The Postnatal Depletion Cure: A Complete Guide to Rebuilding Your Health and Reclaiming Your Energy for Mothers of Newborns, Toddlers, and Young Children

by Oscar Serrallach

While postpartum depression has become a recognizable condition, this is the first book to treat root causes of mommy brain, baby blues, and other symptoms that leave mothers feeling exhausted.

Any woman who has read What to Expect When You're Expecting needs a copy of The Postnatal Depletion Cure . Filled with trustworthy advice, protocols for successful recovery, and written by a compassionate expert in women's health, this book is a guide to help any mother restore her energy, replenish her body, and reclaim her sense of self.
Most mothers have experienced pain, forgetfulness, indecision, low energy levels, moodiness, or some form of baby brain. And it's no The process of growing a baby depletes a mother's body in substantial ways--on average, a mother's brain shrinks 5% during pregnancy, and the placenta saps her of essential nutrients that she needs to be healthy and contented. But with postnatal care ending after 6 weeks, most women never learn how to rebuild their strength and care for their bodies after childbirth. As a result, they can suffer from the effects of depletion for many years, without knowing what's wrong as well as getting the support and treatments that they need.

Genres: Parenting, Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Medical, Adult

304 pages, Hardcover

Published June 5, 2018

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

With the caveat that Oscar Serrallach is a doctor of *functional* medicine which is very different from an MD, and therefore this book was prone to woo, I really liked quite a bit of it! I think our society has unreasonable expectations on mothers in general, and especially new mothers. I liked that this book encouraged new moms to care for themselves, not worry about bouncing back but move their bodies to regain some health and strength, eat nourishing foods, practice good sleep hygiene, etc. I skimmed over the section on supplementation, figuring I could probably just continue taking my prenatal vitamins and it would be effective and much less expensive than whatever goop is hawking in her online shop. The section on food had a few annoying mentions of tOxInS but also included a lot of quick and healthy meal ideas. The chapter on exercise was something I wish I'd read about a year ago when I was newly postpartum. All in all, I thought this book was a great way to turn the focus back into healing and supporting the mother, rather than devoting 95% of her energy to the baby and giving herself the leftovers.

[Fiona · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a great idea for a book but it is written for a certain type of cis, white, heterosexual, privileged mother and I am sick of this type of language in health books. Do better 🤮

Alarm bells should have rang at “functional doctor for GOOP” and “Byron Bay-based” and the fact a male is writing a postnatal book 🤣

All the bits about libido and complex superfood recipes made me roll my eyes several times.

The good bits were the actual bits about macro and micro nutrient depletion and a list of tests to take to your doctor. Considering how appalling postnatal care in most countries, this would be handy information to have as you wade through the swamp that is female healthcare.

There is a big focus on restorative yoga and Pilates which is excellent. Slow is best. Rest is healing. Good stuff.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know how I stumbled across this book, but I'm glad that I did. It helped me understand a lot of what I had experienced in the years after my two children were born and come to peace with a lot of it as well. Now, when my youngest is 2 1/2 years old, I am learning how important nutrition is during pregnancy and postpartum. I wish I would have known sooner! A lot of the information was helpful for understanding what has happened to my body because of pregnancy, but I got bogged down in the chapters where he described each vitamin and supplement dosages in detail. Much of the advice was not practical unless a mother has a nanny and personal chef, in which case why would her depletion be critical in the first place? But, this is a useful book to read in order to learn about self-care postpartum and to give a mom ideas on where to go from there once armed with this knowledge.

[Lindsay Jarvis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Any book that recommends a vitamin/supplement regime, states the “harms” of gluten and chlorinated tap water etc is full of BULLSHIT.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the concept of this book and think it is wonderful that it is being addressed. This book addresses the depletion women face after giving birth, especially in American society that doesn't give them any time to recover but expects them to get back to doing it all almost immediately after giving birth. The author provides many helpful holistic suggestions for women to care for themselves. The author included case studies of women with their specific diagnoses and treatment plans, which I found to be too specific to be helpful. I was also concerned that the author included self-tests for vitamin and mineral deficiencies and then specific dosage amounts for self-treatment. Though he did say to consult with your doctor, this specific information encourages readers to skip over a doctor consultation and self-treat, which can be dangerous depending on the supplement and other medications/supplements one is taking.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.

[Brianne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hoping this book would help me overcome the trauma of two difficult births, raising a toddler and infant during a pandemic, and help me get back on my feet mentally, emotionally, and physically. Instead, I only made it through part of the author’s “forward” when he mentioned LOSING BABY WEIGHT. I was frankly appalled. It feels so completely out of touch with the modern woman who should not be pressured to lose baby weight, but focus on what truly matters. I decided not to continue reading. I have to wonder what his own wife might think of his suggestion that she might “lose the baby weight” by following his recommended diet. I know that’s not his book’s full intention, but seriously.... what century are we in? Losing baby weight should absolutely NOT be a focus for new mothers, or mothers giving all they have to young children. NEXT.

[Ensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who experience severe postnatal depletion, I wish I’d known about this book a year ago! A fantastic read for pregnant women, new moms, and their partners. This a great guide to postnatal recovery at any stage, and I found it helpful even though my youngest is 14 months. Wish I’d read this when I was pregnant instead of reading 20 different books about labor and delivery. This book will both empower and inspire you!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a super strong start with nutritional information that had me up-in-arms yelling: yes! (in my head), my interest tapered off once the author got to the chapter on sleep and incorporating yoga. Past that and I really struggled to finish. That said, the nutrition/supplement information is enough for me to recommend this to my friends, and I did, but take the rest with a grain of salt. Or just don’t finish it 🤷‍♀️

[Jac · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fascinating book with lots of woo and traditional/non-evidence based suggestions for helping women recover from the exhaustion, brain fog, and anxiety that do often plagued them after birth - but the lack of evidence is due at least in part to the lack of research on the topic.

It’s written by a man with statements like “ we’re designed to consume, digest, and utilize foods in their natural forms”, and disproven claims that MSG is harmful. He also uses triggering language like “normal vaginal delivery”.

Despite many, many flaws, it has some very interesting ideas and suggestions for anyone who is feeling like their doctor and traditional medical routes aren’t helping them adequately regain their pre-birth energy. I found the section on suggested tests for micronutrient deficiencies (ie iron, magnesium, etc) and hormone imbalances (especially thyroid related) fascinating and empowering.

The latter portions of the book were harder to appreciate. The meal plan suggestions were entirely unreasonable for a new mom. Despite mentioning traditions that provide practical support and enable rest for new moms, he could have done more to talk about how to practically get outside support in modern society.

Some of the exercise and meditation suggestions were concrete and helpful, if you could get past his frequent mentions of “prioritizing time” and carving out undisturbed time. Obviously, with all that extra time available most moms wouldn’t be so depleted in the first place!

And his last chapter on relationship advice really crossed over into the offensive. “Women need to let go of their need to control”, and lots of instructions like “do not let your shift in thinking create a rift between you and your partner”. Schedule sex like you’d schedule a doctor’s appt. 🤮

[Carrie Francis-Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Using a vulnerable moment in women’s lives to love bomb with ‘I see you’ rhetoric that just lays a bread crumb path of bullshit towards supplement-hawking = a meh from me.

This book consists of:

1) Lots of basic principals and concepts I’m already well versed in as a human living in todays society (yoga, meditation, self care, sleep, nutrition 101) that I can’t argue with but also left me completely bored

2) Disclaimers like ‘there’s no science to back this up’ and ‘I’m not a relationship expert’ followed by entire chapters of claims about how women’s bodies and minds work based on what what this man (who is not a doctor or scientist… or woman…) believes

3) A lot of detailed mumbo-jumbo about supplements that leave you bleary eyed and exhausted even if you HAVEN’T recently had a baby followed by ‘case studies’ of his experience in curing women based on anecdotal hunches and ‘experimentation’

4) a cherry on top chapter finale with a dated sexist POV on relationships and libido that’s just cis-hetero male eye-roll and could have been copied and pasted ‘men are from Mars women are from Venus’. Get ready to hear that men are just too logical so we should give them a break—he’s got a nice list of how women should speak to them to help them as they learn on the job.

EDIT: one redeemable aspect of this book (and the reason it’s a 2 nit a 1) is the sadly short section with insight into traditions from non-western cultures (indigenous, historical) and how they honored this postpartum experience. I would rather read a book about that; breaking down what the potential nutritional and psychological effects of these practices may have done for these women, bringing in subject matter experts instead of spouting his own opinions with lists of ‘how-to’s’

[Alli Shoemaker]

As a science writer, I felt like this could’ve used an editor to rearrange into more of a storytelling narrative. The book was way too packed with information, and while sources are listed in the back, I felt the references should’ve been clearly noted- some of it felt too wacky and I needed the proof. It could’ve also benefited from a more illustrative approach.

I used to be skeptical of functional medicine, but this is finally starting to come to fruition in cancer research (specifically regarding how clinicians communicate with patients) and there’s no question the approach is absolutely necessary. Humans have trackable processes within them, but it’s everyone is so highly individualized with their needs that you need a more than “if A then B” model. So I appreciated this look at things.

I struggled with this being written by a man. I think a woman would’ve done a better job writing for a female audience if I’m being honest- both in terms of style and content. I feel it would’ve been more relational and less like a mechanical manual.

I’m not going to give it a bad rating, however, because it’s one of the few absolutely necessary resources on postnatal care and it has to start somewhere.

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely some good info here. I was pleasantly surprised to find that judging by his 'tests' I wouldn't seem to be super depleted (still want to get some bloodwork done to make sure, of course!) Still, three pregnancies in three years has taken its toll and the fact that breastfeeding won't end for probably another two years... I do know that my body needs some care.

While Dr. Serralllach makes it clear that we need to rethink the way we treat postpartum mothers, I found his suggestions only mildly helpful. Many of us simply can't afford to buy several, high quality supplements. And then his suggested eating plan... I mean, I know that I certainly don't have the time to make roasted lamb shank and macademia nut sauce! I'm juggling three kids! I would have liked solutions that feel attainable for the average, stressed out mother instead of wealthy/middle classed moms. I finished reading feeling inspired to take care of myself, but also defeated because the book didn't give me any true help in doing so (except maybe a few suggestions for supplements and some exercises that had already been suggested by my pelvic floor physiotherapist.)

[Allie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh my God. I should have realized sooner that it was goop press and I would have known what I was getting into. Seriously a man who isn't even an obgyn as far as I know writing about post partum? No section on the effects of traumatic birth. No talk about how the massive changes in a woman's body after birth affect her self-esteem. Incredibly sexist takes on how the mother should cater to the father's feelings and libido after birth and the differences between men and women. Shilling vitamins even though they aren't FDA regulated and many are just expensive pee. Incredibly small target audience catering to cishet women with the support of fathers and clearly very financial and time privileged if she can afford all these organic vegetables instead of junk and gmos. No mention of the emotional strain of returning to work and lack of maternity leave. I finished this book so it would count towards my yearly book goals. All of this information about diet, exercise, vitamins, and yoga can be found in every self help book but this one preys on the fact that women struggling with a newborn are looking for help specifically for new mothers and therefore are willing to buy yet another book.

[Alisha Linehan · Rating 1 out of 5]

You can probably get all you need to know about this book from the cover: it was published by Goop and written by a man. But I’m a glutton for punishment, so let me tell you more. You could also sum this book up with a direct quote from the author: “I believe, although I have yet to find any science to back me up on this[…]” And it takes off from there. In summary, a pseudo doctor sat around and thought deeply about what postpartum women need from their nutrition, exercise, relationships, and sex lives even though he is an expert in none of these things and has no research to back almost any of this up.

The first 2/3 is amusing and mostly harmless (zinc deficiency questionnaire, lol), but the real kicker is the chapter on how to be nice to your husband. He tells you “how to tell a man what you need.” Be very specific and don’t criticize or they’ll get mad. You have to tell them exactly what to do. Ask them to “provide” things. They can’t read your mind, sweetie! And don’t forget that 40% of women have sex with their husbands by six weeks postpartum!

The cherry on top is the conclusion (honestly so glad I persevered) where he makes a gigantic philosophical leap: the world will be saved by the western mother (his actual words). The cis white western agenda barely under the service comes fully into the light now. This is partially true because men “don’t have the ability to form and unite communities.” (Although they can write books on how women should live their lives.)

I started this book because there is almost nothing written on how to heal in the postpartum period, and I’m so sad that what is written is so very, very bad in all senses of the word. We need content on this issue! I can only hope we will one day have the actual research and knowledge to help postpartum people figure this shit out.

[Maya Vansuch Wurth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am glad I read this but don’t think I would recommend. It should be taken with a *huge* grain of salt: as many other reviewers have noted, the author is NOT an MD but a functional doctor. (and is also, obviously, a man.)

The things I appreciate: it is well known that women’s healthcare is abysmally under-researched and under-funded. Clearly maternal and postnatal care also falls under this umbrella! With the lack of studies done on women until the last few decades, I believe there probably *is* a huge knowledge gap of how women are depleted and affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding. The author has a lot to say about nutrient and mineral depletion specifically, which I find very interesting and is likely true among many mothers. He also dives into health holistically as body, mind, and spirit, which I appreciate. Anecdotally so many women suffer emotionally after becoming mothers (or subsequent births) and he addresses the importance of caring for your body and mind. Yes! He also, thankfully, acknowledges postpartum depression and anxiety and does not condemn being on medication for these conditions.

The things I did not appreciate: Mentions of losing baby weight, even early on after delivery: NOPE. Wildly unrealistic nutrition advice that frankly would easily induce anxiety: e.g. he details how many antioxidants are lost by various ways of preparing various vegetables…I’m sorry, any vegetables are good. I guess some people might want to know that level of detail, but my guess is the self-proclaimed “depleted mothers” reading this book are not those people. And you can obviously expect some woo-woo stuff such as EMFs, electron blankets, and other interesting things.

Overall, some useful info but there’s a lot of other stuff to weed through.

[Chelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not like the level of expertise this man claimed about a birthing persons experience with birth and healing from birth.
There were some recipes & meal plans to use, but I fear the vague ‘insufficiency of ___ vitamin test’ for multiple things is more detrimental than useful.

[Alli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I’m finding this to be an informative book. Much information are things I would categorize as “good to know”, but perhaps not life-altering.

I really enjoyed specifics on posture and the healing of specific things that have been weakened with pregnancy and nursing. His knowledge on minerals and vitamins has been very interesting, but I am wondering if it doesn’t give the full picture of how they interact with one another.

I like his focus on rest and the importance of postpartum mothers (even up to ten years) caring for themselves in a very specific way. It is refreshing to read from an author who isn’t fully in line with my view on things, and yet cares so deeply about this topic.

[Hannah Greenwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing The Postnatal Depletion Cure, I’ve definitely got some thoughts I’d like to share about it! If you’re pregnant, a parent, or work with pregnant folks, I’d like to encourage you to read my full (quite long) review.

I began this book with high expectations and excitement because it seemed like a holistic, well-rounded approach to caring for and nourishing mothers before & after birth — which is obviously my jam as a doula and body mechanics nerd.

This was a 4-star read for me, as there is a wealth of important information shared throughout this book but there were a few aspects that fell short & parts that I couldn’t jive with while reading.

I do agree with other reviews that mention the author’s voice being difficult to relate to. As a mother of three myself, I struggled with wanting to read a man’s perspective (no matter how credentialed) on this nuanced topic — BUT I do believe that this book is a good primer for someone who is a new parent (first time dads included), a birthworker who wants more info on holistic postpartum wellness, or someone who wants to learn more about how to better support their changing body during pregnancy/postpartum.

I loved all of the info on nutrition, and learned a few new things about how I can better nourish my postpartum body! I particularly enjoyed the myth-busting on the role of fats, carbs, and protein in our diets after having a baby. The emphasis on quality sleep was great too!

These are some points I’d add to this conversation, as an educator & Certified Body Ready Method Pro.

I was so excited to read the passages on alignment and posture impacting so many other parts of the body, as that is something I believe in the power of — but I was not a fan of an aspect of Chapter 12, when the author advises all women to do kegels throughout the day. This is not the magical fix for pelvic floor dysfunction, even for those who haven’t had babies.

📢 I’ll shout it from the rooftops: Kegels are not a one-size-fits-all exercise! They can actually do more harm than good, for a lot of folks!

I’d like to emphasize that proper diaphragmatic breathing (as referenced in this book) is step one to pelvic floor health. Symptoms like incontinence or constipation are likely indicative of a pressure management issue, or even too tight of a pelvic floor! Dysfunction symptoms don’t always mean a lack of strength, so please see a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist if you have specific concerns.

The alignment & gentle exercise recommendations have my seal of approval. I loveee the gentle core work and suggestions to increase awareness within the body. I appreciate the contradictions and exercises to avoid.

It is always a good idea to consult with a PFPT for confirmation of exercises that’ll best support you! The 6-week postpartum clearance doesn’t mean that you’re ready to “return to normal” so please use caution & gradually increase activity.

As far as discussion on libido near the end of the book: I did not feel I needed a man’s perspective on this topic but I can see how this particular section could be helpful. As a sex positive doula, I do appreciate that there’s a realistic and scientific discussion on how normal lack of libido is after having a baby, as this often shocks first time parents. I feel that a lot of dads would learn something new from this chapter!

Overall this was a very informative & well-rounded approach to healing postpartum. Worth the read, but you may want to keep the above discussion points in mind.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time reading a book about post natal issues from a man who’s never experienced it but I sympathized with him wanting to help his wife and the countless mom’s he’s treated. This is a book that goes beyond self care, with a list of reasons why a mom may be depleted but also recommends getting checked by a doctor. There is a list of the blood tests to take to a doctor instead of blindly going in, which I found incredibly helpful. There’s so much information online and hearing sound bytes on Instagram and Pinterest about caring for yourself is not enough. This was helpful and something I’ll be going back to read.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book about the toll that having kids takes a woman's body. I was unaware of most of these supplements and vitamins, but I've been taking the recommended ones for 4 weeks and I do notice an increase in energy and decrease of brain fog. There are also suggested routines for sleep, exercise, and self-care.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really appreciated this book. There isn't a lot of books written on this topic so it was helpful to read after having my first baby. His suggestions and stories of his patients were really helpful and practical. I felt especially thankful reading his last two chapters - it was very kind, gracious, and loving and it was the exact encouragement I needed to read as a new mom.

[Simone · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this was a goop book but that makes a lot of sense in hindsight. A heavy focus on nutrition, supplements. The author is a physician but seems to be predominantly practicing holistic, integrative medicine at this point. There are parts that are great, about restful recovery and healing. But the smoothie recipes for libido and home birth journeys are just not for me.

[Sabrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had so much potential but unfortunately fell flat. His advice on how to restore your depletion was hardly groundbreaking and no new mom has the time/energy to take 30 different vitamins, exercise regularly and eat organic. We’re living off of caffeine, carbs and 2 hours of sleep!

[Rachel Gardiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

[Laura Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book enough! For mothers with children of any age. Such great information and a great resource for women who are frustrated with “baby brain” fog, diminishing energy, anxiety and sleep issues. I had never heard of the term Postnatal Depletion before and this book did a fantastic job of shedding light on a topic that is not talked about near enough.

[Karlynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A holistic look at postpartum nutrition and health. Pregnancy and breastfeeding deplete the body’s nutrients and it can be restored. Many comments say they didn’t like this from the male perspective- I think more men should care about women’s health. This physician has spent countless hours researching this topic - women who feel physically and mentally no longer like themselves related to postpartum. We do ourselves a disservice in the US only talking about postpartum depression and not other common postpartum symptoms of brain fog, energy depletion, poor sleep, etc. It does not have to be accepted as a forever consequence of being a Mom!

[Bronwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that there is always something that the reader can learn from a book like this. Even if you don’t feel that you suffer from postnatal depletion there are plenty of interesting topics covered in this book. Whether it’s for the tips on rebuilding energy or sleep, or the gentle encouragement the author gives throughout the book to take care of yourself as a mother, it is worth a read.

[Marilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a society that expects all mums to be so careful and nurture their children they forget to care about the mums health and their energy. It’s not about postnatal depression because that’s already part of the health care in some country to recognise this once you had your baby but it’s also important and if not taken into seriously can lead to depression and a motherhood and parenting not so enjoyable. I totally recommend the book to all parents or parents-to-be because it explains what will happen to your body while pregnant and after. The vitamins needed to keep healthy and back on your feet after your baby is born. all the feelings that are normal to have during your baby’s early years and this book helps in how to cope with all of this new fase, like sleepless nights, the house cores, breastfeeding and giving attention to your other child in same cases and don’t forget about daddy who needs to understand what’s going on fwith you and how to help you in the best way and the attention he needs from you as well, overall it can be daunting and you will feel overwhelmed most of the times and that’s way I think this book it’s a reveal. For all parents definitely.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this one and started it in September, right after giving birth to my second son. I could really relate to the feelings the author described about feeling depleted in motherhood, and also enjoyed his descriptions of the way new mothers are treated in other cultures and countries immediately after giving birth. It made me realize that things are quite backwards here in the US, and I wish that doctors and other people who are around new moms could read those parts.

That said, I struggled a lot with the rest of the book. I thought it was far too clinical for the average reader, and contained a lot of things that perhaps only medical professionals could understand. It was way too specific with various vitamins, minerals, etc. and read a lot like a textbook. In one word, it was boring.

I think that doctors, particularly OBs, could REALLY benefit from the information in this book, but that it's too dry and complicated for most everyone else who might be reading it.