Authors: Bettie B Youngs, PHD, EDD, Susan M. Heim and Jennifer L. Youngs

Date: 2006

Publisher: Hampton Roads Publishing Company Inc.

Are there really only seven ways that a baby will change your life in his or her first year of life?  Is that what the authors are trying to say?  Those were a couple of questions that crossed my mind when I started reading this book.  Well, that's not what they are saying at all but there are seven main areas in our lives that are majorly affected by the birth of a baby.  The authors cover these topics thoroughly and get you thinking about each area with relevant and thought-provoking discussion questions!

The chapters include such topics as:

1. A baby will open your heart.
2. A baby helps develop your sense of self.
3. A baby will affect your relationship with your partner.
4. A baby will affect your work.
5. A baby will create changes in your family relationships.
6. A baby affects your faith.
7. A baby affects your relationships with friends and co-workers.

Being a mother of five children I questioned, at first, what this book could offer me.  I would expect this book (and recommend) to be for first or second time parents.  On the back cover was a rave review by a father of 19!  I was so glad that I decided to give it a try!  I dove in head first and started answering all the questions in a little notebook.  I was really challenged by a lot of what the authors asked.  Some of the questions apply to those who are first or second time parents but most apply to parents in general.

One thing I did struggle with was in the section on employment.  I am a stay at home mom and those questions and subject matter didn't really apply to me.  I read through it though because I wanted to have a better understanding of what employed parents have to deal with on a day to day basis.  My husband is an employed parent and I think the material helped me understand his issues a little better.

I loved that the authors did not write just to mothers.  The intended audience was expanded to both parents and consideration taken for a husband and father's point of view.  Being that the book was written by three women, I wasn't sure how this would come out and how well they would cover the issues.  I was pleased with how they communicated their understanding of what a new father deals with when his new baby comes along.  Now, I don't know that my husband would enjoy reading such a book, but he would appreciate that the information was available to those who would like to read it!

The authors are obvious in their religious beliefs but not overwhelming.  The book would definitely appeal to a Christian audience but they were careful to include those who had a different belief system without compromising their own.

The book is set up in such a way that you can take the information a little piece at a time.  Each chapter is divided into smaller sections with questions and a "Take Action" box.  These authors understand that new parents do not always have a lot of time or energy to ready a 200 page book, but that new parents could read a couple of pages in between feedings or diaper changes.

Overall, I loved this book.  It is well planned and well laid out.  The content is relevant and up-to-date for today's parents.  An easy-read with valuable information for new and not-so-new parents.  I would encourage parents to find a copy and give it a look.