25 Things Every New Mom Should Know: Essential First Steps for Mothers

by William Sears and Martha Sears

Book Overview

Becoming a new mother is a time of joy, hope, and sometimes a little uncertainty. In this warm and heartfelt book, America's most-trusted childcare experts help brand-new moms meet the challenges and changes of motherhood with reassuring advice on how to bring out the best in their babies, and themselves. Above all, they encourage new mothers to trust their own instincts and thoroughly enjoy their new babies.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1558328920
• ISBN13: 9781558328921
• Release Date: September 2017
• Publisher: Harvard Common Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

Lovely book by a loving, experienced mother of 8

I love this book--I just read it, and I have three children. In this sweet little book, Martha Sears explains in easy-to-read terms the basic ways mothers of infants go about establishing a natural, loving relationship where both individuals' needs are met without creating a tug-of-war environment (which is common these days). Throughout the book, she and her husband, "Dr. Bill," encourage moms (and dads) to enjoy their baby, respect that their children are people with physical AND emotional needs from the day they are born, and lend support to the emotional needs and changes that a mother goes through after having a new baby. There are practical applications throughout, and it's a nice introduction to helping mothers set a firm foundation for the new relationship that is taking shape. I have been reading for two years on the science and scientific research behind a secure, heathy bond/attachment between parents and children. The Sears' books are valuable assets for families who desire to establish a healthy attachment with their children. Not only are they both medically trained (William is a Pediatrician with years and years of experience; Martha is a trained RN & Lacation Consultant), but they have raised 8 children, 1 of which is a special needs child and another was adopted. Their advice stems from real scientific research as well as their own experience (mothers really DO have instincts!) One reviewer stated that the Sears claim they are the TOP experts on child care in order to make more $, but that statement needs to be qualified. They are "America's #1 Child Care Experts," (maybe because people like their realistic attitudes toward child care), but they say over and over again in their books that parents are the ONLY EXPERTS for their children, and to steer clear of child care "experts" that try to lead you to go against your intuition as a parent. They never claim that by creating a loving bond with their children that parents who practice attachment parenting (AP) will never experience discipline issues--in fact, they have a whole book about discipline ("The Discipline Book"). They do, however, describe clearly that children who have a strong, loving bond (attachment) with their parents from the time of their infancy, are more secure in this relationship, and typically respond more sensitively to correction than children who are not raised in a sensitive, loving atmosphere. These aren't just ideas or philosophies--they have been researched thoroughly over time (beginning in the 1930s), and there are many books (by various doctors, psychologists, and authors) that describe in detail the scientific study that has been done which proves, in no uncertain terms, the relevance of the mother/baby bond and how the quality of this bond affects a person throughout their entire life. As others have said, this book makes a great gift...It's beautifully illustrated and will bless anyone with a new baby (even if they have older children!)...A

Wonderful shower gift or gift for new mom!

A friend of mine gave me this cute little book shortly after I had my first baby, and I have really enjoyed dipping into it for short shots of gentle wisdom, inspiration, and advice. It's perfect for a new mom because the chapters are informative but really short--no huge time commitment required. There are 25 chapters--each with a title that's a "thing" that's helpful for moms to realize, like "You can solve breastfeeding problems," "You really do have intuition," "You don't have to be perfect," and "If you go back to work, you'll still be the person most important to your baby." Then the chapter has some information and practical advice related to that topic. For example, the chapter on going back to work includes the great idea of starting back to work on a Thursday instead of a Monday, so your first "week" is very short and easier for both mom and baby to deal with. One more thing: the book is small and lightweight, so moms can read it while breastfeeding. Being a chronic multitasker, I loved this aspect!

A Fabulous Shower or New Baby Gift!!

This book is wonderful for the new mother--whether pregnant or having recently given birth. It is consise and a quick read. It is so reassuring--written by a mother of 8, who is herself an R.N. and lactation consultant, married to a pediatrician. Martha Sears describes how her years as a nurse did little to prepare her for her "very own baby." Nothing but time spent with your own newborn will do that! But, the reassurance of a mother "who's been there" eight times over is a wonderful thing. Martha Sears gives new mothers the permission to follow their intuition and spend time loving their new babies. She gives them leave to ask for help with household tasks and spend a honeymoon with their newborns. She describes the myriad of emotions new mothers experience. She presents some cutting-edge research the supports what many mothers have known all along. A fabulous book! I highly recommend it!

Great reference for any mother

This is probably my favorite baby care book. Because of its short, concise chapters it is good for people who don't have hours on end to read. The format also makes it easy to look up specific topics. And since it was written by a mother, the book has a more personal feel to it than many child care books. Information presented comes across as good advice rather than a how-to book. I can testify from personal experience that the ideas really work and help make a more confident mother and happy baby.

Good info. in an easy-to-read format

This is book is great for new moms who need information and encouragement but have little time to obtain it! Martha Sears covers many of the ups and downs of having a new baby with the insight, support and compassion that only another mother could. This book is very uplifting to new mothers who are just beginning to find out how difficult a job parenting can be. Martha illustrates, through her own personal experiences as a mother of eight, how exhausting yet fulfilling and amazing motherhood can and should be. After reading this book, you will remember how lucky you are to be a mom!