Resource Guide

The Resource Guide is a work in progress. Here is a glimpse of what will be covered in this book.

Austin Family Resource Guide: Intro.
This book begins at preconception, covers preparations for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth, discusses adjusting to and caring for your newborn, and concludes with the normal development and needs of infants through toddlers and the changing needs of their parents. Regardless of your stage of parenthood, (i.e. debating the timing, just planning, already pregnant, or new parent), each section will provide accurate information needed for decision making, common issues that may arise, and a list of resources available for support and further information related to that stage.

This book is meant to enable you to step back and question everything you think you know about pregnancy, childbirth, and raising a child. Although there is no ONE right way to do any of these, there is abundant and diverse research to show that many of the practices that are common, are not necessarily normal or healthy. Teasing apart the intricate interweaving of culture and nature will allow you to see how different cultures meet, or fail to meet, the needs of infants and the outcomes associated.

Infants are designed to be part of an intimate physical relationship with at least one adult. With this in mind, there are resources that will be needed by the infant, but also resources needed by the adult(s) caring for the infant. In addition to the information relevant to each stage of parenthood, this book also provides an extensive list of local resources, as well as those available in print or through the Internet.

The goals of this book are to provide accurate information needed for decision-making, to support new parents as they struggle with the myriad of decisions, and to facilitate the search for resources needed to accomplish the transition to parenthood.

Preconception Intro:
When planning to have a baby, it is best to prepare your body, mind and soul, as well as your relationship, before you conceive. If you are thinking about having a baby, the resources in this section will help you address the "if", "when", "how", and "what now" questions that you may have.

Conception Intro:
Some couples may concentrate so heavily on the "how-to" of getting pregnant that the event becomes mechanical and devoid of the beauty and mystery that can make conception a joyous event in and of itself. As we learn more about early infancy, we are finding that even events preceding and during conception can have an impact on a child’s life. If you are interested in enhancing the spiritual and emotional bonds between you and your baby and your partner, the resources in this section can assist you.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Intro:
There is no shortage of books, websites and other resources on pregnancy and childbirth. Despite the abundance of advice and information, your decisions during this time may ironically be more challenging due to the variety of opinions expressed in these resources.
Our goals for this section are:
1. To help a woman and her partner understand their own unique needs when choosing a healthcare provider and when preparing for childbirth and breastfeeding.
2. To assist couples in locating resources which are helpful in defining and maintaining a healthy and safe pregnancy and labor.
3. To assist men in connecting with their partner and unborn child during pregnancy, preparing for labor, and transitioning into fatherhood.

Early Infancy Intro:
The first few weeks with a newborn infant can sometimes feel like a tidal wave washing over you, but a bit of preparation and support can help tame the turmoil. This section will help you anticipate and prepare for the needs of your newborn, your own postpartum needs, and those of your partner.

Late Infancy Intro:
The major goals for the first 6-8 weeks with a newborn are surviving the sleep deprivation, establishing successful breastfeeding, and adjusting to the fulltime responsibility of caring for another human being. As these goals are met, a couple can turn their attention to optimizing their health, examining the changes in their relationship, and contemplating their goals, both individually and as a couple. The resources in this section will help you transition from surviving to thriving.

Age One to Three Years Intro:
As you approach the glorious anniversary of your child’s birth, you may be celebrating you and your child’s twelve months of accomplishments while simultaneously mourning the rapid passage of time. Your child’s needs are changing and so are yours. This section is about setting limits respectfully, continuing to strengthen your bond to your child, and optimizing the health of your child, yourself, your partner, and your relationship.