The national C-section rate is at an all-time high of 31 percent. Are all these C-sections necessary, or are some of them done simply for the sake of convenience? Inductions seem to be the norm, but are they always needed? Today, expectant mothers are often left feeling powerless, as their instincts are replaced by drugs and routine medical procedures.

In this heart-felt theology of adoption, Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner argues that while the church has long understood the grounding self-concept of a Christian as a "child of God," it has failed to underscore that we all come into the family of faith by adoption. She explores adoption as a central theme in Scripture, as a doctrine of faith, and as a theological metaphor. Further, in using her own experience of adoption to inform her scholarship, Stevenson-Moessner offers help to all those touched by adoption, including adoptive parents. By beginning with chapters on barrenness, conception, and expectant waiting, and moving to discussions of the developing years, the search for identity, and challenges in the adoptive family, her writing begs a wide audience. Including case studies and interviews with adoptive parents, The Spirit of Adoption will be embraced by scholars, counselors, adoptive parents, and adopted children alike.

In this illustrated and easy-to-use guide, noted pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, a leading voice of the green baby movement, advises parents how to make healthy green choices for pregnancy, childbirth, and baby care--from feeding your baby the best food available to using medicines wisely. Consumer advocate Jeanette Pavini includes information for making smart choices and applying green principles to a whole new universe of products from zero-VOC paints for the nursery, to pure and gentle lotions for baby's delicate skin, to the eco-friendly diapers now in the marketplace, as well as specific recommendations for hundreds of other products.

Beth Ann Fennelly, writing to a newly pregnant friend, goes beyond the nuts and bolts or sentimentality of other parenting literature, in letters that range in tone from serious to sisterly, from lighthearted to downright funny. Some answer specific questions; others muse about the identity shift a woman encounters when she enters Mommyland. This book invites all mothers to join the grand circle of giving and receiving advice about children.

Catherine Taylor, a doula (birth assistant) and mother, has written an evocative narrative in which she offers insightful observations of the working lives of midwives and the women who have depended on their skills and strength to help bring their children into the world. This is the perfect companion for parents-to-be and all professionals who are engaged in and witness to the miracle of birth.
"One of the most important books on childbirth...A colorful, anecdotal, and research-supported journey from both the mothers' and midwives' perspectives...A classic." (Pam England, nurse-midwife and author of "Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation")

Skinny Bitch created a movement when it exposed the horrors of the food industry, while inspiring people across the world to stop eating "crap." Now the "Bitches" are back--this time with a book geared to pregnant women. And just because their audience is in a "delicate condition" doesn't mean they'll deliver a gentle message. As they did with Skinny Bitch, Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin expose the truth about the food we eat--with its hormones, chemicals, and other funky stuff. But even though they are "Skinny," they want women to chow down on the right foods and gain their fair share of weight through their pregnancies.

They also won't mince words on these topics:
- the best foods for a healthy baby and mommy
- the dangers of common lotions, creams, and beauty products that women slather on their bodies (many contain carcinogens)
- why every mother should "suck it up" and breastfeed
- the lowdown on what really happens "post-push" (after birth)
- how the companies we trust don't care about children (choosing baby food and other products carefully)

With the same sassy tone that made Skinny Bitch laugh-out-loud funny, Skinny Bitch: Bun in the Oven will give expectant moms the information they need to "use their head" and have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Featuring a visual journey of developing life, this pregnancy guide presents a week-by-week pregnancy format which follows the standard development schedule used by the gynaecological profession. It also contains descriptions and eight pages of in-utero photographs."

Yes, your baby's perfect name is out there.
The trick is finding it.
The perfect baby name will speak to your heart, give your child a great start in life--and maybe even satisfy your relatives. But you can't expect to just stumble on a name like that in an A to Z dictionary or on a trendy list.
That's why you need "The Baby Name Wizard." Created by a name-searching mom, it uses groundbreaking research and computer generated models to pinpoint each name's image, examine its usage and popularity over the last 100 years, and suggest other promising ideas. A perfect guide to the modern world of names, "The Baby Name Wizard "will engage you from the first name you look up and keep you enchanted through your journey to the just-right name for your baby.

Pregnancy is a time of wonder and of momentous change, both emotionally and physically. For many women, it is a time like no other in their lives, filled with excitement and awe but also with great uncertainty and vulnerability. This book-and-audio program brings together writings and simple daily practices for bringing the transformative power of mindfulness to this special time.

Provides essential advice for adjusting to the many challenges facing women during the first year after giving birth.