We strive to bring you the most current, cost-effective, Spanish-language childbirth handbook available. Our cover captures the powerful bond between parent and newborn with the grasp of a baby’s tiny hand. The photo art and quotations on the section dividers further explore the wonder and magic of pregnancy, birth, and new parenthood. The contents and numerous illustrations address the concerns and the process of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.

Pregnancy Section

• Physical milestones of the developing baby and the emotions of both mother and father in chart form by trimesters
• Suggestions to alleviate common discomforts of pregnancy
• Illustrations and suggestions for proper body mechanics and exercises
• Dietary information, nutritional content of various foods, and a diet evaluation form
• Precautions in pregnancy and lactation
• Relaxation techniques
• Illustrated pages of birth terminology
• Whether or not to be concerned about various symptoms

Birth Section

• Signs of labor, timing contractions, and what to expect
• Variations of normal labor
• Illustrated stages and phases of labor
• Rhythmic breathing suggestions and illustrations
• Positions for pushing
• Suggestions for alleviating common problems in labor
• Common procedures and choices in labor and birth
• Options for pain control
• Cesarean birth
• Emergency birth
• Unexpected outcomes and grief
• What to pack for the hospital
• Newborn characteristics
• Sibling preparation

Postpartum Section

• What to expect and suggestions for comfort during postpartum
• Advantages and art of breastfeeding
• When to be concerned about your newborn
• Life with a new baby

Some of the highlights:

Page 16 – Protein, Calorie, and Fat Counter

To help evaluate diet, we have included a chart of the protein, calorie, and fat content of common foods. It includes a designation to identify foods that are high in folic acid, calcium, and vitamin C.

Page 18 – Precautions During Pregnancy

This chart summarizes recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and La Leche League regarding the use of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and legal and illegal drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For references, we cite Planning for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond by ACOG, and The Breastfeeding Answer Book by Nancy Mohrbacher and Julie Stock, published by La Leche League.

Pages 24-25, 32-35 – Anatomy of Pregnancy

We are very pleased with the beautiful artwork by medical illustrator Steven Brown on our labor and birth guide. We especially like the way he shows the muscle fibers of the uterus overlying the baby without interfering with the view of the baby.

Pages 30-31 – How Long Will Labor Last? and Normal Labor Variations

”How long will labor last?” is one of the most frequently asked questions in childbirth classes, and one of the hardest to answer. We provide information on the factors that may influence the length of labor, and we reassure parents about the many variations in labor patterns.

Page 37 – Practice Rhythmic Breathing

Many childbirth educators asked us for a visual representation of the paced breathing patterns. We think these detailed drawings will appeal to all, but especially to our visual learners.

Page 39 – Positions for Pushing

Rationale for each of the positions accompanies the illustrations.

Page 43 – You Know Breastfeeding Is Going Well When…

This checklist is designed to provide mothers with accurate information and instruction in a reassuring and positive manner.

Pages 71-72 – Daily Life with Baby

Information on newborns, including discussions of temperaments and activity states to help parents better understand their baby.