You and Your Newborn Baby

February 22, 1993
Todd ( Labor and Birth: A Guide for You ), has ``seen many changes in what women and men want to learn as they make the transition from pregnancy to parenting.'' Writing in the belief that fewer grandparents, other relatives and experienced older people may be available now to assist young parents in their hour of need, she sets out to answer their questions and to prepare them for the unknown. Her book is divided logically into three parts: the first addressing the ``newborn'' mother, the second the newborn child, and the third? ``The Newborn Family,'' forever changed by the introduction of a new member in its midst. (``Adults expect and encourage developmental change in their children,'' Todd reflects, and yet ``they often forget to expect it in themselves.'') Her book ranges from very specific advice (whether and when to use disposable diapers) to the general (``Babies do best if they are fed when hungry, rather than on a predetermined schedule''), and although fairly brief, makes a friendly and authoritative companion. Also included are suggestions for further reading.