Let the Baby Drive - by Lu Hanessian (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

For more than a decade, Lu Hanessian had been living on the go, traveling the globe as a successful television host and journalist. But nothing could have prepared her for her biggest assignment: motherhood. Her baby redefined her world, turning her precious beliefs and perceptions on their head. He threatened her defenses and whipped up her fears like a cyclone. Like most new mothers, Lu wanted answers. Going by the book didn't seem to work and Popular Opinion was not at all popular with her baby. So she did the only thing she could under the circumstances: she let the baby drive. Along that uncharted road, Lu unearthed her intuition, discovered the power of a baby's voice, the changing dynamic of marriage, and the unexpected merits of self-doubt. In following a journey from chaos to conviction, her voice will inspire mothers everywhere.

From the Back Cover

"The new must-read for moms" --Child magazine

"This is perhaps the juiciest, funniest, liveliest read on parenting I've ever seen. A true treasure."
--Denene Miller, Parenting magazine editor and columnist and author of A Love Story
"This is the book Henry David Thoreau would have written if he had been a mother. It is absolutely revolutionary!"
-E. Jean Carroll, author, advice columnist, Elle

"Hanessian's writing is humorous, wise and real."--Mothering magazine

"The most important part of life is Mother and Child. Lu makes this a miraculous time of discovery with love and leadership."
-Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator, #1 New York Times bestselling series Chicken Soup for the Soul

"Babies cry to communicate, not manipulate. A baby's cry is a baby's language in which a baby says 'something's not right, please make it right.' Listen to babies when they are young and they will listen to you when they are older. Let the Baby Drive lets a mother understand how and why to do this."
-Dr. William Sears, M.D., pediatrician and bestselling author of The Baby Book and The Discipline Book, among others

"Do we dare Let the Baby Drive? Lu Hanessian humorously and sensitively makes it clear why the answer can only be "yes" if we are to become the kind of mother our precious child needs. It's about focusing on the baby for guidance, and then having the courage to trust and act on what we have learned. An important book."
-Marian Tompson, co-founder, La Leche League International

"Let the Baby Drive rings so true! It is a revealing, poignant memoir about paving one's own path in motherhood. Lu walks the reader through her own struggles and challenges and provides a fresh and interesting perspective through every twist and turn. A must-read for new mothers and mothers-to-be!"
-June Cotner, author of Baby Blessings and Mothers and Daughters

"Lu Hanessian's book LET THE BABY DRIVE is a must-read for all new mothers. At times hilarious and at times deeply touching, it helped me walk through my first few years of motherhood with joy and confidence."
-Julie Moran, television host, Entertainment Tonight

Review Quotes

"Do we dare Let the Baby Drive? Lu Hanessian humorously and sensitively makes it clear why the answer can only be 'yes' if we are to become the kind of mother our precious child needs. It's about focusing on the baby for guidance, and then having the courage to trust and act on what we have learned. An important book." --Marian Tompson, co-founder, La Leche League International

"This is the book Henry David Thoreau would have written if he had been a mother. It is absolutely revolutionary!" --E. Jean Carroll, author, advice columnist, Elle

"Lu Hanessian is extraordinarily attuned to her child's needs and her own, in a way that promotes truly wonderful developmental growth. Her book Let the Baby Drive captures the essence of good parenting with a true blend of Baby Knows Best in tandem with Mother Knows Best. It's a winning combination reflecting the heart of child developmental theory, and guarantees raising a happy, healthy child with a solid identity." --Dr. Jane Greer, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, marital and family therapist and author of Gridlock: Finding the Courage to Move On in Love, Work and Life

"This book is written with the excitement of the first time mom who stands in awe at the wisdom she received from her baby by listening to him. Lu proves that mothers and babies are a lot smarter than they are usually given credit. What a joy to share with other mothers and help them be happier, more fulfilled, stronger to follow their conviction!" --Tine Thevenin, bestselling author of The Family Bed and Mothering and Fathering

"Finally, the book I have been looking for to recommend to my clients. Lu Hanessian has put into words what I have strived to teach for thirty years. There are many books out there that try to give a 'cook book' approach to making your children more independent, sleep through the night, be happy and healthy. This book gives you the confidence to find your own approach-your own way with your child." --Ann Anderson, RN, AAHCC, IBCLC, childbirth/parent educator

About the Author

LU HANESSIAN is the host of Discovery Health Channel's Make Room for Baby and her articles have been published in The New York Times, Redbook and Parenting. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and their two boys.