For the Special Needs of Black Mothers-To-Be, from Conception to Newborn Care
Starred review from April 15, 1997
After practicing obstetrics for many years and giving birth to four children, Harvard Medical graduate Hutcherson recognized the need for a childbirth resource that articulated the social concerns of African American women. Although this clearly written self-help guide contains advice on conception, pregnancy, and delivery that can be found in other resources, its unique features make it a stand-out in birthing literature. Hutcherson offers expectant mothers everything from essential information about diseases like sickle cell anemia and lupus to historical highlights that provide a positive birth image and outlook for black women. Aiming "to combat the high incidence of small, sick, and premature black babies," Hucherson has produced a first-of-its-kind childbirth reference tool that meets the needs of a population traditionally denied equal access to prenatal care. An excellent companion to The Black Women's Health Book (LJ 4/15/90); highly recommended. [This July, Dutton will publish Mama's Little Baby: The Black Woman's Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby's First Year.--Ed.]--Rebecca Cress-Ingebo, Fordham Health Sciences Lib., Wright State Univ., Dayton, Ohio