The New Zealand Pregnancy Book - A guide to pregnancy, birth and a baby's first three months

Authors: Sue Pullon and Cheryl Benn

Publisher - Bridget Williams Limited, Wellington

Third Edition released 2008

A book designed for New Zealand and all who live here!

This comprehensive book is an excellent read for any woman and her partner planning a pregnancy or already pregnant.  It takes the reader through each trimester of the pregnancy through to the first few months of life.  The authors explain what to expect in regards to growth of the baby, changes in the woman's body, self-help tips, tests and investigations and organisations that are available to help.  It also contains up-to-date medical information which is helpful for any woman and her partner to make informed decisions throughout the pregnancy and birth.

The book is easy to read and the text is interspersed with diagrams and high quality colour photographs.  It is helpful to read a pregnancy book that is written specifically for the New Zealand population - as NZ specific books can be very hard to find. 

The book talks about the benefits of fertility awareness for those having trouble conceiving and the authors recommend people learn from a qualified educator through Natural Fertility New Zealand.

The Lactational Amenorrhoes Method (LAM) is also outlined and listed as the most common form of contraception post partum and, once again, the recommendation is that women learn the method from an educator with Natural Fertility New Zealand.

Natural Fertility New Zealand is also listed in the appendix of organisations that can assist those wanting to conceive or those wanting contraception after the birth of their baby.

As a health professional, I found the book:

• informative
• easy to read 
• an excellent resource with up-to-date medical information

a book that can easily be dipped in and out of.

Cassandra Woollett

Clinical Supervisor

Natural Fertility New Zealand Inc