The Big Fat Activity Book for Pregnant People

Synopsis

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR MUMS-TO-BE WITH A SENSE OF HUMOUR.

Part diary, part colouring book, and part brutally honest (and hysterically funny) collection of advice, this is for the new mother who wants to chill out, laugh her face off, and realise with every page that she is not alone.

Two stars of the lifestyle and parenting blogosphere invoke the mindless fun and nostalgic appeal of an old-school activity book in this irreverent, laugh-out-loud twist on the traditional baby journal, with illustrated activities, lists, essays, and musings on what pregnancy is really like.

- Wordsearches: Nope, Sorry (All the Stuff You're Not Allowed to Have Anymore); Bad Baby Names
- Mazes: Make it from Your Desk to the Bathroom Without Throwing Up
- Lists: How to Baby Shop Without Crying
- Advice: Yoga Teachers (Also Your Mum Friends, Your Parents, People on Facebook, All Articles, and Everyone You Meet) Want to Tell You How to Give Birth, But You Don t Have to Listen
- Quizzes: Stop: Labour Time!

Summary

Chapter 1: Nurturing Yourself

* Chapter Summary: Emphasizes the importance of self-care during pregnancy, including the benefits of prenatal vitamins, hydration, exercise, sleep, and mindfulness.
* Real Example: A pregnant woman named Sarah makes a habit of taking her prenatal vitamins with breakfast and going for a walk during her lunch break.

Chapter 2: Mind and Body Connection

* Chapter Summary: Explores the mind-body connection and how it can affect pregnancy. Discusses techniques like yoga, meditation, and massage.
* Real Example: Emily, a pregnant yoga instructor, uses breathing exercises and deep stretches to connect with her body and reduce stress.

Chapter 3: The Journey Within

* Chapter Summary: Provides a monthly guide to the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes during pregnancy. Includes tips for managing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and backaches.
* Real Example: Christina is in her second trimester and experiencing increased energy. She plans activities with her friends and family to take advantage of this time.

Chapter 4: Bonding with Your Baby

* Chapter Summary: Discusses ways to connect with and prepare for life with a newborn. Covers topics like fetal movement, heartbeat monitoring, and baby-related purchases.
* Real Example: David and his partner attend birth classes together and practice tummy-rubbing exercises to bond with their unborn child.

Chapter 5: Creating a Nurturing Space

* Chapter Summary: Offers guidance on creating a comfortable and safe home environment for the mother and baby. Includes tips on arranging furniture, choosing nursery décor, and nesting.
* Real Example: Maria and her husband repaint their bedroom in a calming color and set up a reading nook for books about pregnancy and parenting.

Chapter 6: Adventures and Challenges

* Chapter Summary: Discusses common challenges during pregnancy, such as work-life balance, relationships, and the emotional rollercoaster. Provides strategies for coping with these challenges.
* Real Example: Farah, a working mom, seeks support from her colleagues and her partner to manage the demands of pregnancy and her career.

Chapter 7: Preparing for the Big Day

* Chapter Summary: Covers important considerations for labor and delivery, including birth plans, pain management options, and the role of support people.
* Real Example: Tim and his wife discuss different birth plan scenarios and decide to attend a hospital tour to familiarize themselves with the environment.

Chapter 8: Beyond the Bump

* Chapter Summary: Discusses postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and the transition to parenthood. Offers tips for self-care and coping with the challenges of the fourth trimester.
* Real Example: Maya, a new mom, joins a support group for breastfeeding mothers and seeks help from a lactation consultant to establish a comfortable nursing routine.