I thought this was a good book - VERY easy to read and worked it's way through the chapters well. It certainly helped set the foundations for the early days of parenthood, although I don't feel it's the kind of book that I'll have lying around to use as a reference tool once the bundle of joy arrives. It has definitely made me feel a lot calmer about the whole thing and I'd recommend it to anybody as an excellent starting point.

I was intending to buy this book for a friend who is about to have her first baby. I have just had my third baby, and how I wish I had this book when I was having my first. It's funny and lighthearted (some books are so serious and prescriptive that they are in danger of taking all the joy and instinct out of mothering a new baby) and yet it's informative and comprehensive. I liked reading the experiences of real parents and the views of real professionals. The book definitely doesn't treat you as if birth has left your one remaining brain cell addled by hormones! In fact I found it so useful in reminding me of all the things I had forgotten, and telling me things I didn't know, that I'm going to get a copy of my own.

I loved the tone which was supportive without being patronising, was sympathetic and at the same time very amusing. I felt like it tried to be unbiased and was good in helping me not to panic about the things that new mums panic about.

First baby has yet to arrive but already I feel much better about the prospect of being a parent. Have started reading a couple of other baby books, but this has been the only one that sounds as though it was written for me rather than a stepford wife.

The style of writing and the chapters make this very, very accessible - great for picking up in a spare 10 minutes for a chuckle and to learn something new. It is full of interesting information and facts, such as how to easily swaddle a baby, which I'm sure will come in handy. This is definately coming to the maternity ward with me.

If you liked the Rough Guide to Pregnancy (and even if you didn't) this is a great book. It's down to earth and real, and unlike loads of the baby books out there, geared for a UK market. Plus there are funny and reassuring reviews of all the other baby 'gurus' eg) Gina Ford, and stories from loads of real mothers and what they went through. More than anything else, it made me feel normal.