This sweet, 60 page book is full of helpful tips (46 to be exact) perfect for the first-time mom who hasn’t yet experienced sleep deprivation, childcare guilt or the joys of bonding with her little one. It is also great for us “experienced” moms who need a refresher course on how to deal with the screaming-puking-constant diaper changing-no rest for the weak-uncontrollable sobbing, joys of parenting an infant. Ann makes a point to sprinkle humor throughout her book, which helps one to remember that laughter really IS the best medicine in the toughest of times. (and what’s tougher than parenting?)
What I found the most interesting about this read was Ann’s “no rock policy.” As the title of her book states, Ann believes in NOT rocking your baby. Controversial, yes, but I can see where she is coming from since I am still rocking my almost one year-old son to sleep, including in the middle of the night. I had never considered (or even heard of) her method before reading this book and I am now quite fascinated in learning more. You’ll have to read the book to get the full scoop!
Even if you don’t agree with the “no rock policy” (and you should at least hear her out), this book is definitely worth purchasing and sticking in your diaper bag for quick reference, packing in your suitcase on the way to the hospital, or giving to a new mom as a baby shower gift. You can purchase this book for the low price of $15.95 at www.dontrockthatbaby.com.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
About Mom Spark
Mikki on 
genevieve le bel on 
My mom was HUGE on the no rock deal and my sis listened and her first year with her daughter has been so much less stressed then so many other mom’s I know…. I think listening to people that have been there and done that is a very good idea. I am a step-mom so obviously I haven’t come across this myself yet, but I hope I listen to my mom if I am blessed with a little one of my own!
[Reply]
I would tell a new mom to just…relax. It’s so hard, but so necessary. Every little thing is not important. The big things are like love, bonding and devotion. Not how many bottles they drink, what they do when they sleep, etc.
[Reply]
One important thing I learned, was take a nap when your baby is sleeping. You are no good to anyone if you don’t get some rest.
[Reply]
Wow…I could really use this book seeing as how I’m a new mommy!
My tip for a new mom even though I am one is to forget about the housework and all the things that need to be done when for the the first couple of months just enjoy your special time with your new baby!
thanks for the opportunity!
[Reply]
I am a no rocker momma. Being a mom is amazing and we should embrace it. I learn a hard way not to stress myself out so all the mom out there, do take things easy.
[Reply]
One thing that I learned by baby 3 is to kindly thank everyone for their unsolicited advice, but TRULY do what you think is right. Trust your instincts and there will ALWAYS be someone who believes your doing something wrong, but believe in yourself!!
[Reply]
No need for no-rocking to be controversial really — as with all things some kids need/want it and others don’t. What works for 1 doesn’t always work for all. One thing I noticed after 3 was with your first, you are thrust into a huge adjustment period – it admittedly is a bit annoying when the little one won’t just automatically fall asleep or stay asleep so you can do what you had planned, even if it is watching a show–by your third you’ve given up on expecting to be able to do those things, have forgotten that you deserve to just be able to do them, and with the third, especially if you’ve been blessed with a wonderful surprise you know to be your last, you enjoy every minute of that rocking at every naptime and every bedtime. Didn’t have a rocker with the first, did with the second, but she didn’t want to be rocked and wanted to fall asleep on her own, we used the rocker for reading and winding down times with a brief snuggle before placing her down – with the last, it was a blessing to be able to escape from the commotion of the rest of the house and enjoy that quiet rocking. It only takes another baby to make you appreciate what you had prior to its arrival that which you thought was so difficult! lol.
[Reply]
I would tell a new mom to listen to her heart! Don’t be so hard on yourself and you’re a great person even if the kid won’t sleep on a schedule!
[Reply]
I would have to tell new moms to not be so hard on themselves. I remember with my first child I was so exhausted–I don;t know if she was colicky, but she cried all the time and seemed as if she had to nurse every hour and a half. One day my well-intentioned sister brought over some formula to give to my baby so I could get some sleep. You would have thought she was trying to give her heroin the way I reacted. I thought by giving her formula I was failing her as a mother (aside–I have three kids, all breastfed, but the other two I supplemented formula and they’re fine and I know some women choose not to or can’t breasfeed and their babies are perfectly fine, too, I was just a bit neurotic). So, after this long diatribe, my point is just go easy on yourself–you and your baby are both new to each other and the joy comes from figuring each other out!
[Reply]
This sounds great. I know the perfect person to give this to if I were to win
A tip I would give a new mom? Take all the help people offer. You DO NOT have to do everything. NO ONE is supermom. If someone offers to come over and let you nap, take them up on it. If the offer to watch your baby for a few hours so you can go shopping, do that too. Your baby will be fine. Take every break you can get.
[Reply]
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sarah
http://www.thetreadmillguide.com
[Reply]
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sarah
http://www.thetreadmillguide.com
[Reply]
Nice to have you, Sarah!
[Reply]