We continue our interview with Tori Kropp about her new book for expectant parents, The Joy of Pregnancy. This is Part 2 of a two-part interview.
Q: It seems like there are new books for expectant parents coming out all the time. How is The Joy of Pregnancy different from other books?
A: It is warm, contemporary, practical, and fresh. Because I actively work with pregnant women, the information is absolutely current and sound. I present information in a non-judgmental way so that women have the resources to make decisions that are best for them. So many books focus on the negative possibilities. Why is it that there is so much polarization in how women should experience their pregnancies and especially what should and should not happen during labor and birth? There are so many “opinions” about what the “right or better” choices are. The truth is that all those opinions do is create guilt for women. Of course, we want to do what is best and it’s simply unfair for women to feel as though a reasonable choice they make is not the “right” one.
I focus on the realistic experiences that women may have and describe it in a positive way. I talk about how normal most of what women experience is. I also share a lot of myself in the book and it is very personal and honest. My goal with The Joy of Pregnancy is to help women in the most non-judgmental way possible prepare for their babies. The book is fresh, uplifting, funny, and empowering.
There are certainly other really great books out there. I simply encourage potential readers to give this one a look to see if it is right for them.
Q: Can you tell us what readers will find in the appendices at the end of your book?
A: Thanks for asking that. I love the appendices. There are four of them.
- Appendix A condenses advice from throughout the chapters. Included are lists and ideas for everything from “choosing your childbirth options,” “ways to survive morning sickness or bedrest,” “practical baby shower gifts,” and “specific labor support techniques for the partner.”
- Appendix B is a month-by-month checklist of things to do.
- Appendix C includes a wide variety of books that I, as well as women with whom I have worked, have found to be especially great.
- Appendix D is a listing of helpful organizations for parents and parents-to-be.
