Dr. Francis Champagne at Columbia University studies how nurturing touch in early life changes the infant brain to make infants more nurturing parents. This research shows us that by nurturing our babies, we are creating a legacy for nurture by changing their DNA. If an infant receives high touch in infancy, it leaves marks on their DNA to turn up the production of estrogen receptors. When an infant with high estrogen receptors becomes a parent, they show more parental care. Then those babies grow up to continue to pass on genes and behavior for nurturing care. This work shows us that we CAN and we WILL create cycles of intergenerational nurture! Some of us are continuing or strengthening nurture from our babyhoods, and some of us are creating a brandnew cycle of nurture. None of us are perfect but we are all trying our best." Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum PhD Neuroscientist Nurture_neuroscience_parenting

Ronnie has put together a book that is so needed in this day and age. Number one, she celebrates motherhood and womanhood. These days there are so many varying ideas about womanhood that I think Ronnie's descriptions are much needed. Secondly, she provides great practical tips and guidance for the mother to be. Thirdly Ronnie shares with great vulnerability about her own journey as a mother. This really allows a reader to feel understood while getting resources they need. Finally, Ronnie's vast experience in the healthcare field as a nurse, including work with prenatal care, neonatal care, and with pediatrics in general, gives her a lot of insight from the professional perspective.

This teamed, with the heart of a mother provides a very helpful and readable book that I believe will be a blessing.

Todd Gerelds

Author of Woodlawn, and Always Fall Forward

I have known the author, Ronnie Ann Dean, for 34 years. She is a nurse, nurse educator, a dedicated wife and mother of two boys. Ronnie's heart's desire has always been to serve and improve the lives of others both medically and otherwise. Her writing of this book is an extension and byproduct of her commitment to serve her community. In this book, Ronnie conveys knowledge gained from her own personal experience and education as well as the personal experiences of others in order to equip young mothers (and the family members that live with them) for the post-partum experience. This book provides new and experienced mothers alike with practical advice to help them cope with the challenges of motherhood such as sleep deprivation, time constraints and hormonal changes. Most mothers, brimming with excitement and awe of learning that they will be welcoming a new baby, never plan past the gender reveals, the choosing of name(s), the decorating of the nursery, and the scheduling new baby photographs. Most expectant mothers that I have encountered do not plan for baby blues or even consider that they may find themselves in a battle with post-partum depression. Many of these type struggles can be lessened or avoided altogether with the impartation of a little motherly advice. I know this to be true. I do not have a post-partum blues story to include in this book because I was equipped prior to giving birth with the insights that I gained from my friendship with the author. This book is worth the investment. It's a must have for expectant mothers as well as those that will be supporting the mother as she experiences the changes that lay ahead of her after giving birth to her new baby.

Cindy Self Webb, M.B.A., J.D.,

Attorney-at-law, wife, mother of two daughters and caretaker of other precious family members.