How to Grow a Baby and Push It Out: Your no-nonsense guide to pregnancy and birth

Don't buy this book if you are looking for a technical manual to pregnancy; this book is not that and you will be terribly disappointed! Don't buy this book if you have already read half a dozen books on pregnancy and know virtually everything there is to know; you'll be bored and possibly feel cheated! But if you are either: a. contemplating pregnancy; intrigued (you are the type of person who likes to know what lies ahead) and horrified (never in a million years would you have thought that 'calm', 'wonderful' and 'labor' could be used in one sentence by the actual mother ie the person doing the birthing (in case that isn't clear)) in equal measures; or b. expecting (congratulations!) but unsure where to start; or c. are done with babies but would like to live through the moments again; or d. a first time birthing partner; or e. your best friend/sister/etc falls in one of the above categories and you are looking for present ideas; or f. you are just a die hard Clemmie Hooper fan and would buy anything that has her name on it (!); then go ahead and buy this book, you won't regret it! Because the book is very readable (from cover to cover in one sitting (as long as you don't have little people around)!) and engaging (there is some element of 'what happens next?'); it covers almost every aspect of pregnancy/birth without getting too technical/boring and gives you enough information to be able to go off and do further reading/Googling/investigation on certain/all aspects as required; and is beautifully designed. And if like me, you had never heard of/thought for a moment that there is anything positive in pregnancy/birth (other than the (hopefully) adorable little human at the end); you'll be pleasantly surprised and a whole new world will open up to you!

I am loving reading this book by Clemmie Hooper. It’s funny, factual and has opinions/stories by specialist or people who experienced pregnancy and birth. It has kept my outlook positive, kept me informed and been a pleasure to read. I like the healthy recipes throughout, I like the fact she doesn’t put you down if you want ice cream. The style of writing suits me to a T. You can tell how experienced Clemmie (with 4 children, she has to know something, right?) but she isn’t biased and I would recommend.... and I did some research before buying. I am very happy with this book for the price.

A great book for people in the uk. I recommend reading it because in my experience GP's don't tell you anything. I've yet to see a midwife and in the first few weeks all I want is Information on how this pregnancy lark is going to pan out. So this is the book to get. The nhs websit does not give you the info that's in this book. Most of the websites I come across are American and whilst the detail on pregnancy emotions and body changes is much better than uk sites they have a completely different system for seeing doctors etc. This book tells you how the nhs will try to look after you. It does have a lot of info about pregnancy feelings and other practical stuff and it's all written in a friendly and understandable way. It could do with a bit more detail but as I said, I've yet to find a book that tells you exactly what pregnancy actually feels like and all the tiny little things us first timers worry about. It seemed like a lot of money at the time but I think it was worth it to calm my mind about the months to come.

I pre-ordered this beauty when it was first possible, after following both Clemmie and her hysterical husband on Instagram. After months of waiting (in the early stages of pregnancy) and being entertained by Simon's various antics and Clemmie's beautiful fringe/lipsticks/children, I finally received this delicious book in the post. Firstly, not only is it delicious to look at (it feels sexy and is littered with tasty illustrations and lovely photographs,) it is informative, easy to read and written in such a friendly tone. Other books about pregnancy and babies can be so preachy/judgemental/scary (!) but this is quite the opposite. It's a calming and reassuring read, full of helpful and interesting information. I am so excited for the birth of my child, (yes, I'm excited about THE BIRTH) and I think this book's honest, knowledgable and relaxed tone has helped with that. Next: a book by Simom for the father of my baby?! Well done to you, Clemmie. I wish we were friends!

I am 20 weeks pregnant with my second child and got this book since I went through my last pregancy without any literature to 'guide me'. I found all of the books on the market to be a bit condecending, broad and somewhat of a shopping list for everything someone might need (and may I emphasis EVERYTHING). So when I saw that Clemmie Hooper was writing her own guide to pregnancy, my ears perked up. I bought this book in the hopes it would be a nonjudgemental, realistic and give a midewife/mother explaination of what to expect in my pregnancy. I am happy to report it goes above and BEYOND that. I really do wish I had this for my last pregnancy. Rather than being bogged down by everyone's opnions and comments on what is 'normal' or 'expected,' Clemmie delivers a very open, unbiased view on delivery options, pain relief, hospital bag essentials and so on. I will recommend this book to any new moms-to-be. I only wish I could give it to my friends in America but alas, the business of being born is so drastically different out there. I am so happy to have purchased Clemmie's book and hope that she feels a bit of fulfillment in knowing she's at least improved the experience of pregnancy for this mom on her second go around.

I preordered the book last year after following (and laughing and enjoying) motherofdaughters on instagram for quite some time. I would absolutely recommend it, for any pregnant woman who enjoys a good laugh additionally to loads of great professional information! since the author is british, clearly the detailed info about the common check ups during pregnancy and other healthcaresystem related stuff is not quite a match for us here in Austria or Germany. But since it differs just in details, the book still gives relevant info which is useful for all pregnant ladies, no matter in which country they live in! im conclousio: i would absolutely recommend this book, espacially for all those pregnant ladies who look for something different, personal with a twinkle in the eye, from aaalll the established (and quite some time boring) pregnancy books!!

Great book explanation is really good.

I was slightly hesitant, given the furore around the author’s online behaviours. However, as a newly pregnant woman doing this for the first time I’ve found it a really enjoyable, reassuring and easy to digest read.

This book was such an enjoyable read packed with a good balance of knowledge, tips and tricks and humour. Written by a British midwife, it offers North American readers an alternative perspective on prenatal care and labour and delivery techniques. It actually inspired me to seek out midwifery care for my own pregnancy! I ended up buying another copy for a friend who also delivered with a midwife. However, even if you are having a hospital birth with an OB there is plenty of useful information in this book and it's just overall a fun and friendly read!

This book is funny and informative. I've had two babies and this is the book I recommend to all my friends. It feels like a close friend is giving you great advice