Fourth Trimester Book (Baby Bliss: Your One-Stop Guide for the First Three Months and Beyond - Harvey Karp)

Member Name: elbar1

Product:	Baby Bliss: Your One-Stop Guide for the First Three Months and Beyond - Harvey Karp
Date:	10/04/09 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Interesting

Disadvantages: None

I read this book when I was pregnant and put into practice a lot of the ideas and recommendations that Harvey Karp made. He talks about a fourth trimester. Basically human babies are too big to be born any later than 9 months but ideally they would like to stay in the womb longer if they could. That is why they cry if you put them down and why they just want to be stuck to you like glue for the first three months.

It is a really nice book about how to look after a baby in a caring way. It works! Unlike Gina Ford's hardline which is nearly impossible to apply. This goes for a more loving and nurturing way to mother a baby. I have used it and although my son is going through separation anxiety at 7 months, for months before this I could leave him to play by himself for a long time. Everyone commented on what a contented and chilled out baby he is. It's true.

The main principles Harvey Karp recommends are that whenever your baby is fretful, you should replicate the womb as much as possible. Strap them to you tightly, shhhh shh a lot and loudly to calm them, rock them around, swaddle them up. Basically they want to be nice and reassured.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough as a decent alternative to the harsh routine books that seem in fashion.

Summary: Highly recommended!