Having Your Baby A Guide for African American Women [Paperback]

African-American women face unique challenges during pregnancy. Here is a they can turn to for medical information, health advice, and emotional support during this exhilarating, and sometimes anxious, time. Dr. Hilda Hutcherson, an esteemed Ob-Gyn, explains all the bodily changes, feelings, and medical procedures you may encounter when pregnant. From planning a pregnancy to caring for your newborn, Dr. Hutcherson provides comforting wisdom from her years of experience as a doctor and mother of four. Most important, she addresses such potential risks as fibroid, diabetes, lupus, high blood pressure, and skin conditions.

This extraordinary resource offers medically sound and reassuring advice on choosing a care provider ... caring for yourself successfully in each trimester ... the signs and symptoms that necessitate a call to a health care practitioner...minimizing the chances of birth defects  ... breastfeeding basics ... and much more.

The first childbirth encyclopedia written for African-American mothers-to-be,Having Your Babyaddresses all the issues, concerns, and questions you may have about pregnancy and childbirth.Dr. Hilda Hutcherson is Assistant Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University.CHAPTER ONE
 
Before You Conceive: Preparing for Pregnancy Emotionally, Financially, Physically, and Medically
 
Having a baby is one of the most important decisions in your life, and, as with all key decisions, you should plan for your pregnancy. You can give your baby the best chance of arriving healthy if you take the time to prepare for her or his arrival. This way you can identify and correct any areas that could cause problems during your pregnancy. You (and your partner, if you have one) can best begin the planning process by examining the areas of your life that will be involved with pregnancy and raising a child.
 
DETERMINING YOUR EMOTIONAL FITNESS: ARE YOU READY FOR A BABYl3Ê