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A review by elysecdx
7 Secrets of the Newborn: Secrets and (Happy) Surprises of the First Year by Sally Collings, Robert C. Hamilton
2.0
I normally don't write reviews, but I feel like it's important to share some of my reflections on this book because there weren't any "red flags" when I decided to buy it.
I'll just get right to the point-- this book has the same basic information that any other parenting book out there contains, but it also makes a lot of very strong presumptions that you are straight, cisgender, financially comfortable, are in a healthy relationship, have a healthy relationship with your own family, and have a job with parental leave.
Hamilton makes frequent cases for:
1) Why everyone should have a baby even if they don't want one
2) "Why babies need a mom and a dad" (there's an entire chapter devoted to this; nowhere is it ever qualified that "mom and dad" could be substituted with other roles or acknowledged that single motherhood could be a preferable option or even the only option)
3) Mothers should try to take "at least" 6 months of maternity leave
More minor issues: the book also quotes Jordan Peterson (twice) and frequently explains reproductive biology by saying "God designed it this way." (I personally don't have a problem with anyone's voicing of benign religious beliefs, but I do find it jarring to go from a discussion of hormone signaling pathways to "because God said so" within the space of a few paragraphs.)
To Hamilton's credit, I think he makes a relatable and non-threatening case for vaccinating your children that doesn't veer into the "if you don't understand science you're stupid" argument that, to me, just feels alienating and mean.
If nothing I wrote above bothers you, my review is not for you. Go ahead and read this book-- it's fine. My review is for fellow parents-to-be who are uncomfortable taking advice from someone who clearly believes that a family with a mom and a dad who have middle class jobs is the only family worth discussing.
I'll just get right to the point-- this book has the same basic information that any other parenting book out there contains, but it also makes a lot of very strong presumptions that you are straight, cisgender, financially comfortable, are in a healthy relationship, have a healthy relationship with your own family, and have a job with parental leave.
Hamilton makes frequent cases for:
1) Why everyone should have a baby even if they don't want one
2) "Why babies need a mom and a dad" (there's an entire chapter devoted to this; nowhere is it ever qualified that "mom and dad" could be substituted with other roles or acknowledged that single motherhood could be a preferable option or even the only option)
3) Mothers should try to take "at least" 6 months of maternity leave
More minor issues: the book also quotes Jordan Peterson (twice) and frequently explains reproductive biology by saying "God designed it this way." (I personally don't have a problem with anyone's voicing of benign religious beliefs, but I do find it jarring to go from a discussion of hormone signaling pathways to "because God said so" within the space of a few paragraphs.)
To Hamilton's credit, I think he makes a relatable and non-threatening case for vaccinating your children that doesn't veer into the "if you don't understand science you're stupid" argument that, to me, just feels alienating and mean.
If nothing I wrote above bothers you, my review is not for you. Go ahead and read this book-- it's fine. My review is for fellow parents-to-be who are uncomfortable taking advice from someone who clearly believes that a family with a mom and a dad who have middle class jobs is the only family worth discussing.