I have had ‘Becoming Mum’ in my handbag for ages, hoping to get around to it one of these days ‘before the baby comes/when we get settled with the baby/when I get this freezer stocked/when Hallowe’en is over/when it’s still 2104’.

I finally opened it and read the first page just a week ago, and devoured it because it’s so good. I’m only sorry I didn’t get around to it sooner!

What Kate Carberry has done is brilliant – she has interviewed loads of women (and some men!) about their experiences of becoming parents. It is divided into those really important categories that everyone talks about or has questions about if they are, or are about to, become parents:

1. The Birth

2. Your body post-birth

3. Mum & Baby’s First Days

4. Feeding

5. Visitors

6. Inside your head – post birth

7. Public Health Visitor

8. Your relationship

9. Routines

10. Tiredness

Each chapter has several genuine first-hand accounts from these interviewed parents about their experiences and they are capped off with a few pointers of advice at the end of each section. As a no-bullshit individual, I can hand-on-heart say that the pointers are really not pushy one way or the other, are practical and sound.

‘Becoming Mum’ is really fantastic and is a must-buy for any lady who is expecting a baby. You can buy it online via the Liberties Press Website xxx