Such is the case with our Nursing Mother’s Companion, by Kathleen Huggins, which was just released in September 2010 in its 25^th anniversary edition. First published in 1985, the book has gone on to become HCP’s bestselling book, not only because it covers a topic that is of great interest to new mothers, but also because the book is recognized as one of the leading information sources on the subject. So, we were pleased to see that Publishers Weekly (one of the top in-print/online magazines covering the book publishing industry) featured the book last week.

The article touches on a number of points related to the new edition, most specifically on the extensive revision that was done, with over 50% of the material in the book being new, and covering such topics as: breast pumps, nursing after a cesarean, problems associated with epidurals, herbal remedies for low milk supply, and nursing after gastric bypass surgery.

The article also goes into some detail about the companion books being published in conjunction with the new edition, specifically a breastfeeding diary, where moms can keep track of feedings and notes, as well as a Spanish language edition for American markets.

The full article can be found at: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/44918-harvard-common-releases-25th-anniversary-edition-of-nursing-mother-s-companion-.html

The Harvard Common Press is very excited to be providing premier information to expectant and new mothers and we look forward to another 25 years of growth and success in our pregnancy/childbirth publishing program.

This was the first year that ICEA (International Childbirth Educators Association) and Lamaze teamed up to bring together a three day event on childbirth education…and Harvard Common Press was there to catch all the action.

Right off the bat, I realize the irony in being one of only a handful of men at this conference, although I thought it proved to be rather useful in ways one might not initially expect:

1. 1) Some women who stopped by the booth were interested in the books on an individual level, rather than for their organizations. Having a male counterpart to ask “Do you think a man would really read this?” is quite useful. Of course, the question of publishing bias comes into play, but we’re suspending our disbelief here in favor of the greater good.
2. 2) I also like to think I’m learning a little something about the wonders of life (not to say I haven’t already, after 3 years of publishing pregnancy books) and raising a family. To see women who offer adamant praise for our books is very satisfying, and shows I’m looking for resources in the right places.

The show itself was a big success, with roughly 1,000 professionals in attendance. It was a great opportunity for us to get out there and present our newest books, specifically the Nursing Mother’s Companion 25^th Anniversary Edition (and companion breastfeeding diary and Spanish-language edition), as well as Natural Hospital Birth (forthcoming March 2011). Enthusiasm for our 25 Things series of books was robust, especially for Father’s First Steps (perhaps because everyone realizes new dad needs something easy to read to get on the path to parenting hall of fame).

Though the crown jewel in this three day event was the book giveaway on Saturday – there’s nothing I revel in more than providing free books to people who can use them, and who support us so fully. To see the line of women who came out to snag a free copy of our books, now that’s what publishing is all about…realizing what you do has an impact (and ironically, a very apt metaphor for parenting as well).

Seriously.

And it’s not because I haven’t committed to the joy and beauty of having children, or that I haven’t read up enough on all there is to do and plan for, or even the fact that I don’t yet have a significant other (although that could be part of it).

No, it’s more because, at 24 years old, I feel a bit like I’d be parenting a younger brother or sister, rather than a child. Now I know, in the past, having a son or daughter at the age of 20-21 was considered pretty damn cool, the bee’s knees one might say, but I think at this point, I’m playing the role of an enthusiastic observer rather than a willing participant (after all, I am still being parented by my parents in many ways…although they have hinted at the fact that they’d love to be grandparents at some point soon, a task best left to my older brother at this point).

So then, given that, why am I blogging on HCPdelivers? Clearly, this is a pregnancy/childbirth blog, and as you’ve just read, I have no clear path to engaging in either, so to some I may seem like a bit of a fish out of water…but I assure you, I have reasons, and to my mind they seem to make sense:

1. 1) After spending the past three years working for a pregnancy/childbirth publisher, the “miracle of life,” to be cliché, interests me greatly. Now, of course, I understand that there are levels of miraculous events, with birth being somewhere towards the top, and things such as dry-heaving your way through morning sickness, or navigating the very serious effects of mastitis may be an order or two less so. But, taken as a whole, the end result really is something to stand in awe of, and while it has the effect of ritual (since it has been going on since the dawn of time), it still deserves an occasional reality check to say “Yes, we did that. And it’s amazing.”
2. 2) My second reason feeds quite well into the first, and that is, I think I’ll be a damn good dad, as conceited as that sounds. Growing up with three brothers, a large extended family, and of course, the requisite babysitting duties that come with both, I’ve developed an inner child that refuses to be grounded…I love kids, and enjoy being a kid as well (talk to me again when I have two or three of my own and that may be tempered with a dose of the real-world, but for now, this suits me well).
3. 3) And the last reason is perhaps most important – we hear about mom bloggers all the time, but where are all the dad bloggers? Sure, Strollerderby is floating out there (or rolling is perhaps more apt) and doing a damn good job being one of the bastions of male voice on the joys of parenting and fatherhood. But there could, and should be more. As a book publisher, we hear all the time how there aren’t enough resources for dads. Well online is a good place to start.

So we’re changing things up a bit on HCPdelivers and I’m excited to be joining a vibrant community of voices on being a parent (or, almost being a parent). We’ll mix it up with the fun and the funny, stories from others out there in the parenting world, as well as useful information that parents can use. And of course, occasional information from the Harvard Common Press publishing program for all you book lovers out there.

Though C-sections are generally a safe medical procedure, there are risks involved.  Also, it’s been found that children born from Cesareans are more likely to develop health complications such as asthma, allergies, and other immune-related afflictions, simply because they are missing out on that final dose of mom’s bacteria, administered when leaving the birth canal naturally.  In other words, the microbes found in vaginal fluids actually help “treat” your baby to a dose of antibodies on their way out into the world.  Obviously, surgically-removed babies do no benefit from this.

Sometimes labor induction is an entirely necessary thing that saves the life of both mother and baby.  However, more and more often these days, moms are electing for labor induction due to scheduling conflicts or overly-involved birth plans.  While its always good to make deadlines, this is just one thing that really should be left up to nature.

Below is a link to the video Tori Kropp, RN, posted regarding the risks of induced birth.

Tori Kropp on Labor Induction

*For her Father’s Day post, Elisa at Blacktating discusses the influence dads have on the public perspective of breastfeeding.  A recent study found that 84% of men support women breastfeeding outside the home, and over 75% believed that employers should make adequate accommodations for nursing mothers!

* Jess of Making Home writes a wonderful post about how The Nursing Mother’s Companion helped her through breastfeeding, especially when afflicted with mastitis.

* Babble.com gives you the “Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Doula.”  It’s a wonderful list that details all the ways in which these incredible support-givers can help you through your labor and pregnancy.  One item on the list I wasn’t aware of?  Number 10: You can hire a post-partum doula.

What actually causes the appearance of PPD in men, is not completely determined.  Continued screenings, beyond the over 28,000 men involved in the study, are needed before science can answer current speculations.  One thing that is apparent, however, is that American men seem to suffer from PPD at a much higher rate than fathers in any other culture.  The New York Times writes, “American fathers were at greater risk for depression than fathers in other countries, with rates of 14.1 percent compared with 8.2 percent elsewhere. Dr. James F. Paulson [the lead author of the study] said the disparity might be because of cultural differences, along with more liberal paternity-leave policies in other countries.”

Tori’s post and video, “Postpartum Depression- It’s Not the Baby Blues,” offer invaluable tips for and new moms and dads who want to learn more about PPD.

– Coo at Heather Armstrong’s (of Dooce.com) most recent portrait of her adorable baby girl.  I love how modern moms are taking such interesting and vivid pictures of their children, rather than solely relying on department-store photo booths with their canned lighting and tacky backgrounds.  Be artistic and take your own portraits of your children!  It’ll help save you good chunk of cash, as well.

–  Soothe yourself with Aromatherapy 101, over at Parenting.com.  Relieve stress and revive with simple scents that are more heavenly than hippy.   It’s an easy, quick, and effective way of pampering yourself.

– Glam it up with this gorgeous “Batman” necklace by SpinThread.  Shop her Etsy page for inspired bobbles that use thread and fabric to create elaborate designs.  Also, your kids will simply love the fact that this necklace is named after their favorite superhero.

Litman begins her article by quoting Lao Tsu, a Taoist philosopher, who said, “Silence is a source of great strength.”  In her “forced retreat,” Cynthia has learned to listen, communicate, and respond to her children in a way that is quiet, steady, and simple.  Situations where there might have been yelling or admonishing words, are now treated with calm looks and whispered instructions.  Litman has become acutely aware of exactly how and when and who requires her attention most, and realizes which of her relationships are all noise, and which are based on true communication and understanding.

It is an extremely smart piece.  One that makes me wonder if it isn’t worth giving “the silent treatment” a try at least once a year.  Not only could it provide a period of meditation and self-reflection, but I can imagine that it would make us all more mindful professionals, parents, daughter, sons, sisters, brothers, and friends.  In a society that is all talk, it must be so liberating to stay quiet.

Have you watched the Babies movie, yet?  The film, directed by Thomas Balmès, follows four very different babies, growing up in four very different parts of the world.  Hailing from Mongolia, Namibia, Toyko, and San Francisco, this documentary relies little on dialogue and plot development, but instead gently watches as these babies find their (literal and figurative) legs in their world.

Over at Babble.com, co-founder Rufus Griscom gives a stunningly honest review of the movie, where he asks “Can third-world moms make you a better parent?”  Griscom demonstrates how completely it strays from Western notions of proper-parenting, while simultaneously helping Western parents learn from their third-world counterparts.  His notes are coming from the point of view of the Western parent.  He candidly discusses his reaction to the movie, and also what he garnered from it.  He concludes, “Babies is not for everyone — it’s a slow, contemplative piece of anthropology, and those of us who have trouble slowing down (I am guilty here) will find themselves fidgety at times. But it’s also the kind of film that has what I’ll call a Doppler impact — it comes slowly at first and then, after walking out of the theater, the cumulative power of it gobsmacks you.”

Life for the Mongolian and Namibian babies is a bit more solitary and seemingly hazardous, yet they are no less loved.  Life for the Japanese and American babies is a bit more cautious, overstimulating, and sterile, and yet they are no less loved.  These babies demonstrate the great anthropological thing about babies: they are pure learning.  Each baby is learning how to adequately navigate and engage in his/her own environment, and each baby is a product of love.

* Penguin Knit Hat by Barefoot Tams.  Because “cute” and “penguin” just go hand-in-hand.

* Big Dipper Mobile by The Wonderland Studio.  For the budding astronomer.

*  Birth Date Print by Khamm75.  Customize your colors for this big, gorgeous graphic print.  Would look awesome hanging in any modern baby’s bedroom.

*  The Beatles Russian Nesting Dolls Onesie by Truly Sanctuary.  There’s really no reason not to start your newborn on the Mop Tops.

*  Eco Modern Baby Burping Cloths by Boopalina Bebe.  Your baby’s gonna burp.  Might as well do it in style.

This past weekend, author Tori Kropp sat down with “Childhood Matters with Rona Renner” to record a segment for Rona’s Book Club, which featured The Joy of Pregnancy.  Also joining in the discussion, was Natalie Berbick, program manager at Brighter Beginnings, an organization that aids low-income and homeless families.  Tori, Natalie, and Rona spent Mother’s Day answering questions from listeners regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.  Listen to these wonderful women in action by going, here, and see Tori’s blog, here, for her thoughts on the broadcast.

* Book By Its Cover features Drawing Autism by Jill Mullin. It features over 50 artists, all of whom are autistic, who use drawing as a means to communicate their individual visions of the world around them.  Vividly colored and wonderfully composed, the book brings to life a very intimate and inspiring look at the Autistic mind.  The introduction to the book was written by Temple Grandin, a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, whose fascinating life and struggle with Austism was recently the subject of an HBO movie starring Claire Danes.  A portion of the proceeds from book sales go towards funding Autism research.  You can buy the book, here.

*  MomLogic’s Baby Diaper Basics discusses the merits of cloth vs disposable, how diaper-buying effects the environment, and what are the best things to consider for your lifestyle when choosing your baby’s diapers.

*  Funny or faux pas?  The Onion parodies a new breastfeeding advocacy group.

*  Has childhood lost its innocence?  Kimberly Sears Allers at MomLogic seems to think so, and part of me wants to agree.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gaffed at the fact that “kids today” seem to know far more about mature subjects than I ever did (or do, now!).  Their dolls and toys reflect the ideals of adult society (I am still disappointed in Hasbro for turning the delightfully plump My Little Ponies into emaciated, bug-eyed horse-heads on stilts), and even clothing for our petite fashionistas can be a bit racy– at least, racier than the Rainbow Brite T-shirts I sported as a tot.  The thing is, this isn’t necessarily a change due to poor parenting to relaxed values.  With a globalized world, there is much more information for our children to be exposed to that comes to them in a variety of ways, the good and the bad.  The question becomes: how are parents supposed to rein it all in, and just let kids be kids?

*  MomLogic also has a list of the 10 Most Influential Moms of 2010– though, I think it’s a bit early to put out such a list, as we’re not even halfway through the year, yet!  What do you think of their choices?

*  New science on the physical chemistry of parent-child bonding, exposes something we could’ve told you ages ago: parents are exhilarated by their baby’s smiling!

*  Mama Knows Breast reports on the major recall of Children’s Tylenol products (including Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Motrin).  Please check details of the recall and dispose any products you may have in your medicine cabinet!

*  The U.S. Cesarean rate has topped 32%!  Meaning, nearly a third of all births are performed via C-section.  Tori Kropp writes and video-blogs about how she, as a nurse, has seen the trend of C-sections and VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) change and develop.

*  The White House offers free birth congratulatory notes!

*  Couch Cushion Architecture.  What’s better than gathering the kids together on a dreary day to create an elaborate fort out of sofa pillows?  This series by bBuild documents and rates the best-and-worse of couch cushion construction.

*  Photographer Ryan Marshall captures the wonder and beauty of a woman’s changing body as she goes through pregnancy.  The “Maternity Series” on his site documents, in diary-like format, his partner’s pregnancy.  Each photo is paired with a touching anecdote about the family, about the emotions brought on by maternity, and about the anticipation the couple feels in awaiting the baby’s arrival.  On Marshall’s blog, he posts more lush, vivid photos other womens’ progression through pregnancy, called “The Walk to 40 Weeks.”

*  Over at Babycenter, an article on extended nursing quotes HCP author and breastfeeding expert, Kathleen Huggins.  In terms of deciding when a child should or should not be weaned, Kathleen says: “Our culture tends to believe that pushing children away will help them develop a strong sense of self-worth and independence, when in fact, the opposite is true. Forcing a child to stop nursing before he’s developmentally ready won’t necessarily create a more confident child; rather, it could make him more clingy.”

*  MomLogic guest blogger, Hayley Krischer, explains how learning to surf got her through a painful divorce.

*  Over at Momversation they’re asking: “Do You Regret the Name You Gave Your Kid?“

*  Robin Elise Weiss, blogger for About.com Pregnancy, provides some helpful links in choosing the childbirth class that’s right for you.