I know, from the hundreds of stories I've learned from Choice Moms everywhere, that this is a common benefit of motherhood. We can spend so much time focused on the stress of single parenting that we forget there are major life-changing PLUSSES to our new lives as mothers.

Most of us automatically don't want to drink alcohol or smoke in front of our kids (if at all). But what about all the other ingredients to a healthy lifestyle? How are we doing at those? And how can we improve?

I want to recommend for expecting and new mothers "Happy Baby: The Organic Guide to Baby's First 24 Months." It includes several hundred pages of excellent insights from the Happy Baby team, including noted pediatrician Dr. Robert Sears (who I interviewed last year for the Choice Chat radio show, about Taking Care of Yourself during the newborn (aka Becoming) stage. If you haven't already heard of Dr. Sears, think Dr. Spock, up-to-date and holistic.

I recommend the book for anyone who needs to do any of the following:

• Develop a healthy and green diet, for your child to emulate -- including advising your caregivers on your preferences
• Creating an active lifestyle, including ways to play with baby from birth to two years, and ways to combat childhood obesity
• Learn to cope with stress and emotions, and teach those to your child with attachment parenting
• Practice good hygiene -- how not to be obsessive about germs, while protecting your new child from illness, and basic baby grooming tips
• Get a good night's sleep -- tips for baby naps and bedtime
• Use preventive medicine to your advantage -- as a pediatrician, Dr. Sears has good insight about what doctors are looking for, and how to treat common illnesses naturally and responsibly