I recently had the pleasure of attending Ann Douglas’ book launch for (affiliate link) The Mother of All Pregnancy Books, second edition.

I did all of my pregnancy and baby reference book purchasing during my first pregnancy, slightly obsessively of course, but also while living in the UK. Which was highly useful for a British pregnancy, but not quite so much since.  The pregnancies may run pretty much the same but the remedy to a problem may involve completely different advice between countries. I know a number of people who have had a baby in Canada who recommend Ann’s book as a simple, straightforward and very Canadian reference book.

I can’t say that I expected to be consulting a pregnancy reference book this time around. I mean, surely I know everything by now? (Ha. Ha ha.) Well, Ann’s book has been on my night table about 10 days, and I’ve already frantically searched the index for ‘dehydration’ (thanks to a nasty virus) and ‘rash’ (thanks to, potentially, the after effects of the virus? Weird blotchy red skin for a day, but not itchy). I plan to read it cover to cover. I think I may need a refresher course after a 4 year gap. Turns out this pregnancy thing isn’t quite like riding a bike. The bike changes too often! Today maybe it’s a scooter. Or a broomstick?

During the party, we were asked to provide some pregnancy advice on video and written down on a keepsake card. I decided to give myself some advice to slow down and actually pay some attention to this pregnancy. I haven’t actually listened to myself yet. Perhaps in August? Or September?

The book is lovely; but Ann is lovelier. That was really the reason I was excited to go. Not only is Ann a prolific author, she’s also a passionate social and political advocate who happens to share many of my beliefs, and just an all around nice and supportive person who I’ve been lucky enough to get to know a little bit over the last couple of years. Her book launch was a chance to hear her speak, to celebrate her accomplishment in writing a very updated second edition (sounds like a labour of love, really), and a chance to catch up with great friends.

How serendipitous for me that I get an updated reference book with a friendly name on the front just when I need it.

(This post is not sponsored; I was not asked to write it; it was not a condition on my attending the book launch. I was merely inspired to write it after my experiences of the past 2 weeks.)

Related posts:

1. A mother of a post