Growing Up Pregnant

This week I have been reading something a bit different: Growing Up Pregnant, by Deirdre Curley.

This book is an account of Ms Curley's experience of unplanned pregnancy at eighteen, and her journey into motherhood and adulthood simultaneously. At a time when birth culture is endeavoring to be more representative, it's good to hear the voice of young mothers.

The book alternates between Deirdre's own account and some factual information about pregnancy. I found the information to be very selective and sometimes dubious, and I think it could be entirely cut out of the book, because it is in the autobiographical sections that the book's value lies. If I were gifting this book, I would also give something more informative, such as The Positive Birth Book, alongside it. Ms Curley is not afraid to tell her own embarrassing experiences and to be honest about her own feelings. She benefited from very supportive family on both sides, and a secure financial situation, which I know is not the case for many teenage parents, but it is always beneficial to hear the experience of someone who has come out the other side of your situation, and I think many people going through unplanned pregnancy could benefit from this book. In particular, Deirdre's frank discussion of relationships, and adjusting mentally to your changing body, are open and reassuring.

I am keen to regift this book somewhere young mothers can read it, so if you can make this happen please do get in touch and I will send it to you.

Your No Guilt Pregnancy Plan

If you've been around long enough to remember my review of Why Human Rights in Childbirth Matter, you'll know I absolutely adore the work of Rebecca Schiller. As a former postgraduate student of human rights, and considering myself a birth activist in a small way, I am in awe of her work with Birthrights, as well as her excellent writing. Her ability to take a charged and emotive subject and explain it clearly and coolly is second to none. If you think that's hyperbole, I suggest you follow her Instagram stories (follow me too! I like making friends!). I was absolutely delighted to receive a copy of her latest book Your No Guilt Pregnancy Plan to review.

I have spend a long time reading this book. My copy is full of margin notes and post its marking important and interesting points. There are so many, I just can't share them all with you, but here are some of the features that I feel make this book stand out.

The tone of this book is rather unique. It's like having a supportive, caring, knowledgeable Doula walk you through your journey. Rebecca has the softest, calmest way of speaking, and I can hear it coming through in her writing. All the facts you  might need to know about birth, pregnancy, and early parenting, are presented clearly, but in addition to the discussion of your physical health and the choices you might have to make about your care, there are sections on subjects that you might never have considered in this context. When addressing each stage of your journey as a parent, this book prompts you to think about your mental health, your career, your relationships with those around you, and your personal identity. In an age when mothers are struggling to maintain their careers and increasingly suffering from mental health challenges, these additions to your preparation are crucial, but so often neglected. Rebecca is unafraid to tackle these difficult issues, and provides plenty of additional resources for those who need them through her website and links to other helpful organisations. These are helpfully placed within the book where discussion of the relevant topic takes place, rather than collected in an appendix, where they might not be read. There is a lot of outside input in the book, both in terms of the real life experiences of parents, and specific input from professionals such as psychologists.

The subtitle of this book describes it as a "revolutionary guide," and I really agree with that. It has all of the basic biological facts, but so much more. This book truly sees women as whole persons, in the way that we might wish society would. If you are prepared to be open to this approach this is a fabulous preparation for parenthood. It is definitely the book for the modern liberal, and the beautiful product of feminist progress.

I'd love to hear what you think of this book, do drop me a line!

Elizabeth