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Book reviews for "Klaus,_Phyllis_H." sorted by average review score:

The Hidden Feelings of Motherhood: Coping with Stress, Depression, and Burnout
Published in Paperback by New Harbinger Pubns (09 August, 2001)
Authors: Kathleen A. Kendall-Tackett PhD., Phyllis Klaus M.F.T. C.S.W., Marshall H., M.D. Klaus, and Ph.D., Kathleen A. Kendall-Tackett
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Excellent book for both women and men
Dr. Kendall-Tackett's book provides an excellent articulation of the
various difficulties faced by mothers. The book succinctly explains
current academic knowledge and makes it relevant to the lived
experiences of mothers in today's families. Written in a truly caring
tone, the book does an outstanding job of placing the reader at ease
about challenges they may face as mothers and offers a wide array of
highly effective solutions. Written primarily for mothers, this book
also provides men with useful insights into the difficulties faced by
their mothers, wives, sisters and friends, and so can help them to both
sympathize and effect changes to help the mothers in their lives.

an important subject; would be helpful for ALL mothers
The role of the mother in modern day time is honored throughout this book and it is written in a positive tone with the utmost respect for women and mothers. The author acknowledges both stay at home mothers and employed mothers without entering the "Mommy Wars" or even getting into a discussion of what she thinks is best (because she recognizes that what is best for each person is different and unique to that individual). The role of mother is have is not always an easy one. The difficulties, pressures, and stressors of the modern mother are outlined including some historical information about the role of the mother and technological changes regarding housework over the last couple of hundred years. The author contends that each of us is in control of our lives and how we choose to react to these stressors is up to us. By becoming aware of the various things that can make our lives miserable, we can pick and choose which things we want to do or not do or how we react to things, so that life is manageable for us and we can lead happy lives. The author explains that if stress builds up burnout and depression can occur.

This book is not negative in tone. It provides good information to orient the mother as to why there is good reason for feeling overwhelmed with all that she has to do. I have not read any book on this subject that has this focus, this unique attitude of holding motherhood as an important role and providing ideas for how mother can remain sane and happy in her role. This is not like some books that basically have the tone that as a stay at home mother we should feel privileged and not have anything to complain about. The author also does not blame the mother for lifestyle choices she makes and then saying it is her fault. This book applies to all mothers, not just mothers of babies. The author is not judgmental about parenting choices and as an example, portrays breastfeeding in a positive light and mentions cosleeping as fine if that is what works best for your family.

Here is a listing of what is covered in the order of the chapters: stress, what it is; depression, recognizing it, how to get treatment, treatment options; burnout, what it is, recognizing it, how to avoid it. History of the housewife in America, how we arrived where we're at, are our jobs easier now that we have modern appliances? Working outside the home, why mothers might want to combine work and motherhood, making it manageable, making the decision to work. How to lightening housework to a manageable level, sharing duties with spouse and children, organizing the household so it runs smoothly. Sleep deprivation, what it is and how it affects our bodies and mental state. Adult survivors of childhood abuse: physical, verbal, sexual and how it affects the parent, including how it may affect breastfeeding and general mothering issues. The added stress of living with a "spirited" child (such as ADD/ADHD), the special stress of living with a child with medical problems. Dealing with miscarriage, stillbirth, or death of infant, the effects these have on the mother (even if society doesn't fully recognize this type of mourning or stress). The Epilogue gives hope for the future and tips for making things best for you as an individual.

Each chapter has an extensive listing of books and some websites on the various subjects covered in that chapter. The book appears well researched with a long reference research list. Overall it is very easy to read and interesting. It has helped me not feel as guilty for feeling overwhelmed at times. I think every mother would gain something from reading this. It is nice to see that someone realizes how hard the job of mothering is and understands that the role can cause stress, burnout and even depression in even the most capable and intelligent woman.

A must have for all women who have children in thier lives.
While reading this book many thoughts went through my mind. But the one thought that would not leave me is that I wish this book had been around when I was raising my children. Now that I have finished reading it both my daughter and my daughter-in-law will be receiving a copy from me. I am a grandmother who has been there and done that (or at least most of it) and found this book to be helpful in explaining why I may have done some of the things that I did or felt when my children were still at home. Ms.Kendall-Tackett has covered every aspect of motherhood in her book. Reading this book was easy and very informative. I love that she has also included many resources and web sites for the reader . As a woman, wife, mother and grandmother, I highly recommend this wonderful book.


Bonding: Building the Foundations of Secure Attachment and Independence
Published in Paperback by Perseus Publishing (1996)
Authors: Marshall H. Klaus, John H. Kennell, Phyllis H. Klaus, and Phyllis Kalus
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This book tells everything you need to know about bonding
This book compiles years of research to give parents the best source for information on building stable relationships with their children


Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth
Published in Paperback by Perseus Publishing (1993)
Authors: Marshall H. Klaus, Phyllis H. Klaus, and John Kennell
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If you think you don't need a Doula, please read this.
I just finished the book in two days which is an accomplishment with four children at home. EVERY expectant mother should read this book and let it open your eyes to the TREMENDOUS help a doula can be. Even the most skeptical mothers or partners will finish this book with a new sense of what a doula is and how her services should be in EVERY hospital and birthing center. I recommend it to everyone expecting even if you have never heard of a doula. There is an entire chapter deticated to the studies of how doulas shorten labor, enhance labor experiences, lessens c-sections, lessen post partum depression....and the list goes on and on. Inform yourself, inform your partner, this book is excellent.

This is THE book for and about Doulas!
I ordered this book from Amazon.com and read
it cover to cover the day it arrivedl It is
FULL of information about what Doulas can do
for couples wanting to have a happy birth
experience as well as how a Doula is a
unique and incredibly important addition to
to any happy childbirth experience. This book
not only tells the reader the results of the
research that's been done on how a Doula can
help shorten labor and how a Doula can improve
the feelings of the couple after the birth
both to each other and the child, but it also
explains exactly what a Doula does and what
she ACTUALLY DOES for the couple during the
birth. As a registered Doula working towards
certification, I just can not say enough good
things about this book...or about Amazon.com's
service and I recommend both liberally
whenever I get the chance.

A must see for parents and doulas!
This warm hearted book describes how a doula (professional labor support) can help you decrease labor pain, decrease cesarean sections and other complications, while enhancing the experience for you and your partner. It includes sections on the medical studies concerning doulas, and certification programs available.


Your Amazing Newborn
Published in Hardcover by Perseus Publishing (1998)
Authors: Marshall H. Klaus and Phyllis H. Klaus
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Quite nice. An easy, relaxing, and interesting look infants
(I read the 1st edition, which seemed out of date--I trust that this edition is more current.) With our due date just days away, I enjoyed this quick read about infants. Their capabilities will surprise most readers--it's not just that they can smell, listen, and look, it's that they can learn, think, and respond! Truly, the hardwired talents of the littlest humans goes far beyond what most of us suspected, and give us a new outlook on what it means to be human.

amazing book
I justt loved all the photos in here of newborn faces and behaviors. every baby in this book is two weeks old or less, and it was so interesting to learn aout the skills they are born with.

This book was WONDERFUL...
This is a wonderful book that demonstrates, just as its title indicates, that newborns are truly amazing beings, with far more cognitive abilities than is generally assumed.

For example, one of those abilities is the capacity to instinctively know how to reach for his or her mother's breast, typically within 45-90 minutes after birth....there are many photographs, some astounding, especially the ultrasound photos)...

I would not have the slightest reservations giving this book as a present to expectant parents or parents of a newborn.

This book was both educational and delightful both for my wife and for me.


The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth
Published in Paperback by Perseus Publishing (05 November, 2002)
Authors: Marshall H., M.D. Klaus, John H., M.D. Kennell, Phyllis H. Klaus, Marshall H. Klaus, and John H. Kennell
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Outdated, despite the revisions, and damaging to the field
I had originally intended to buy "The Doula Book" (formerly Mothering the Mother), but found it to be outdated in both it's writing style and the audience it addressed (the 70's mother), despite the fact that it was recently updated. It begins with a description of a happy couple immagining a birth where they are the only two people present in which the baby is born easily and effortlessly at home. Though I was born at home and I actually know a couple that delivered their own baby, this kind of imagry is not what most couples in North America today have around birth. Most of the book tends to exclude mainstream North America--the people who need doulas most. Instead, I highly recommend "The Doula Advantage" by Rachel Gurevich. I found her book by accident while shopping for "The Doula Book." I couldn't put it down so I bought it, and then stayed up all night reading it cover to cover. It is concise, engaging, and written for a wide audience, which gets the message out: doulas are good for ALL types of labors from cesarean sections to nonmedicated homebirths and everything inbetween. (Not just "hippy" types--don't get me wrong, I'm one of them--wanting a natural birth, as seems to be suggested by The Doula Book). It discusses how a doula has been proven to dramatically decreese rates of c-sections, episiotomies, medications and other overly-used medical interventions, but also admits that sometimes these interventions are necessary, and explains how the Doula can provide support for this as well. She gives accounts of mothers, fathers, doulas and health providers to present a clear picture of what a doula can do for everyone involved in the prenatal, labor and postnatal experience. It is empowering to women and their partners without being overly philosophical or "corney" (to quote the author herself). It is an honest look at birth in the North American setting of today, that takes into account the history of birth in the US and Canada and is frank about the situation today in hospitals and out. I highly recommend this book instead of "The Doula Book" for expecting mothers and fathers, people considering becoming doulas (I am seriously considering it after reading this book), and anyone who wants a clear picture of what a doula is.

At last---the definitive book on doulas
Three of the founders of Doulas of North America, Marshal and Phyllis Klaus and John Kennell, have written an update to their original book, Mothering the Mother. The new version has up to date information and facts and truly gives the essence of what a doula does.

With their love for laboring families and the doulas who help them, the authors make reading about doula research enjoyable. Their words of wisdom help families who are thinking of choosing a doula and also women who are thinking of becoming doulas. Required reading for all who are interested in doulas!


The Amazing Newborn
Published in Paperback by Perseus Publishing (1985)
Authors: Marshall H. Klaus and Phyllis H. Klaus
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