A Mother's Circle: An Intimate Dialogue on Becoming a Mother

I was lucky to get this book as a gift from a good friend. After reading SO many books on parenting, it was such a relief to read this one. Along with a lot of really great practical advice, A Mother's Circle basically made me feel like it was ok to trust my instincts and not to worry constantly about trying to be a perfect mom.

I cannot stress enough how fabulous this book is. I have read many of the other books out there for new mothers and wound up feeling anxious and overwhelmed. I read this book the afternoon it arrived - it was so affirming and informative! It made me wish that I lived in New York City and could go to Soho Parenting's new mommy groups. Having the book was certainly the next best thing. I have lost count of how many copies I have purchased for friends - and they all LOVE it! A must read for all expecting and new mothers AND fathers!

My physician recommended this book after the birth of my son...his wife is actually one of the contributing authors. He gave it rave reviews...(as any good husband would do for his wife, I thought.) Luckily for me, I actually followed his recommendation,searched down a copy and read it. This book is the first one I've read as a new mother that made me feel like I wasn't completely alone in some of my experiences as a new mom. If that had been the only thing I had gotten out of it, I would have been thrilled. However, this book offers so much more. You can read it and put it down...there are no scientific terms and techniques (had enough of those?). It gave me the confidence to be the mother that I always knew I could be...and to be able to forgive myself for not having ALL the answers (hint: you can never have all the answers).I felt good every time I put it down...even if I could only read for a couple of minutes. Do yourself a favor - buy a copy. Actually, buy TWO. One for yourself...and one for someone else that's had a new baby. She will be a friend indeed.

This book--and the Soho Parenting Group it led me to--saved my life as an overwhelmed new mother. Intead of preaching to you, as so many other parenting books do, it explores the wide range of emotions new parents feel about their baby, their identities, and their relationship as they take on the life-changing process of parenting. Speigel and Kunhardt also give very helpful, very specific guidelines for caring for your baby, helping him or her sleep through the night, feeding, and other essential topics. All in a caring and supportive way. I give this book as a gift to all new parents now.

This is the only book I've read that helps with the changes in relationships that follow the birth of child...deals non-judgementally with those of us who choose to bottle feed or return to work...to explain why our partners' response is not what we bargained for and MOST IMPORTANTLY how to help our kids sleep through the night and nap properly - so that they are HAPPY when awake.