Summary of Why Did No One Tell Me This?: The Doulas' (Honest) Guide for Expectant Parents by Natalia Hailes and Ash Spivak

Get real about pregnancy with 'Why Did No One Tell Me This?'. This honest guide reveals the truths and challenges every expectant parent should know!

Ah, the blissful naivety of pregnancy! If you're an expectant parent, buckle up for the wild ride through "Why Did No One Tell Me This?". This not-so-fluffy guide penned by doulas Natalia Hailes and Ash Spivak is like the friend who tells you about the scary roller coaster ride after you've already strapped yourself in. Spoiler alert: it's not just about baby showers and cute onesies.

First off, let's talk about what a doula is, because you probably won't find this in your average parenting pamphlet. Doulas are not just fancy birth coaches (although they kind of are); they're like your sidekick in the epic saga of childbirth, providing physical and emotional support. Think of them as your calm, wise friend who can also shout "you got this!" right when you're contemplating turning your birthing room into a drama scene.

So, what's in this honest guide? Well, it kicks off with the positive pregnancy tests that lead to countless "what the heck do I do now?" moments. This book covers the essential things they don't teach you in prenatal classes, such as: "Are those pregnancy cravings even real?" and "Yes, your body will actually change in ways that would make a yoga pants model scream."

Next, brace yourselves for the actual birthing process. This book cherry-picks the gritty details of labor, like that delightful concept called contractions. Spoiler: they're not the fun roller coaster ride you think they are. Expectant parents will get the lowdown on various birthing options, from epidurals to home births. They even have a section for unconventional methods-because, apparently, shouting at your partner isn't on the verified list of practices.

But wait, there's more! The authors delve into postpartum recovery, which is less about cute baby pics and more about surviving on three hours of sleep and wondering if your stomach will ever look the same again. Trust me, after this part, you'll understand why some new parents resemble zombies curiously wandering the snack aisle at 3 AM.

And just when you think it's over, they'll throw a curveball about the emotional whirlwind that is parenthood. Spoiler alert: It's not normal to feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster! Hailes and Spivak emphasize mental health and assures you that it's okay to not be okay, giving you permission to ditch those Pinterest-perfect notions of motherhood that make you feel like you're falling short.

In summary, "Why Did No One Tell Me This?" is the tell-all guide that prepares you for the beautiful chaos of expecting a baby, sprinkled with a dash of sarcasm and a generous serving of real talk. It's the kind of book that'll make you aware enough to leave the house with a fully packed diaper bag (you'll learn what to pack!) but still keeps you laughing in between the seriousness of it all. So, throw away those unrealistic parenting expectations and strap in, because it's about to get real!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.