After a year of preparation, eighteen year old Raven Smith has researched and planned out every detail of her summer vacation in Europe; those plans DO NOT include boys, romance, or falling in love (definitely not the last one). But, even before the plane touches-down her well-laid plans go dreadfully off-course. While still airborne, Raven finds a letter in her carry-on suitcase that her senile neighbor broke into her house to stash in her bag; the letter tells Raven to turn back, not to go to Europe, that an "evil agent of Hell" is looking for Raven and he will find her if she disregards the letter's message. But Raven does disregard the letter... Almost as soon as Raven steps foot onto Rome's streets, dark, seductive Andras starts showing up at nearly every site Raven visits; Raven finds herself drawn to Andras in a way she's never been drawn to anyone, while at the same time... he terrifies her. Then in comes Nicholas, an impossible-not-to-like Swedish guy, who is determined to keep Raven away from Andras... The two guys share a dark secret. Both are determined that Raven never learns the truth. She doesn't know who to trust, or if she should trust anyone. If Raven frees herself from the deception twined around her... the most horrifying secret she could uncover, might be her own... her past... who she really is...and how the forces of Hell plan to use her to destroy the future...

Why should today's parents read yet another pediatric advice book? What's changed about babies in the last 30 years? Nothing. What's changed about parents? Plenty. Today both work. Grandparents retire to the sunbelt and aren't around to help. And that terrific neighbor who pitched in when you grew up is hard to find today. Dan Heller, a celebrated Boston pediatrician, saw parents becoming significantly more anxious and less confident about their child- rearing skills. He poo-pooed today's medical system that eschews common sense and favors dependence on pediatricians, pediatric specialists and consultants. He wanted parents to relax and enjoy bringing up children, to understand that most childhood issues are within the realm of normal. He called himself "Crazy Dr. Heller" and this book is his legacy-- very sane advice that can make a difference in your parenting. Daniel G. Heller, MD practiced pediatrics for 28 years before his death in November, 2004. He graduated from Columbia College and New York University Medical Center and completed residency at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children. Board certified in pediatrics and pediatric nephrology, he was an assistant clinical professor at Harvard Medical School and loved teaching medical students, residents and parents. Nancy S. Heller, MSW, JD is a pediatric practice administrator in Brookline, Massachusetts where she served on the School Committee for several years. Her legal and social work concentrated on children's issues, like foster care, adoption, child abuse. Her three children are grown, and she has one grandson, named for his late grandfather.

Get better sleep for the whole family—from birth—with gentle, proven tips, tools, and techniques from The Sleep Lady® Sleep training isn’t recommended until your baby is 6 months old, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless to help them (and you) sleep better now. For the past three decades, Kim West, known around the world as The Sleep Lady®, has personally helped over twenty thousand families gently teach their children how to fall asleep—and fall back asleep—without leaving them to cry it out alone. Now, in The Sleep Lady®’s Gentle Newborn Sleep Guide, she offers gentle, evidenced-based ways to help newborns (and parents) get to sleep! Understand action steps you can take and learn myths you can let go of with easily digestible chapters you can follow along monthly. In month-by-month chapters that are easily digestible (even in the middle of the night!), West and her Gentle Sleep Team share: How feeding, attachment, soothing, and temperament all factor into your infant’s sleep The key developmental milestones from birth through five months and how to encourage sleep at every stage Safe co-sleeping guidelines—and clear answers around this hotly debated topic Success stories from real parents Alternatives to the “cry it out” method for newborns, based on an infant’s developmental readiness to self-soothe Plus, what parents need to know to make sure they’re taking care of themselves, too It’s easy to get overwhelmed by conflicting advice on sleep training, nap coaching, sleep schedules, and more. The Sleep Lady®’s Gentle Newborn Sleep Guide provides clear guidance and a safe haven free of judgment, guilt, and criticism for parents seeking options that align with their parenting values and beliefs. Raising a newborn doesn't have to be a sleep-deprived nightmare. Trust your instincts. Learn how to read and respond to your baby’s cues with confidence. And finally get a good night’s sleep.

By the preeminent pediatric organization, a revised and updated edition of the 1.3 million copy breastfeeding primer, reflecting the most up-to-date information and statistics about the benefits of nursing and sage advice on how to establish a breastfeeding routine. The organization that represents the nation's finest pediatricians, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), is the standard-setter for best practices in pediatric medicine. Their ever-popular New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding is the book most pediatricians recommend. In 2024, they will release a newly revised policy statement on breastfeeding guidelines and includes the very latest in research on the links between breastfeeding and childhood health. This comprehensive resource covers: Information for mothers who are preparing for the first feeding and adjusting to home, family, and work as a nursing mother New research on the ways breastfeeding can stave off childhood allergies and obesity Expanded coverage of proper nutrition for nursing mothers Proven ways to establish a nursing routine and what to do when mom returns to work Information on handling special situations like premature birth and C-sections Mom-tested solutions to common breastfeeding challenges

The Breastfeeding Book Your Doctor Recommends Why is breastfeeding best for my baby? Will I like it? What if it hurts? What happens when my maternity leave is over? Will I be able to use a breast pump? How can I make this work? The American Academy of Pediatrics, the organization that represents the nation’s finest pediatricians, answers these questions and many more in this invaluable resource to help you and your baby get the healthiest possible start. The benefits of breastfeeding will last a lifetime, for both you and your baby. Here is everything new mothers need to know about breastfeeding. From preparing for the first feeding to adjusting to home, family, and work life as a nursing mother, this comprehensive resource covers: • Preparing for breastfeeding before your baby is born • Breastfeeding benefits for mothers and babies, including the most recent neurological, psychological, and immunological research showing why breastfeeding enhances your infant’s immune system and protects against many common illnesses • Establishing a nursing routine and what to do when you return to work • The father’s role and creating a postpartum support network • Handling special situations, from C-sections to premature births • Breastfeeding beyond infancy • Weaning your baby • Solutions to common breastfeeding challenges • And much more Mothers everywhere will find this book an indispensable guide to one of life’s most important decisions.

IF BABIES CAME WITH A USER’S MANUAL–THIS WOULD BE IT! Here is a lifeline of reliable, reassuring information for those busy days and often sleepless nights from pregnancy through the first year. This trouble shooting, sanity-saving book covers more than five hundred topics–everything from allergies to zoster (commonly known as shingles)–and is filled with warm, comforting advice from an experienced pediatrician and father of two. Wondering about those little bumps or spots? Worried that your baby sleeps or eats too much (or too little)? Coping with colic? Concerned about teething? Confused about car seats, medications, vaccinations? Designed to console even the most stressed-out parents during the always challenging first twelve months, this essential guide includes • Guidelines for a healthy pregnancy (tip: limit fish and avoid peanut butter)–and what supplies to have on hand when baby arrives • Advice on choosing a pediatrician: three vital questions for the prenatal interview • The advantages (and disadvantages) of breast- and bottle-feeding, as well as time-tested tips on feeding schedules • Hints for getting through the night–and avoiding ineffective bedtime rituals, including the “Sneaky” and “Buddy” approaches • Crucial facts about shots, screening tests, and immunizations (yes, kids still do get whooping cough) • At-your-fingertips information on common illnesses, fevers, when to call the doctor, and what to do in an emergency • Special advice for working moms, single parents, adoptive parents, and parents of twins, triplets, and preemies Plus–handy checklists, growth charts, eye-catching diagrams, “Myths and Truths” about baby care, and Kidfixer FAQs–real questions from parents and Dr. Altman’s helpful advice

The impact of child maltreatment on victims, families, and society—from immediate medical care and legal services to long-term mental health care and law enforcement—cannot be understated. And it remains a severe problem in spite of increasing public awareness and stricter laws. To keep up with growing body of professionals staying informed on this subject, the third edition of A Practical Guide to the Evaluation of Child Physical Abuse and Neglect assists the reader in recognizing abuse/neglect (exclusive of sexual abuse) in children and youth, and determining its extent. Illustrated with clinical photographs, the Guide details systematic evaluation procedures, explains the tasks of an evaluation team, and expands and updates the knowledge base in these and other major areas: Specific injuries, including burns, bruises, fractures, and head and abdominal injuries Malnourishment and other forms of neglect Medical child abuse (previously known as Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy) Maltreatment of children with special health care needs Domestic partner violence Prevention strategies, psychosocial assessment, collaborations with law enforcement and the courts, and more The new edition of A Practical Guide to the Evaluation of Child Physical Abuse and Neglect offers expert information useful to practitioners across professional domains: public health professionals in maternal and child health and school settings; physicians and nurses; clinical social workers, child psychologists, and school psychologists; and attorneys and law enforcement personnel.

A comprehensive manual for feeding babies and toddlers during the crucial first years of life, written by a team of medical experts who are also parents. All Your Questions about Feeding, Answered. The choices of when, how, and what to feed your baby can be overwhelming. With The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers, you have the expertise of a team of pediatric medical and nutritional experts—who also happen to be parents—in a comprehensive manual that takes the guesswork out of feeding. This first-of-its-kind guide provides practical, easy-to-follow advice to help you navigate the nutrition issues, medical conditions, and parenting concerns that accompany feeding. With recipes, parenting stories, and recommendations based on the latest pediatric guidelines, this book will allow you to approach mealtime with confidence so you can spend more time enjoying your new family.