Book review: Parenting by Heart

Book Review: Parenting by Heart by Pinky McKay, Penguin Books 2011

Reviewed by: Lyn McErlean

Bringing a baby home is the most daunting thing you can every do; especially the first time! When you realise this child came with no manual you find yourself going to the baby books for some advice. Generally when you need this advice it is late at night or when your best friend is not at home, and Grandma is overseas!

I distinctly remember turning to a baby book for some advice and comfort soon after I brought baby one home, what I read was opinionated and hurtful to someone who had had an emergency Caesar and was having difficulty breastfeeding. The book made me feel like a total failure, thankfully after a rough night of many tears I woke to the realisation that this particular baby book should be put in the bin; and not even the charity bin! After such an experience I find it hard to recommend a book to new parents, but I have found a book I can recommend.

I read “Parenting by Heart” from cover to cover, it was a joy. I thought it was such a valuable book I shared it with a friend who is a new mother and we discussed some of the topics in great depth noting the relaxed and calming tone of the book. I wished I had had it way back when. Reading it brought back those beautiful memories of tiny babies, the struggle, uncertainty, the quiet, the cuddles and the joy of being a mother.

One of the greatest sources of grief with a new baby is the breastfeeding, Pinky is fair and honest in her approach on this topic and supportive of which ever decision you choose. Her advice is realistic and Pinky also gives each alternative options for you to try before heading one direction or another. She also gives a truthful discussion on supplementary feeding which is often given a negative wrap in many other books.

The book is well put together and has plenty of “see page x” for additional ideas and the index and resources are comprehensive with plenty of other resources for you to seek out at certain stages if you need more advice such as approaching the Breast Feeding Association and makingmoremilk.com.

Pinky McKay has also written other books – “Toddler Tactics, Sleeping like a Baby and 100 ways to Calm the Crying”. Pinky is an International board Certified Lactation consultant, infant massage instructor and mother of five; she is well qualified to assist you in trying the right options for your new baby. Given the quality of this book I would be also looking at the others as a first choice if you needed more advice. She is also available on the web www.pinkymckay.com.au which is worth checking out there is plenty of advice and many positive reviews.

This doesn’t look like a massive book that will cover all the topics you need for the birth and first year but it does. It covers sleep, playtime what to do when the baby is crying and unwell, how to juggle being a mother, a wife and a daughter, and the return to work.

Parenting by Heart by Pinky McKay is what I would have liked to have gifted to my sister when she had her children; it is kind, thoughtful and generous. The advice is gently well written and comes from someone who knows what they are talking about. A pleasure and delight to recommend this book.
10/10