Consumer Critique: Calm Mama, Happy Baby

Disclosure: I received complimentary products to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.

I recently got asked to review Calm Mama, Happy Baby. The title makes a lot of sense - many parents know that kids seem to pick up on our stress.

What I like about this book is it uses the negative self-talk many mothers use with themselves, and turn it around. Things like, "I must be doing something wrong with my baby, that's why he's so fussy," can aggravate us and make matters worse. But when you believe in your good parenting abilities, as the book points out, you get a healthier attachment, a stronger sense of intuition, and a much more peaceful parenting experience.

I like how the book is laid out. There are little key points pulled out and restated in margins to really emphasize them. There's also science included - not so much that it makes the book hard to read, but enough that you can tell the authors have done their research.

One chapter focuses specifically on calming yourself, with breathing exercises and with the CALM procedure. There are also a variety of calming techniques that take one minute, five minutes, or thirty minutes, so you can fit something into your busy day.

The book is understanding in tone, not preachy. It's sympathetic, as a helpful older relative would be. If you're struggling to stay calm and doubting your new parenting skills, check it out and see if it helps you.