As most of y’all know, I’m in the middle of a pregnancy that’s not my first. As a result, I’ve flipped through more than my share of “what to expect while pregnant” websites and books and even tip-toed into the “what you’re baby should do” sections. This isn’t my first child, so you’d think I’d be more than prepared for anything that could come my way.
While I may be, I well remember the excitement and angst while expecting Abigail. I was thrilled out of my mind to know I’d soon hold a baby that was mine. At the same time, even though I’m the oldest of four children and an involved aunt, I knew I had no clue about what was coming.
That’s where Trish Berg’s latest book Rattled: Surviving Your Baby’s First Year Without Losing Your Cool comes in. Released by Multnomah, it is a wealth of information for first-time moms and their families. Read to the end to learn how you can win a copy of this book!
The book begins with a quick survey of pregnancy and what to expect at the hospital then saunters into four additional areas:
- Changing Seasons: Survival Mode, Blazing New Trails, and Covering New Ground
- Living Simply: Setting Up Base Camp, Coordinated Efforts, and Exploring New Territory
- Choosing Joy: Reaching the Summit, Camouflaging Your Imperfections, and Discovering Camp Palooza
- Nourishing Mom: Renewing Your Faith, Restoring Your Health, and Reviving Your Friendships.
The book has a wonderful layout that makes it very easy to read, and the author’s style is very conversational. It made me think of the Girlfriends’ Guide in that respect. The author is very honest about the journey into motherhood, but keeps our eyes focused squarely on the truth: we can do this with God’s help.
My sister and I have decided that this book will become a routine part of our baby shower gifts. It’s a book every new mom should own — it won’t take long before it is dog-eared from use.
Finally, in the Additional Resources section, she has a chapter on Discovering the Footprints of Heaven. This chapter is the book that I searched for as I experienced a miscarriage and in the aftermath of the pain and questions. I cried cleansing tears as I read it and whispered, “she understands. She gets it.” It probably didn’t help that I received the book the week after the first anniversary of my miscarriage. But I urge you — as strongly as I can — to get this book and read that chapter if you’ve had a miscarriage or if someone you love has and you can’t understand the depths of the pain. That chapter is one I would write and probably will write when I get further from the pain.
Bottomline, this book is a keeper. And it makes a great gift for expectant and new moms!
If you would like a chance to win a copy of this book, leave a comment either with a question that’s burning in your mom about parenting or leave a tip for someone who’s going to be a mom for the first time. Let’s see those comments! The contest will close February 23rd.
Comments 9
Hello! What a wonderful author interview and insight to her book!
My tip is you can only try her best with raising your children. Do the best you can! It all works out. Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
This looks like a great book! I’m a newlywed. My husband and I will be celebrating our first anniversary in March. We are hoping and praying and trying for our first baby. My question is how does one RELAX during this wait?
dbstout(at)juno(dot)com
My tip is to remember not to sweat the small stuff. And to buy LOTS of mylicon, baby tylenol, Aquaphor, baby wipes, and diapers in advance. If you are nursing, you can pretty much survive the first month with these products alone, LOL:)
pleaes enter me in the drawing, thanks!
it’s much easier to raise a baby if your hope and trust is in the Lord. what a blessing that He’s asking you to raise this child into a mighty warrior for Him!
My tip is to slow down an cherish every moment you have with your child- it goes SO fast!
ugg my son is going to turn one is just a few months and I am SOO depressed over it.. I feel like Ive missed something already.. *sigh*
My sister is expecting her first, this would be a great gift.
Okay that’s what I get for skimming. (I read your post at Generation NeXt Parenting!)
My tip: Hum…it’s been five years since I had an infant, I used to have tons of them. Here’s one I wished I had known early on: When if comes to discipline look to the Lord and not the next parenting book.
I spent years trying to discipline my first child into submission, many times at the cost of our relationship. I soon wised up, consulted the Lord and a wonderful book called “Heartfelt Discipline) that puts all the focus on nurturing and trusting the Lord to guide your discipline.
I know most new moms aren’t thinking about this subject yet, but it’s the hardest part of parenting and I was pulling my hair out when my first child turned one, trying to mold him and get him to do what I wanted him to do. I thus learned, with some children, it just ain’t going to happen like the books say.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He won’t fail to guide you!
Teach discipline to your children also by doing this:
1. Make them used to wake up early and clean up their bed by themselves.
2. Trust your children to take bath / shower by themselves.
3. Prepare a big box to put all their toys.
4. Let them eat by themselves.
source : Tips7.net