THE PREGNANCY EXPERIENCE: The Psychology of Expectant Parenthood

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 13, 1978

The author of A Baby? . . . Maybe (1975) made her decision--positive--and offers this postpartum view of the experience. Although Dr. Whelan says Parenthood, her book is really addressed to expectant mothers, and primarily first-timers--only a paragraph or two refers to a second or later child. She considers pregnancy a life crisis for women, finds ambivalence central to the experience, and concentrates on the emotional factors--mood changes, sudden fears, breeding grounds for depression--through the months. Her four guidelines: get the facts, keep an open mind and sense of humor, communicate, and enjoy. Dr. Whelan is careful to point out options (the advantages and disadvantages of, say, breast feeding) and concerned that women make informed choices, but because her emphasis is psychological, the information on physical aspects is skimpy--there's nearly as much on food cravings as on foods needed. She is, however, cautionary about excessive alcohol, categorically opposed to smoking (""unforgivable""), and, as in Preventing Cancer earlier this year, surprisingly tolerant of food additives. A competent, highly personalized perspective.

Pub Date: Nov. 13, 1978

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Norton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1978

Categories: NONFICTION