Parenting or Babying books?

Today I attended a weekly conference call with my co-workers and friends at ScreamFree Living. For those of you who are unfamiliar with ScreamFree, it was started by Hal Runkel who wrote the book ScreamFree Parenting. Hal's basic principles involve parenting by calming yourself down. Focusing on yourself in order to become a better parent. My friends with kids all swear by the effectiveness and the value of Hal's teachings, coaching and writings. So I've been sold. Now granted, I often tell my co-workers that I still don't have the endless bottle of ScreamFree Kool-Aid available to me that they apparently have at the office...the one that makes them elated...ecstatic...high...whenever Hal receives positive feedback, but I have sent the parenting book to friends and family who are new parents. I've recommended it to other pregnant women who are looking for parenting books. But the truth came out today that, No, I have not read the book from cover to cover. Actually, I couldn't remember getting past the first chapter. So today I'm reading it.

So far I'm through about 4 chapters. Is this really what I need right now...help with parenting, or is it advice on babying?

Like many first time moms, I'm just looking to make it past the first week, then the first month, then the first three months. Once we make it to that point, I think I'll feel more like a parent. I've read or referenced many pregnancy books. At this point I'm reading or have read a couple of baby books. This is how the truth came out about my lapse in reading the most important parenting book that has ever been written (found my local supply of ScreamFree Kool-Aid). I told my co-workers who were discussing a South Park episode where Nanny-911 was called in and failed; SuperNanny was called in and failed; then the dog whisperer was called in and succeeded. Dave then commented that there was a book called the Baby Whisperer. "Yes, I've read that." I eagerly commented. "Not only that, but Mike and I are getting copies for my mom, for Mike's mom, and for my sister all of whom will be here to help us survive the first month of parenthood." (silence) Oh. I guess that was the wrong thing to say when I then had to admit that I still hadn't read my free copy of ScreamFree Parenting.

My friend and co-worker Jon assured me that ScreamFree Parenting is absolutely going to help me as a new mother. I guess I haven't gotten to the chapter yet where Hal describes how he was successful at breastfeeding. Or the chapter on how to provide a one week old with choices so Addison and Lily will grow up to be self-determining adults. Or the chapter on what are the signs that Addison or Lily need to go to the emergency room.

I guess I'm saying, I don't feel so bad about not having read the ScreamFree Parenting book. Truth be told, I think the Baby Whisperer book appeals to me so much because it also is based on the belief that you have to focus on yourself to be a good parent. It proposes a routine for the baby that involves, eating, activity, sleep then you time. The You time is missing in other babying books I've read. During this You time, you are supposed to make yourself the best person you can be, so in turn you'll be the best parent you can be. This is also something Hal supports. I know that, even though I haven't read all the chapters of the parenting book with which I am so involved.

So which should it be for pregnant women? Babying books or Parenting books? Or both?