotional Health: This chapter discusses the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy and motherhood, as well as how to cope with postpartum depression and anxiety.
- Afterword: The author reflects on her own experiences as a mother and offers some final thoughts on pregnancy and childbirth.
Each chapter provides practical tips, advice, and insights to help readers navigate the challenges of pregnancy and childbirth with confidence and common sense.
Best quotes
Here are some quotes from “Common Sense Pregnancy” by Jeanne Faulkner:
- “Pregnancy is not an illness or a condition, but a time when a woman’s body is doing something extraordinary.”
- “It’s okay to ask questions, to want more information, and to challenge recommendations. In fact, it’s smart.”
- “There’s no one right way to be pregnant or give birth. But there are ways to make the experience as safe, satisfying, and empowering as possible.”
- “Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and your baby. You know your body and your baby best.”
- “Pregnancy is not the time to go it alone. You need a support system.”
- “Birth is unpredictable, and we can’t control everything. But we can control how we approach the experience.”
- “No matter what your birth experience is like, it doesn’t define you as a mother. What matters is how you love and care for your child.”
Book summary
Common Sense Pregnancy: Navigating a Healthy Pregnancy & Birth for Mother and Baby by Jeanne Faulkner is a comprehensive guide for pregnant women, providing them with practical advice and information to navigate the process of pregnancy and childbirth. Faulkner, a registered nurse, doula, and mother of five, writes in a friendly, approachable style and shares her experience and expertise to address common pregnancy concerns.
The book is divided into three parts. Part one, “Pregnancy from A to Z,” covers everything from prenatal care to childbirth education, nutrition, exercise, and dealing with common pregnancy discomforts. Faulkner provides practical tips for women to help them cope with the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy.
Part two, “Labor and Birth,” covers the various stages of labor, different delivery methods, and interventions that may be used during labor and childbirth. Faulkner encourages women to educate themselves on their options and make informed decisions about their care.
Part three, “The Fourth Trimester and Beyond,” addresses the postpartum period, including breastfeeding, newborn care, and the emotional and physical adjustments new mothers face. Faulkner emphasizes the importance of self-care for new mothers and provides tips for managing the challenges of caring for a newborn while also taking care of oneself.
Throughout the book, Faulkner stresses the importance of common sense and advocates for women to trust their instincts and make informed decisions about their care. She provides a wealth of information on various pregnancy and childbirth topics, including medical interventions, nutrition, exercise, and postpartum care. She also addresses common concerns and myths about pregnancy and childbirth, helping women separate fact from fiction.
In addition to providing practical advice, Faulkner also emphasizes the importance of emotional support during pregnancy and childbirth. She encourages women to seek out trusted sources of support, including partners, family members, friends, and healthcare providers.
Overall, Common Sense Pregnancy is an informative and practical guide for pregnant women. Faulkner’s friendly and approachable style makes the book an easy read, and her extensive knowledge and experience provide women with the information they need to make informed decisions about their care. The book is a valuable resource for anyone expecting a baby, whether it’s their first or fifth, and offers guidance and support for navigating the journey of pregnancy and childbirth.
