Book & DVD reviews

The Yoga Synergy Prenatal DVD
DVD review by Jane Palmer. The Yoga Synergy Prenatal DVD features  Bianca Machliss and is a DVD featuring an instructed prenatal Yoga Synergy sequence and lecture given by Yoga Synergy's Bianca Machliss at 28 weeks. The DVD also contains slideshows of beginner to advanced postures, information on safe practice and the benefits of yoga during pregnancy.

UpDowns
Book Review: According to Michelle Neumann, author of this new book Updowns, having fun is the most important thing when introducing reading, writing and early literacy skills to your child. Jane Palmer supports Michelle's point of view.

Idolising Children
Book Review by Jane Palmer. In his new book Idolising Children, 29-year-old father of two, and government consultant on young parenting issues, Daniel Donahoo, wants us to have a new relationship with our childhood. Donahoo argues that today's parents adversely affect their children as well as themselves though their obsession with extraordinary children and perfect parenting.

Mum's The Word
Book review by Jane Palmer. I found this book very interesting to read, it was like getting a glimpse into peoples lives. The book is based in New Zealand which in a way added to its appeal - as it's quite different to Australia in many different ways. Some of the stories are told over many years - which while interesting is not as relevant as it could be to mothering in the new millennium as society has changed so much.

Healthy Parents, Healthy Baby: A Guide to Conception & Pregnancy
Book Review: "In our health-conscious society, a fairly common question asked by couples trying to conceive is what they can do, health-wise, to maximise their chances. Beyond that there are also the questions about how best to ensure the health of their unborn baby. Healthy Parents, Healthy Baby: A Guide to Conception & Pregnancy by Jan Roberts has the answers."

Pushed: The Painful Truth about Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care by Jennifer Block
Pushed is a voyage of discovery into why and how childbirth has become so medicalised in the USA. The book is filled with stories, interviews and observations. These have been woven into an explanation of why women are handing their bodies over when it comes to childbirth.

Angels and Lamb Chops
In this moving and thought provoking book Rev. Vicki Marriner recounts the events that led to the premature birth of her twin girls, the loss of one and her life afterwards.

Birth: The surprising history of how we are born - by Tina Cassidy
Tina Cassidy, a former Boston Globe reporter and editor, has taken a refreshingly new approach to an old and much written story – the history of childbirth. From pre-history to modern day times, this book is an amazing read. Cassidy combines sociology, anthropology, archeology, evolution and history together in a delightfully informative concoction

Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth
On a cold wet day in the Isle of Skye in 2008, I picked up the book, Call the Midwife. A woman browsing the shelves near by, saw it in my hands and said, “oh no! Not that book.” She proceeded to tell me how her sister-in law did not talk to her family for an entire week while reading it, as she found it so gripping.

The Sound of Silence Journeys Through Miscarriage
When I was offered the opportunity to review the book "The Sound of Silence Journeys Through Miscarriage" I jumped at the opportunity to review a book that may prove a valuable resource for the woman for whom I provide midwifery care.

My Pregnancy: A Woman's Story
My Pregnancy A woman's story - I've always adored Anne Geddes photographs of newborn babies - the photographs are innovative, compelling and unusual. Anne has now turned her wonderful talent to photographing pregnant women and the results are amazing.

Breech Birth Woman-Wise
Book Review: Breech Birth Woman-Wise by Maggie Banks is the must have book encompassing all aspects of breech babies and breech birth. Maggie successfully draws together both midwifery and medical literature and combines the information in a way that is educational, informing and confidence building.

Mums are Wonderful
Book review by Jane Palmer. At first glance I thought what a lovely book and wouldn't it make an ideal gift for a new mother. Natalie Green presents beautiful imagery of babies, mothers and fathers. The book is designed to be picked up and put down with one hand. It is short, easy to read and humorous in parts.

Helping Your Baby to Sleep
Book review by Jane Palmer. It was a pleasure reviewing this book. At first I though oh no not another book on baby sleeping - but this book is important. Anni and Beth explore the science behind baby sleep and attachment and the development of a baby's brain.