Books & Book Reviews
There are many books to read about babies. The books listed here have been reviewed in TOUCH MATTERS (the UK IAIM Newsletter) by Cherry Bond, Neonatal and Infant Massage Specialist and Alison Hodgkinson, web Book Editor.
INFANT MASSAGE, A Handbook for Loving Parents
Vimala McClure (Third revised edition 2001)
Souvenir Press UK ISBM 0-285-63617-0
No other book on the market gives you such a wealth of information and shows such respect for the infant and family.
In this most recent version of her original book, our founder, Vimala McClure, maintains the high standard of writing she is renowned for and we in the IAIM love and respect her for. The format is familiar, with updated black and white photographs. I was especially impressed to see ‘permission’ emphasised throughout the book with each massage sequence beginning “may I massage your …….” This asking for permission and acknowledging the infant’s cues and accepting that the baby always has a choice in the massage process is the significant difference between this book and the other more glossy books on baby massage. I would unreservedly recommend it to everyone.
LOVING HANDS: The Traditional Indian Art of Baby Massage,
Frederick Leboyer
Newmarket Press (1997) ISBN1-55704-314-0 paperback ed
It was wonderful to see this book back in print and in paperback. Loving Hands describes the ancient art of baby massage as described by a renowned obstetrician who fuses the wisdom and knowledge he absorbed in the East with personal, poetic expression – in words and photographs. Leboyer explains the simple techniques of massage by following a young mother, Shantala, whom he met, observed and photographed with her babies in Calcutta. It is a privilege to be able to watch her communicate her love and strength to her children through the primal language of touch.
NURTURING TOUCH
Kalena Babeshoff & Juliana Dellinger-Bavolek (1993)
3070 Rasmussen Road, PO Box 982350, Park City, Utah 84098, USA
TOLL FREE 1-800-688-5822 FAX 435-649-9599
Website: www.nurturingparenting.com
E-mail: FDR@nurturingparenting.com
This booklet is very useful for parents who find other massage books too ‘wordy’. It has all the important points, such as permission, listening and a small section on infant cues. The illustrations are clearly and simply drawn in a format that is very easy to follow. Very useful book if you work in a hospital unit but it is written for people with healthy term babies so the strokes need to be adapted to your special baby.
YOUR AMAZING NEWBORN
Marshall H. Klaus, MD. & Phyllis H. Klaus, CSW. MECC
Perseus Books (1998) ISBN0-7382-0013-1 (hardback) 0 7382 0188 x (paperback)
This enchanting, informative hard-backed book is a celebration of a baby’s extraordinary abilities in the first hours and days of life. It is beautifully illustrated by over 120 exquisite photographs, all of babies less than two weeks old. A wonderful gift for parents and CIMIs.
THE SOCIAL BABY Understanding babies’ communication from birth.
Lynne Murray & Liz Andrews .
CP Publishing (2000) ISBN: 1 903275 01 6 (hardback)
This is a fabulous book. Anyone who is involved with newborn babies - families, carers and professionals - can learn so much from reading it. It is based on evidence about the development of communication in infants collected in research institutes around the globe, and deals with crying and consoling, sleeping and the baby's social and physical worlds. By using picture sequences from video footage, this book provides illustrations of key aspects of infant experience. Together with an accessible text, these illustrations provide a window into the rich and complex social world of babies. The knowledge and understanding gained from "The Social Baby" should help all those concerned with the care of young infants to relate more sensitively and responsively to the babies who depend on them. It could also enrich their own experience and enhance their enjoyment.
THE OXYTOCIN FACTOR
Kerstin Uvnäs Moberg, MD, Ph.D.
Da Capo Press (2003) ISBN: 0-7382-0748-9 (hardback)
Kerstin Moberg is recognised as a world authority on oxytocin. In her easily readable book, the author explains a complex subject in a friendly and engaging style. She has managed to portray her four hundred research papers in one tiny accessible book! It is well worth a read.
www.dacapopress.com.
SLEEP: The Secret of Problem-free Nights
By Beatrice Hollyer & Lucy Smith.
Ward Lock, London (2004 ) ISBN 1-84188-185-6 (paperback)
This small easy-to-read little book states that you should buy it when you’re pregnant which I am sure would be useful. It explains how to prevent sleep problems developing, working from the first days of infancy and throughout childhood. It helps to identify the root causes of problems and advises on how to avoid bedtime battles.
SOLVE YOUR CHILD’S SLEEP PROBLEMS
By Dr Richard Ferber.
Dorling Kindersley, London, New York, Sydney, Moscow. ISBN 0-86318-122-8 (paperback)
Dr Richard Ferber is widely recognised as America’s leading authority in the field of children’s sleep problems. Drawing on six years of first-hand research, Dr Ferber tells you exactly what to do if your child refuses to go to bed, has trouble falling asleep, wakes up frequently in the middle of the night, or experiences any of the other difficulties that trouble parents during their child’s formative years.
‘GUIDELINES FOR INFANT DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEWBORN NURSERY’, is a comprehensive manual written for neonatal nursing & medical staff initially, but parents on our premature baby unit often refer to it. It covers all aspects of Developmental Care, topics such as week-by-week preterm development, tips on bathing, changing, and caring for a fragile infant and much more. Cost £40.00. Inga Warren, Winnicott Baby Unit, St Mary’s Hospital, London W2 1NY.
PARENTS OF PREMATURE INFANTS: THEIR EMOTIONAL WORLD.
By Norma Tracy.
Whurr Publishers (2000) ISBN: (paperback) 1-86156-130-x
Norma Tracy is a Psychotherapist who specialises in work with families. Originally she worked at the Institute of child Health and is now living and working in Sydney.
While medical science has made great progress in the area of neonatology (the study of newborns), this is a refreshing look at the way the whole family reacts to the crisis of being in a neonatal Intensive Care Unit; it also explains the baby’s situation and the effects on the staff.
IN TIME AND WITH LOVE: CARING FOR THE SPECIAL NEEDS BABY
By Marylin Segal, Ph.D. (Professor of human development and director of the Family Center at Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Newmarket Press (1988) ISBN 0-937858-96-X
From a psychologist and mother of a handicapped daughter, sensitive, practical advice on play and care for children who are physically handicapped, developmentally delayed, or constitutionally difficult. Topics include: developing motor skills, learning language, and developing problem-solving abilities: interacting with siblings, family members and friends: handling tough decision-making; and much more.
THE CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: Encouraging intellectual and emotional growth.
By Stanley I. Greenspan.
Addison Wesley Publishing Company, (1998) ISBN: 0 937858 96 x (paperback)
For families and caregivers of preterm and handicapped children in their first three years. Covering all types of disabilities, this book offers ways on adjusting and coping, nursing, feeding, and dressing, social skills, games and activities, discipline, decision making and much more to help all children reach their full intellectual and emotional potential.
TOUCHPOINTS: Your Child’s Emotional and Behavioral Development.
By T. BERRY BRAZELTON, M.D.
Perseus Publishing (1994); ISBN: 020162690X
The Touchpoints described by Dr. Brazelton, are the spurts of development and the trying periods of regression that accompany babies throughout their childhood. He uses them to help parents understand their child’s behaviour and prevent future problems. Part one gives a vivid chronological account of the basic stages of development in early childhood, part two is an alphabetical guide to the “challenges to development” and part three explains the important role of each person in your child’s life.
“I think if you only want to buy one book on child-care, it should be this one” (Cherry Bond).
TOUCHPOINTS 3-6
T. Berry Brazelton, & Joshua Sparrow.
Perseus Publishing (2002) ISBN: 0738207934
Through profiles of four very different children, the authors apply the touchpoints theory (following the pattern of growth, new challenge, regression, recharging and renewed growth) to each of the great cognitive, behavioural and emotional leaps that occur from age three to six. In the second, alphabetical, half of the book they offer precious guidance to parents facing contemporary pressures and stresses, such as how to keep a child safe without instilling fear; countering the electronic barrage of violent games and marketing aimed at children; coping successfully with varied family configurations; over-scheduling; competition and many other vital issues today (Synopsis by Amazon.co.uk).
The Wonder Weeks – 2003.
By Hetty Vanderjt, Ph.D., & Frans Plooij, Ph.D.
Rodale USA (2003) ISBN: 1-57954-645-5
This is the American edition of the much loved (but out of print) English edition of Why They Cry (packaged with some different headings and a different title!). In The Wonder Weeks, parents can discover the specific times during the first 14 months when babies take eight major developmental leaps, and learn how to support their babies through the eight great "fussy phases" that mark these leaps within a week or two.
I love this book. It is very popular with parents who are reassured by the clear explanations of each developmental leap or ‘fussy period’ when their baby may be clingier, more difficult, or simply "different”. ‘Sunny periods’ are also described and practical tips for play, ideas for games, songs and care are highlighted.
The joy of this book is that one is able to dip-in to each chapter as the baby reaches different stages of their development throughout the first year. Most importantly it helps parents to understand the needs of their baby and allows parent and child to go through life with less stress and frustration.
This version has a useful resources section at the end...giving some helpful website addresses about child brain development.
I would recommend all doctors, nurses and those involved with infant care to buy a copy as it is an excellent reference for linking baby behaviour with development.
BUILDING HEALTHY MINDS: The six experiences that create intelligence and emotional growth in babies and young children.
By Stanley I. Greenspan M.D. with Nancy Breslau Lewis,
Perseus Publishing (1999). ISBN: 0-7382-0356-4
This text identifies six key experiences, which enable children to reach their full potential as human beings. Games, fantasy play and conversations with and without words are offered to encourage this development.
THE AWARE BABY: A New Approach to Parenting
By SOLTER A.J.
Shining Star Press. ISBN: 0-9613073-0-7
A wonderful book with simple but profound truths about the physical and emotional care of babies, offering much good advice about crying babies.
Review by Sue Moloney:
When I and several CIMIs attended a UK workshop with Aletha Solter, we found Aletha’s philosophy of “attachment style” parenting - belief in no rewards and punishments, and explanations of the value of crying and emotional release in a safe and loving environment - matched well with the IAIM philosophy of Love, Value, and Respect.
Aletha is a Swiss/American developmental psychologist, who founded “The Aware Parenting Institute” (www.awareparenting.com) whose website is worth a visit.
Highly recommended come her three books:
The Aware Baby : Solter A J [Shining Star Press ISBN 0-9613073-7-4]
Tears and Tantrum : Solter A J [Shining Star Press ISBN 0-9613073-6-6]
Helping Young Children Flourish : Solter A J [Shining Star Press ISBN 0-9613073-1-5]
They are valuable books for parents to read and re-visit in order to help to understand and respond appropriately to their children’s developmental and emotional needs.
The Secure Child: Helping children feel safe and confident in a changing world.
By Stanley Greenspan
Perseus Publishing (2002)
Dr Stanley Greenspan offers a set of guiding principles that aim to help parents of children at each age - from preschoolers to teenagers -both reassure and guide them so that they feel secure in their homes, their schools and in their community at large. In addition, Greenspan illuminates the often subtle shifts in children's behaviour that signal reaction to the current stress and fears and gives parents concrete suggestions to help children handle their anxieties and look to the future with confidence and optimism. With practical suggestions showing parents how to allow children to talk about their feelings, this book aims to help families everywhere move towards the common goal of a more stable and secure future.
THE PATH OF PARENTING
Vimala McClure,
New World Library (1999) ISBN: 1-57731-078-0
Yet another lovely book from the founder of The International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM), exploring twelve profound principles based on the philosophy of Taoism that can help parents create family harmony by remembering to relax, slow down and ‘be’ there for their children.
BOOK REVIEW
THE TAO OF MOTHERHOOD
By Vimala McClure
New World Library Paperback USA (1997) ISBN: 1 57731 014 4 Adapted from Lao Tzu's "Tao Teh Ching", this book is designed for any parent of any age or CIMI. It contains a series of poems/thoughts/mediations on parenting. It is a gentle positive statement on the art of parenting, providing support and guidance. Written over a decade ago, it has the vision of understanding the power of nurturing parenting.
THE SONG OF THE CHILD, by Sylvie Hétu.
UR Publications, Canada-UK Paperback (2004) www.urpublications.com
Sylvie will be known to many CIMIs as an inspirational Trainer and as the IAIM International president for many years.
This is a beautiful book and I leave it to Dr Daniel Hughes, Child Psychologist, USA, for such a stunning and succinct appraisal. “A book, not for children, but for the child in us. A book of dragons and dolphins, forests and moons, hearing eyes and smelling ears. Mostly a book that ‘hums’ to our heart and soul before it sings to our mind. A book of imagination, of fear and peace, conflict and love, I and Thou. A ‘thank you’ to Sylvie Hétu for sharing with us her experience of the songs that move us.”
The Irreducible Needs of Children
T. Berry Brazelton, Stanley I. Greenspan
Perseus Books (paperback) (2000) ISBN: 0-7382-0516-8
The authors, both advocates for children, lay out the seven "irreducible" needs of any child, in any society, and confront such thorny questions as - how much time do children need one-on-one with a parent? What is the effect of shifting caregivers, of custody arrangements? Why are we knowingly letting children fail in school? Nothing is off limits, even such an issue as whether every child needs or deserves to be a wanted child. This short, hard-hitting book, the fruit of decades of experience and caring, sounds a wake-up call for parents, teachers, judges, social workers, policy makers-anyone who cares about the welfare of children. This American-based book is an easy read with Berry and Stanley having a friendly conversation between them, I found it very interesting and useful.
THE LITTLE BOOKS SERIES
At £5.95 each, these are a series of charming little books. They give practical help intended for playtime ideas for parents with babies from the sitting-stage upwards. Each contains a range of activities with the emphasis on making learning fun. They are carefully matched to Early Learning Goals and reflect the latest thinking on the brain, learning and the development of young children.
Published by:
Featherstone Education Ltd. 2002 PO box 6350, Lutterworth LE17 6ZA.
www.featherstone.uk.com
Tel: 0185 888 1212 for a free information pack.
THE LITTLE BOOK OF TREASURE BASKETS
I have bought this book for many of my friends with babies who are at the sitting age. Educator, Elinor Goldschmied’s aim for The Treasure Basket is to:
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Encourage children to use all their senses - Introduce children to a wide range of NATURAL materials
- Balance the use of bright colours and man made materials with subtle colours, textures and shapes of natural objects
- Use collections of familiar objects to stimulate play
- Provide opportunities for children to make choices and develop preferences from a very young age
- Stimulate movement, communication and language through simple materials.
Introducing the Treasure Basket to parents is an opportunity to highlight the importance of simple play which is baby-lead. It is also important for parents to know that their presence, even if it is in a passive role (just being in the room) can help their baby to play better, longer and with lower stress levels.
SECRETS OF THE BABY WHISPERER FOR TODDLERS
By Tracy Hogg
Ballantine Books, New York. 2002
I bought this reasonably priced paperback over the internet on Amazon.co.uk. It is a follow-on from the baby care book, ‘Secrets of the Baby Whisperer’ which many parents in my classes find helpful. We have class discussions on issues concerning toddlers so this book will be of great help to us all.
The child is viewed as an individual, not an age group. The advice is structured around understanding the child’s temperament which, as in the previous book she (rather uncomfortably for me) categorises the baby/child as ‘Angel’, ‘Textbook’, ‘Touchy’, ‘Spirited’, and ‘Grumpy’! But to her credit Hogg goes on to win you over with her sound knowledge, enthusiasm, and intuitive understanding of real children and their everyday behaviour.
It has a good piece on weaning and feeding, and sections on sleep, toilet training, routines and tantrums. There are some fun quiz-like sections for finding out ‘who your toddler is’, and ‘what your own parenting style is’, all of which make the book easy and entertaining to read.
I like this book. It talks of the child as an individual, every child deserving respect, asking permission and taking time to observe, listen, and talk with children, not ‘at’ them……I could almost have written it myself (I wish)! (Cherry)