The best of both worlds - Informative and caring!, May 24, 2002
Reviewer: sandrared from Sanford, FL United States
Even though I was an ICU nurse (adult) I was not prepared for the world
I entered after my daughter was born at 26 weeks. When my daughter's medical
conditions were explained to me the nurse in me wanted to know more so
I searched the internet for help. Explanations were difficult to find
and overly clinical or overly simplified. The mommy side needed reassurance
and straight forward explanations. I purchased 2 books and found this
one to be superior. The doctor's perspective and the parent's perspective
are both given for each stage/situation as it arises. Up to date statistics
and medical explanations are given with a clear, but caring demeanor.
The question answer format was great! And major medical conditions are
spotlighted which makes comprehending easy. I wish I had purchased this
book sooner during the hospital stay. There is some information on the
home stage, but not a lot. It may be better to puchase another book for
that stage. I highly recommend this book and at $2200 a day the hospitals
should be able to afford giving one to each preemie's parents in the NICU!
This supportive and comprehensive guide helps parents of premature babies
deal with the emotional, medical and practical issues they face. Includes
medical information, practical advice and personal accounts.
The Best Guide through preemie parenthood, January 28, 2002
Reviewer: A reader from Pittsburgh, PA United States
I am both a physician and a mother of a son who arrived 11 weeks early.
This book has helped in every facet of my premature parenthood from breastfeeding
(or, in my case, my ongoing attempts) to just feeling I was not the only
preemie parent out there. In addition, the explanations of the various
medical problems premature babies may face are excellent. Truly, a book
that every premature parent would benefit from having.
Compassion and real people, April 10, 2001
Reviewer: Tom Rady from Detroit, MI USA
I thought that the book "Miracle Birth Stories Of Very Premature
Babies" by Timothy Smith was a well crafted and welcome addition
to the world of medical literature. As I was reading, I felt like I was
in the hospital with each set of parents, going through their triumphs
and defeats with them.
One strong aspect of the book is that it is written for the average person,
in basic language that we can all understand. The medical information
provided is relevent and accurate, but we are not bogged down in medical
and hospital terminology. Medical journals and texts are often written
in a very dry, academic tone that is hard to get through. Also, as I was
reading I also felt that I was learning information about a controversial
topic without being preached to.
We have all heard things about this topic through magazines, television
news, newspapers, tabloids, etc. Smith is a veteran newspaper reporter
and it shows. Each story is special in their own situation, and the different
families are tied together in a nice way through a common cord of compassion,
mutual experiences, and hopes for the future. I wish that premature birth
parents in hospitals everywhere could receive this book. It is truly inspirational
and lets them know they are not alone.