The Fourth Trimester: Understanding, Protecting, and Nurturing an Infant through the First Three Months Hardcover – March 20, 2013

I’ve read a number of pregnancy/parenting books over the last 6 months and this was by far the most helpful and palatable for getting ready for motherhood. The author uses a great blend of science and compassion and common sense to walk expecting/new parents through those first chaotic months of having a newborn- how to prepare, what to consider, what’s best practice, while continuously reminding you there are no set rules, and to be flexible with yourself and your baby.

I give this book to every new parent I know. It's the only book on newborns you need. The fourth trimester is a brilliant concept & makes logical & emotional sense. Best gift for new parents.

Quite informative. Wish I had read it when I had my children.

As a grandmother of five(so far), I found this book while searching for ways to support my daughter and daughter-in-law during the fourth trimester, a new concept to me. Filled with information about the importance of nurturing and loving the baby while understanding the tremendous development that occurs, the author presents numerous experiences and scientific studies in a very readable and positive manner. I gift this book over and over with great enthusiasm to share my discovery of these ideas.

This book does not teach you how to raise or care for your child, but it does help frame why certain things work better than others and why it is important to do things like cuddle and hold your child with scientific backing. How the senses develop is fascinating. And debunking some commonly held beliefs is great.

This book was helpful in understanding why babies are the way they are. During the first three months of their life, they are still developing, just like in the womb. Only know they are doing it outside the uterus. The medical background and research that supports this book gives great insight into just what it is we, as parents, need to do to provide the best care for a newborn. I would highly recommend this book to any new expecting parent.

Great book. Sound advice with solid research to back it up. I appreciated the current research that debunks some old myths (specifically what a baby can see the first 30 days), as I train postpartum doulas and new parents. It's good to have the research to fall back on. The information was laid out in a way that made it easy to read (not at all like a text book). Thank you Susan Brink!

This book was recommended by my pediatrician, as I have a baby that has had difficulty adjusting to life outside the womb. The book really helped me to understand her and continue to have compassion when dealing with colicky nights. I loved the explanations from an evolutionary standpoint and the reminder that months 0-3 are really a continuation of pregnancy. I purchased the kindle version so I could read it with one hand while I breastfed or rocked her to sleep. Will definitely be gifting this book as well as recommending it.