The Antenatal Group By Amy Bratley

[amazon_link id=”1447218388″ target=”_blank” ][/amazon_link]’The Antenatal Group’ is the second book by Amy Bratley.

Mel’s greatest fear on arriving at her first antenatal class involved dealing with judgemental midwives and sweaty maternity tights. The last thing that she ever expected was to be dumped by her boyfriend on the doorstep of her first class facing the prospect of birth and parenthood entirely alone. Shocked, she finds fellow mums-to-be in her antenatal group, an unexpected source of support and comfort. Despite their very different experiences, they develop a bond over a shared introduction to the world of pain relief and labour positions, but a deeper sense of understanding and camaraderie. They soon become Mel’s most valued friends. From confidential, single Lexi who has decided to go through motherhood alone with the help of a sperm bank, to young free spirited Rebecca and successful businesswoman, Katy who thinks that a baby will complete her nuclear family, the friends soon find that life rarely goes to plan. And even Erin, the fount of all baby knowledge, is hiding a tragic secret from her past.

‘The Antenatal Group’ is the first book that I have read by Amy Bratley and it’s a wonderfully fabulous read that will you enthralled from the very first group meeting. Beautifully written, Amy has successfully created five wonderful leading ladies as they all prepare for their first child, as they all approach this milestone with excitement, anticipation and fear, their journey’s leading up to the pregnancy and beyond makes for heartfelt reading. The group of women are an intriguing bunch of characters, all strong and independent as they discover new friendships, they each all have their own secret burdens to hide from one another. Scenes with the women together, make for particularly interesting and entertaining reading as they all compare notes, confide and support one another during this stressful but happy time.

‘The Antenatal Group’ is a touching story of the importance of friendship and about the excitement of expecting, through tears and laughter, we join five women on the pitfalls, the drama and most importantly the labour! The story is also perfect for expecting mothers as it is quite informative in parts but for those with sensitive stomaches, be warned, as the labours scenes are terribly graphic!

You can buy [amazon_link id=”1447218388″ target=”_blank” ]The Antenatal Group on Amazon [/amazon_link] and is available from good bookshops.