Diana Nicholls

This book could have been so much better, as it deals with a very interesting story: twins who share a placenta, the medical and emotional problems of their mother, both before and after their birth; and the author's withdrawal symptoms from her overwhelming need to exercise. And so for me the best parts were the sections by the medical professionals, who wrote very well and in depth about these issues. The worst parts were Nicholls' diary entries, reproduced verbatim and, as one reviewer noted, very poorly written (and the garish font for the dates was very distracting.

I found it hard to feel sympathy for her, unfortunately, I guess because she seemed so distant from her own emotions and, it seemed, from her husband who was hardly ever mentioned until he got a chapter of his own that was also not terribly well-written.

I received this book as an Early Reviewer but, oddly, thought until recently that I had not received it - because the cover, for some strange reason, shows a woman (Nicholls?) in her underwear, looking down at her stomach; which, combined with the blurb "a memoir of strength, survival & mental health," made me think it was a book about anorexia!… (más)

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Diana Nichols book "30 Weeks 1 Day" is a very personal account of her high risk pregnancy and her experiences in the NICU with her twin daughters. She intersperses her diary entries with a memoir-style of writing. Also included are recollections of others such as her husband and some of the medical professionals who cared for her and her daughters. These entries seemed a little stilted, and were often duplicative of what Nicholls had already shared. I would have liked to have heard more from Nicholls' husband, both about his own emotions surrounding the pregnancy and birth, but more importantly how he viewed Nicholls' struggles with depression. I am grateful to Nicholls for sharing her personal story with such honesty.… (más)

A very personal memoir that gives the reader a glimpse into a troubled pregnancy and the journey from diagnosis to delivery. The author was a very passionate athlete when she became pregnant. Unfortunately, because her pregnancy was so high risk she was forbidden from almost any type of exercise until her babies were delivered. While she lived in a perpetual state of anxiety she was not able to ease her fears with running or boxing.

While living in near-constant fear, she also found herself battling depression. Even after her children were born she had difficulty connecting with them and hoping for the future. At this time, the only thing that motivated her was capturing her experience so that others who were going through similar things would have a roadmap.

This account is interspersed with accounts from medical professionals. This is helpful guide to women who are traveling this bumpy road. There aren't too many books to help women who are living with a high-risk pregnancy and this book fills that crucial gap.… (más)