| Ms. Butler has written a very thorough and easily read
book for pregnant women the about fitness for women, especially during
pregnancy. From the first viewing of this book, I was attracted to the
very readable style and format, which has a wide appeal. Ms Butler
starts with the basics and moves on from there. She makes the basic
physiology of pregnancy and exercise interesting, and then discusses
the physiologic changes women can expect with exercise, including a
chapter about fertility issues and their relationship to exercise. She
also mentions safety early in her book including stretching, and then
includes threads of other safety ideas throughout the book, with
recommendations for things to consider with specific types of fitness
activities. She lists Warning Signs in this same chapter, and follows
them with touching narratives of several women who made major
adjustments in their lifestyle while pregnant. |
| The chapters cover most major sports, including
chapters on Aerobics, Weight Training, Running and Walking, Swimming,
Cycling and Winter Activities. The Reference List is complete and
easily documents the depth of the author's research. The Resource List
covers everything from additional reading, Videotapes, Clothing
including abdominal support, and Equipment to assist women with their
chosen activities. |
| The aspect of the book which had the greatest interest
for me were the various statements from women who were athletes, and
the impact of pregnancy upon their lifestyle. This provided a way for
me to relate to the ideas presented elsewhere in the book and added a
very personal dimension to this book. One especially sensitive quote
carries in a nutshell the ideas that are well spaced throughout the
book. From page 137-137: "Cycling has taken a back burner for
now...Cycling while pregnant is fine provided you listen to your body
and know when to back off....Being an athlete enhanced my awareness of
my body during my pregnancy. The balance between exercise, nutrition
and rest became more important while I was pregnant." These
quotes are realistic and sincere, and of course point out that even
with a good exercise program, the outcome of labor and birth are truly
unique. From page 138, a runner describes her individual adjustments
to pregnancy and Ms Butler states: "Both Cindy's labors were
induced and long. 'I think exercise and being fit gave me the mental
edge and stamina for both my labors.'" |
| One thing I would have liked to have seen would be some
line drawings or photos showing good body mechanics, and lifting
postures, and how to exercise the abdominals postpartum. On page 42
"Practice good posture and proper lifting and bending
techniques" could have been followed by some simple drawings, and
the "Easy Abdominals" exercise could have also had a nice
line drawing or photo. Excellent photographs are placed throughout the
text showing exercise postures, but for those who are not familiar
with body mechanics the line drawings would have helped. |
| The chapter on postpartum and adjusting to motherhood
is especially sensitive and informative. In addition to discussing a
healthy respect for the recovering body from childbirth, Ms. Butler
also addresses the new demands of motherhood, and how difficult it is
sometimes to incorporate exercise into a schedule. Reading these
sections reminded me of the frustrations I felt after my children were
born, and how difficult it was to resume an exercise program.
This
was before I had established myself into a good exercise program, and
before equipment aids such bike trailers and running strollers had
been designed.
The author also addresses postpartum depression,
and provides resources for those that might need them. |
| This book will be a welcome addition to a midwife or
childbirth educator's lending library, and one that I would readily
recommended it to clients who already have established exercise
programs, and also to others who want to maintain their fitness during
pregnancy. |
| Joan Marie Butler is an experienced nurse-midwife,
nurse-practitioner, a mother, and a nationally-ranked Masters athlete. |
| Pat Sonnenstuhl, CNM, ARNP |
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