Let’s Get Ready with Cedar Valley Publishing

I have been as tired as Meredith Vieira!  Have you? 

Babies don’t come with instructions or an owner’s manual and that is exactly why two producers on NBC’s TODAY Show, Mary Ann Zoellner and Alicia Ybarbo, decided to write TODAY’S MOMS - Essentials for Surviving Baby’s First Year.  I loved this book filled with the 411 on baby’s first year and wish I would have had this book during my first year of parenthood.  I especially loved the personal stories from Matt, Meredith, Kathie Lee, Ann, Al (you got my vote for funniest story!) and from the Today Show parenting experts Janice and Dr. Nancy Snyderman.  The tips are worth repeating over and over again: sleep when the baby sleeps; don’t push yourself right after you have the baby; it’s okay to say no; babies cry - it’s their job; breastfeeding - hard work but so worth it!

Breastfeeding was hard work for me and was so worth it and at the same time.   I needed to be reminded that it is hard and moms need fluids, too!  I liked Kathie Lee Gifford’s tip to freeze cabbage leaves and place them on sore breasts!  I wish I would have had this resource during those first difficult days of struggling with Heidi latching on.  I would have realized that even Al Roker’s wife had a lactation expert visit her house as well. I would have been thrilled to know that Mary Ann liked breastfeeding but hated pumping.  I hated pumping and would pump and pump and pump and would only get an ounce!!! New moms are so tired they can’t think!!! I loved Meredith Vieira’s story about being so tired she fell asleep with the parts to the breast pump still on the stove - who can’t relate to being so tired you couldn’t wait until the water was done boiling!!! 

This guide puts a familiar face on parenthood and is a must-read for all new parents! If anything it makes you realize that you are not alone, many other parents, even the parenting experts, have felt just like YOU! 

Click on the book image above for more information and reviews.