This book really is an inspiration.
I have so much respect for all the specialists doctors and nurses in this profession it truly is mind blowing they do such an amazing service to all that may need their help.
Mind blowing book.

A well written emotional account of how modern medicine has improved over the years in the field of neonatal care. I would imagine this book would be of great interest to people working in these areas.

All I can say is wow such an inspiring book from start to finish. Makes you realise just how lucky we are to have such talented doctor/nurses/medicine and equipment

Beautifully written, emotional book.
How a mother found out her son was seriously ill in her womb at a 29 week scan and how he was operated on and survived where as years ago he wouldn’t have.
This book shows how far medincine has progressed and how parents cope with the news their baby is ill. It shows love and pulling together.
Wonderful

This is a highly informative and moving account of the author's experiences of fetal and nenonatal medicine, and an exploration into its history as well as where it can go in the future.

The First Breath by Olivia Gordon is a powerful book exploring the area of fetal medicine and care for the babies in the neo natal unit. As well as examining various disabilities and the procedures and care involved. It is a heart wrenching book. The bravery of the parents is astounding. The skills of the medical professionals immense. The fight in the babies enormous.
Olivia Gordon had a premature son, Joel in 2011. He has had his fair share of health problems to overcome. It is Joel who prompted Olivia Gordon to look into and explore the world of fetal medicine.
The whole book is fascinating. The medical advances in my lifetime are huge. I take my hat off to the health professionals with their skills and knowledge.
The book includes not only Olivia Gordon’s experiences but also the personal stories of others. At the end of the book, we catch up with the children to learn how they are now doing.
What really comes across is the resilience of the parents. They fight for their babies every step of the way as they face huge challenges even before birth.
Society has thankfully moved on from the 1950’s where people with disabilities were hidden from the world in institutions. I worked for many years as a learning support assistant for special needs in the local high school. These children are amazing – they are brave as they face challenges daily, they are strong and they are uncomplaining, doing even the hardest tasks with a smile.
We must never forget that the children with disabilities are still children. They want to laugh and play and learn.
The First Breath was such a powerful read. I want to leave you with this thought:
“He’s not a list of characteristics in a textbook, he’s my child.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Fascinating insight into Foetal surgery, as an Advanced Paediatric Nurse I have a lot of knowledge on most conditions discussed but I didn't know about the history and all the different surgeries that are undertaken, it's amazing what modern medicine can achieve. Thank you to the author for sharing her story.

As someone who is not a parent but knows that there is a strong likelihood of having a child with a genetic condition should I fall pregnant I found this book fascinating and I am full of awe for Gordon and all of the other parents who share their stories.

A beautifully, poignant and well written book about the amazing scientific achievements of modern medicine in pregnancy. For anyone who has gone through anything remotely similar, this is insightful and thought provoking. What a brave lady the author is for sharing her story.