About this title: This classic work, originally published in 1969, has sold millions worldwide and has been translated into many languages. Brazelton has sometimes been called the successor to Dr. Spock.
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Description: Good. Light shelf wear and minimal interior marks. Millions of satisfied customers and climbing. Thriftbooks is the name you can trust, guaranteed. Spend Less. Read More. read more
Description: Good. Light shelf wear and minimal interior marks. Millions of satisfied customers and climbing. Thriftbooks is the name you can trust, guaranteed. Spend Less. Read More. read more
"My mother gave me the 1969 edition of this book late in my pregnancy: her doctor had recommended it to her while she was pregnant with me. The "retro" feel of the book put me off for a bit, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it chock full of really good information presented in a refreshingly direct, if sometimes clinical, manner. In contrast to the other "what to expect" style books I'd read, "Infants and Mothers" is presented as a set of case studies following three different infants in their first year of life: an average baby, an active baby, and a quiet baby. (While the infants are given names and families, the author admits they are composites based on his extensive research rather than actual individuals.) In addition to monthly milestones, the integration of the child into the existing family structure is explored as is the mother's worries, concerns, and adjustment. The good doctor frequently breaks into the narrative with commentary on the medical / developmental background explaining the infants' behavior, how the mother could have been helped not to worry about certain traits and behaviors, and recommended strategies. I expect much of the dated information and advice has been edited out of future editions, but I was both amused and fascinated to see how standard practices, baby equipment, and doctor-to-parent language has changed in the last 40 years. I doubt any current book would refer to an fetus as "parasitic," or an infant as a "good specimin." :) Sociological interest aside, though, it was valuable to see how they "used to do it," especially in contrast to our ultra risk-averse infant culture today. Somehow, most of my generation survived despite the lack of mandatory child seats, flimsy plastic bouncy chairs, and being put to sleep on our stomachs! This is encouraging to those inclined to take too seriously the scare tactics of the infant product manufacturers today."
"Though the book shows its age a bit, the whole is a remarkable narrative about three different infant temperaments, and the effects that these can have on both the babies' families and on the babies' own development. It is unique in its understanding of parents' reactions in particular, with none of the superior tone that is so difficult to tolerate in many books about infant care and development. At the same time, it elucidates many mysteries of infant behavior, and has been a practical benefit.
It was especially interesting for me to read about "the quiet baby"--to see my children reflected there, and to recognize some of the stories I had hear about my own childhood. Though comparing children is, these days, contrary to good advice, this book does a good job of doing so in a way that is no insult to any of the children or parents--it truly seems to delight in all the fascinating differences, without attaching differing values to them. I really enjoyed this thoughtful book."
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