Raising children is one of life's greatest joys, but the impact of introducing a child into a marriage is staggering. Many couples don't realize the relational stress that parenting can cause. Most parents experience decreased intimacy and increased conflict. They may even find themselves asking, "Am I still in love?" When Two Become Three helps couples recognize the inevitable challenges to their relationship that occur during the childrearing years. It provides practical advice designed to help couples nurture their marital relationship in order to ensure it remains strong during this phase of life and beyond.
Based on interviews with women who pursued careers in their 20s and are having children in their 30s and 40s, this book examines all the ways in which a baby affects a new mother's emotional life and dispenses advice on navigating the unfamiliar world of motherhood.
While a number of books exist which deal with various aspects of the postnatal experience - breastfeeding, exercise, motherhood, post-partum depression - this is the first complete source of information on what a woman experiences both physically and emotionally in the days, weeks and months after childbirth. It is also the only book in its field which balances medical advice with practical tips and numerous references to alternative remedies. From Sylvia Brown, a mother, and Mary Dowd Struck, RN,MS,CNM, a nurse/midwife, comes The Post-Pregnancy Handbook, a wonderfully comprehensive, honest self-help guide which every new (and repeat) mother should keep by her bedside. Brown and Struck give detailed guidance on: The First Few Days - alleviating discomfort from the after-effects of labor or a ceasarian - making the hospital stay more pleasant - coping with possible medical complications The First Few Weeks - organizing home life with a new baby - surviving fatigue - breastfeeding successfully - managing older siblings, parents and friends - introducing a new dimension to the couple (returning to sex after childbirth) - navigating the new mother's dietary needs - identifying and overcoming a range of emotional difficulties from "baby blues" to severe postnatal depression - dealing with stress, guilt and that elusive maternal instinct The First Year - achieving a complete physical recovery: how to get back into shape from the inside out - restoring strength and tone to the pelvic floor - countering the legacies of pregnancy: problems with hair, skin, and varicose veins A thorough, straightforward guide to helping the new mother achieve an effective and harmonious recovery.
'An absolute treasure trove on women's physical and mental postnatal health' Milli Hill, author of Give Birth Like A Feminist and The Positive Birth Book 'Brilliant' Clover Stroud 'Essential reading for all parents to be' Marina Fogle 'Helpful, honest and humorous - which is exactly what we all need after birth' Ross J. Barr, acupuncturist and women's health expert While there is a wealth of advice for new mums on caring for their babies the same is not true for postpartum health. Fulfilling this vital need, After Birth is the ultimate postnatal primer for women facing changes to their bodies after having a baby. Addressing issues great and small - from hair loss and stretch marks, to bladder and bowel leaks, painful sex, diastasis recti and mental health - researcher and writer Jessica Hatcher-Moore brings together straight-talking advice on preparation for childbirth, healing, and recovery in the weeks, months and even years that follow. She also offers insights for partners, whose role is often overlooked at this critical time. Blending knowledge from the full spectrum of modern and traditional therapies with honest experiences from mothers, here is balanced advice with no agenda. Taking a broad look at what we can do for ourselves at home, and also when to seek expert help, After Birth will reassure, inform and empower women to reclaim their post-birth bodies.
The first few weeks and months after a baby'¬?s birth can be a wonderful and confusing time. While trying to discover the best ways to care for her child, new (and experienced) mothers often neglect their own health. It is essential, however, that mothers pay as much attention to their own wellness as they pay to their baby'¬?s health and happiness during this crucial time. In a completely revised and updated edition of AFTER THE BABY'¬?S BIRTH, childcare and women'¬?s-wellness expert Robin Lim guides mothers through the best methods of mother and baby postpartum care, including parental nurturing, breastfeeding, the role of the father, nutrition, and early sensory education. Focusing on natural and wholesome practices, AFTER THE BABY'¬?S BIRTH is a sensitive, practical guide to post-pregnancy health.‚Ä¢ Includes touching personal stories based on real-life experiences of mothers.‚Ä¢ Features a collection of delicious recipes formulated especially for postpartum women, plus a special chapter dedicated to the ancient practice of Ayurvedic medicine.‚Ä¢ Original edition sold 30,000 copies.
Forget about the baby for just one minute; what about you? New motherhood changes everything. Few women are prepared for the radical shifts in identity, emotional intensity and relations with friends, family and the father of their child. In this fully revised and updated edition of the classic book that first bust the conspiracy of silence surrounding the upheaval of new motherhood, Kate Figes draws on medical and historical research, the invention of 'good' motherhood as well as personal testimony to reassure new mothers everywhere that they are not only normal if they find things difficult, but also doing fine.
This is an extremely personal account of the physical and emotional changes experienced by one mom following the birth of her babies. This is not how a mom "remembers" the aftermath of a delivery. This is a book written from actual voice recordings as a mom was experiencing this time in her life. This tell-all book captures vivid details of the days and weeks following childbirth. As you read one mom's journey into this crazy wonderful experience, you have a chance to gain insight on what may happen to you. Although it is explained having a baby is worth every second, postpartum is not always easy. Prepare yourself as you squirm, whence, and laugh your way through one mom's life after delivery.
New moms run into a host of new challenges once baby arrives, including getting back into shape, developing a parenting style, readjusting schedules, and interacting with their husbands in new ways. With compassion and humor--and always the privilege of motherhood in mind--The New Mom's Guides go straight to the heart of these matters, offering moms guidance and encouragement in this new season of life. Each of the four books in the series offers real advice from women who have been there, done that, and want other moms to benefit from their trials and triumphs. A perfect gift for baby showers, Mother's Day, or any day, these small volumes are compact enough to take along in an overstuffed diaper bag and designed for the mom who can only find a few minutes of peace each day to read.