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Over 1044 colour photographs

• The ultimate natural guide for new parents, from fertility and conception to toddler care and pre-school, illustrated throughout with over 1000 stunning specially-commissioned colour photographs and illustrations



• Sensible, practical advice for pregnancy: telling the pregnant mother what is happening to her body and her growing baby every step of the way



• Practical information on a healthy diet, using natural therapies and massage to alleviate problems, keeping fit and mobile through exercise and counting down to delivery



• Sensitive advice on being a parent, from the first exciting days to the age of five, with help on handling the responsibility of looking after a new baby and guidance on how to deal with everyday issues, childhood illnesses and first-aid situations



• Looks at every aspect of a child's development - physical, emotional and behavioural; and gives constructive, expert information on the best ways to enjoy each phase



• Up to the minute research and guidance on the safe use of alternative and natural therapies as well as all he traditional medical options

This invaluable groundbreaking guide provides the ideal companion for anyone who is seeking a natural approach to conception, pregnancy and childcare. The book offers a balanced and comprehensive fund of knowledge, with a strong emphasis on natural therapies together with all the conventional information and up-to-the-minute research that the modern parent needs to consider.

The biology of natural fertility, conception, pregnancy and birth is clearly explained as are all the procedures mainstream medicine has to offer. Practical issues after birth are also covered, with help on general care, feeding, sleeping, and how to encourage physical and cognitive development through play. Emotional matters are also examined with in-depth discussions on every major topic from getting pregnant, choosing the right type of birth, coping with a crying baby, how to manage sleeping patterns, dealing with the baby blues and supporting your partner.

For parents of toddlers there is much-needed help with temper tantrums, toilet training, bed-wetting, stimulating your child and encouraging social skills and good behaviour. Finally, a reference section offers advice on illness, health checks, first aid, eating plans and recipes to give your child the very best start in life.

Natural therapies and modern alternative approaches are offered throughout, interwoven with the best traditional advice. Lavishly illustrated with 1000 specially shot colour images that reflect the amazing adventure of expecting a baby and becoming a parent, this natural healthcare bible is for every caring and ecologically aware family who want to give their baby the very best start in life.

About the Authors

Anne Charlish - Author

Anne Charlish, the contributing editor, is an experienced medical and health writer. She has written over 40 books on subjects ranging from pregnancy and complementary therapies to cancer and depression. Anne was the 1993 joint winner of the Medical Journalists' Association Pain Relief Award for The Complete Arthritis Handbook. She also contributes to a number of magazines including Inside the Human Body, Essentials and SHE. Anne's published works include: Getting Pregnant: How To Improve Your Chances Of A Healthy Pregnancy (Mitchell Beazley); Caught In The Middle (Cassell Illustrated); Reiki (Dorling Kindersley); Your Natural Pregnancy (Ulysses Press); Alternative Answers To Arthritis & Rheumatism (Reader's Digest); and Eating For Health: Low-Carb Cooking (Lorenz Books).

Kim Davies - Author

Kim Davies is an established writer in the fields of health, lifestyle and natural therapies and is the author of books on t'ai chi, yoga, having a healthy back and building successful relationships. Having started out as a newspaper and magazine journalist, she has run a yoga-based holiday centre on the island of Crete and worked as publications officer for a major cancer charity. Kim as also travelled widely in India.

Sara Lewis - Author

Sara Lewis is a full-time cookery writer, home economist and mother. She is the author of many cook books including Ice Cream Machine (Lorenz Books), The Illustrated Guide to Pregnancy, Babycare and Baby Food and Making Iced Cream and Iced Desserts (both Southwater Publishing).