Sister Lilian is a trusted midwife with extensive hands-on-experience of pregnancy, birth and childcare. In this updated edition of her highly regarded 'Pregnancy & Birth Companion', she equips expectant parents with a wealth of information. Complete with a preconception plan, a week-by-week guide through every stage of pregnancy, how to cope with the common ‘groans and grunts’ of pregnancy, what to do when more serious illnesses and complications affect pregnancy, detailed nutrition and exercise plans, how to choose the best possible birthing alternative, how to have optimal medical safety while enjoying the vast benefits of a more natural approach, straightforward answers the most frequently asked questions, sensible advice for the early days after birth and a useful list of supportive services.