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Strong As a Mother: How to Stay Healthy, Happy, and (Most Importantly) Sane from Pregnancy to Parenthood: The Only Guide to Taking Care of YOU!
Expert, practical advice for complete mental and physical maternal health
Strong as a Mother is a practical and compassionate guide to preparing for a smooth start to motherhood. Everyone knows the secret to having “the Happiest Baby on the Block.” This is your guide to being the Sanest Mommy on the Block. It will prepare you with humor and grace for what lies ahead, give you the tools you need to take care of yourself, permission to struggle at times, and professional advice on how to move through it when you do. This book will become a dog-eared resource on your nightstand, offering you the same care and support that you are working so hard to provide to your child. It will help you prioritize your emotional health, set boundaries and ask for help, make choices about feeding and childcare that feel good to you, get good sleep, create a strong relationship with your partner, make self care an everyday priority, trust your instincts, and actually enjoy the hardest job you will ever love.
This book is here to take care of you.
Strong as a Mother is a practical and compassionate guide to preparing for a smooth start to motherhood. Everyone knows the secret to having “the Happiest Baby on the Block.” This is your guide to being the Sanest Mommy on the Block. It will prepare you with humor and grace for what lies ahead, give you the tools you need to take care of yourself, permission to struggle at times, and professional advice on how to move through it when you do. This book will become a dog-eared resource on your nightstand, offering you the same care and support that you are working so hard to provide to your child. It will help you prioritize your emotional health, set boundaries and ask for help, make choices about feeding and childcare that feel good to you, get good sleep, create a strong relationship with your partner, make self care an everyday priority, trust your instincts, and actually enjoy the hardest job you will ever love.
This book is here to take care of you.
400 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2018
150 people are currently reading
1692 people want to read
About the author
Kate Rope
8 books24 followersKATE ROPE is an award-winning freelance journalist whose work has appeared in many publications and online outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time, Real Simple, and many more. She is author of the forthcoming
Strong as a Girl: Your Guide to Raising Girls Who Know, Stand Up for, and Take Care of Themselves
,
Strong as a Mother: How to Stay Healthy, Happy, and (Most Importantly) Sane from Pregnancy to Parenthood
and coauthor of
The Complete Guide to Medications During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
. She co-created (with narrator, Alan Alda) and co-executive produced the Audible Original Soldiers of Science: The Vietnam War, Anthony Fauci, and the Doctors Who Revolutionized American Medicine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
February 15, 2018
(I received an advance electronic copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
I’m writing this review on my phone while holding my (finally) napping 7-week-old, who currently has thrush, which seems to be causing her no end of irritation. Reading this book is helping me cope with the stress, guilt, and anxiety of caring for a tiny human who is in pain. For meeting this particular challenge, the discussion in the book of how being an ordinary parent is the best thing for your child has been a major source of comfort, as I remind myself that what matters is that I got treatment for my daughter, even if the mythical “perfect” mother would have identified the problem sooner, or maybe would’ve somehow prevented it in the first place.
That kind of perspective is one of the many vital balms this book offers pregnant women and new mothers. I really wish I could’ve read it while pregnant — it is exhaustive in covering all the various emotional challenges of pregnancy, including pregnancy after miscarriage, choices around labor and delivery (and the potential disappointment around a labor that didn’t go as planned), and self-care. The chapters in the third trimester section are actually still mostly relevant to me as a new mother since they cover topics like the importance of support networks as a new mom and issues related to co-parenting. These are some of the most useful sections, imho.
Breastfeeding, even if it goes relatively well, is such a huge part of early motherhood for those that choose that path that I thought this section could’ve used more development. The anecdotes from real mothers (a feature of the book that could’ve also used more since they were all so brief) in one of these chapters all focused on the difficult decision to switch to formula. In general, I would’ve loved to read more lengthy real stories from real moms.
One part I LOVED was the discussion of returning to work and finding childcare. A practical tip that I’m definitely planning to use is asking our nanny not to tell us if our child reaches a milestone (like a first word) while we are at work, and to let us discover it ourselves. I never would’ve thought of that. Along with bigger-picture wisdom about seemingly every dimension of the emotional life of pregnant women and mothers, there are lots of great small practical ideas in the book.
This book would be invaluable for anyone who may be struggling with a perinatal mood disorder. There are tons of practical resources and good discussion of the difficulties surrounding these disorders, such as opening up to others who are not supportive, without presuming to offer medical advice.
I truly think every mother could benefit immeasurably from this book, even if things are relatively smooth, but for some (though not me, really, at least at the moment!), it could be a lifeline (literally). Along with “Expecting Better” by Emily Oster (discussed in this book also!), this is a must-read for pregnant women and new mothers, so give a copy to one that you know without delay! Or, at least no delay once the book is actually released :-)
I’m writing this review on my phone while holding my (finally) napping 7-week-old, who currently has thrush, which seems to be causing her no end of irritation. Reading this book is helping me cope with the stress, guilt, and anxiety of caring for a tiny human who is in pain. For meeting this particular challenge, the discussion in the book of how being an ordinary parent is the best thing for your child has been a major source of comfort, as I remind myself that what matters is that I got treatment for my daughter, even if the mythical “perfect” mother would have identified the problem sooner, or maybe would’ve somehow prevented it in the first place.
That kind of perspective is one of the many vital balms this book offers pregnant women and new mothers. I really wish I could’ve read it while pregnant — it is exhaustive in covering all the various emotional challenges of pregnancy, including pregnancy after miscarriage, choices around labor and delivery (and the potential disappointment around a labor that didn’t go as planned), and self-care. The chapters in the third trimester section are actually still mostly relevant to me as a new mother since they cover topics like the importance of support networks as a new mom and issues related to co-parenting. These are some of the most useful sections, imho.
Breastfeeding, even if it goes relatively well, is such a huge part of early motherhood for those that choose that path that I thought this section could’ve used more development. The anecdotes from real mothers (a feature of the book that could’ve also used more since they were all so brief) in one of these chapters all focused on the difficult decision to switch to formula. In general, I would’ve loved to read more lengthy real stories from real moms.
One part I LOVED was the discussion of returning to work and finding childcare. A practical tip that I’m definitely planning to use is asking our nanny not to tell us if our child reaches a milestone (like a first word) while we are at work, and to let us discover it ourselves. I never would’ve thought of that. Along with bigger-picture wisdom about seemingly every dimension of the emotional life of pregnant women and mothers, there are lots of great small practical ideas in the book.
This book would be invaluable for anyone who may be struggling with a perinatal mood disorder. There are tons of practical resources and good discussion of the difficulties surrounding these disorders, such as opening up to others who are not supportive, without presuming to offer medical advice.
I truly think every mother could benefit immeasurably from this book, even if things are relatively smooth, but for some (though not me, really, at least at the moment!), it could be a lifeline (literally). Along with “Expecting Better” by Emily Oster (discussed in this book also!), this is a must-read for pregnant women and new mothers, so give a copy to one that you know without delay! Or, at least no delay once the book is actually released :-)
March 15, 2018
Most of us have heard, “nobody’s happy unless mama’s happy.” But many of us don’t know how to get happy. This book can help!
It’s parsed out into easy-to-read chapters. Even if you are a sleep-deprived, bleary-eyed new mom, you’ll be able to quickly find nuggets of wisdom that give comfort and insight on whatever you might be going through -- baby in the NICU, breastfeeding struggles, how to get sleep.
You may not have time for real friends while navigating the first months of motherhood, but you will find a faithful friend in author Kate Rope, not to mention all her sources. She not only sleuths out the answers to many moms' questions about pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood, but she also provides loving support.
Rope goes beyond other mothering advice books to provide help before, during and after baby is born, when you may be having an identity crisis, dealing with body issues and/or loneliness. Even if you didn't have a "typical" pregnancy or birth, it's in there.
Needless to say I will be buying several copies for friends.
It’s parsed out into easy-to-read chapters. Even if you are a sleep-deprived, bleary-eyed new mom, you’ll be able to quickly find nuggets of wisdom that give comfort and insight on whatever you might be going through -- baby in the NICU, breastfeeding struggles, how to get sleep.
You may not have time for real friends while navigating the first months of motherhood, but you will find a faithful friend in author Kate Rope, not to mention all her sources. She not only sleuths out the answers to many moms' questions about pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood, but she also provides loving support.
Rope goes beyond other mothering advice books to provide help before, during and after baby is born, when you may be having an identity crisis, dealing with body issues and/or loneliness. Even if you didn't have a "typical" pregnancy or birth, it's in there.
Needless to say I will be buying several copies for friends.
November 18, 2018
I felt like I was reading the same chapter over and over again.
January 11, 2019
Wow. I have been reading many pregnancy and parenting books over the past couple months and Strong As a Mother is something else. Finally! This is a book that celebrates mothers (or parents), all mothers regardless of their struggles, the complex emotions and feelings they have throughout their pregnancy and beyond.
Every other pregnancy and parenting book I've read is about what you should do, and how you should do it to do provide the best care that you can for your unborn / newborn child. I do not dispute for a second that this is very important. However, Strong as a Mother gives parents the permission to remember to take care of themselves too - physically, emotionally and mentally. I think this is the part that a lot of people forget about in the throes of changing diapers and struggling to feed.
I wish more people would read this book, including all the supporting players of a child's development (partners, grandparents, friends even), as so many of these people are very quick to judge. This book is the positivity that I want to bring into my new journey as a mother and I look forward to having a happy and healthy baby, while still striving for a happy and healthy me.
Every other pregnancy and parenting book I've read is about what you should do, and how you should do it to do provide the best care that you can for your unborn / newborn child. I do not dispute for a second that this is very important. However, Strong as a Mother gives parents the permission to remember to take care of themselves too - physically, emotionally and mentally. I think this is the part that a lot of people forget about in the throes of changing diapers and struggling to feed.
I wish more people would read this book, including all the supporting players of a child's development (partners, grandparents, friends even), as so many of these people are very quick to judge. This book is the positivity that I want to bring into my new journey as a mother and I look forward to having a happy and healthy baby, while still striving for a happy and healthy me.
March 22, 2022
This book can be summed up in two lines of advice- "it's ok" and "it is not your fault." The whole book is dedicated to repeating these mantras about everything to do with pregnancy and post-birth. Having body issues during pregnancy? Birth plan not go your way? Happy or sad to return to work?
Extremely light on any actual actionable advice or data, I did not find this book particularly helpful. I could see this as being helpful for anxious mothers who may verge into the type-A/obsessive compulsive territory and need an outsider/book to give them permission to be less than perfect. I do believe this book is needed in the canon of books for new moms, one they can lean on to remind them that they need to put themselves first and that everyone's journey is different. If you need that reminder (a lot), this book is perfect for you.
Extremely light on any actual actionable advice or data, I did not find this book particularly helpful. I could see this as being helpful for anxious mothers who may verge into the type-A/obsessive compulsive territory and need an outsider/book to give them permission to be less than perfect. I do believe this book is needed in the canon of books for new moms, one they can lean on to remind them that they need to put themselves first and that everyone's journey is different. If you need that reminder (a lot), this book is perfect for you.
February 2, 2019
This is one of the best books on pregnancy and new motherhood I have ever come across!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I read the first section that was about the pregnancy journey. Next up, will be the trials of birth and the first year. I will be reading that closer to my due date. I am currently 18/19 weeks pregnant.
I read the first section that was about the pregnancy journey. Next up, will be the trials of birth and the first year. I will be reading that closer to my due date. I am currently 18/19 weeks pregnant.
March 26, 2018
*I was provided an advance reader copy of the book.*
This book definitely reads like a "how to" guide for before, during, and after pregnancy. It really does touch on many of the emotions and questions you might feel and ask at every stage. I really wish I could have had this book as I was going through pregnancy instead of using google and psyching myself out continuously. However, it is a great book to read even now, in the midst of motherhood. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who is planning to become a mother!
This book definitely reads like a "how to" guide for before, during, and after pregnancy. It really does touch on many of the emotions and questions you might feel and ask at every stage. I really wish I could have had this book as I was going through pregnancy instead of using google and psyching myself out continuously. However, it is a great book to read even now, in the midst of motherhood. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who is planning to become a mother!
February 28, 2018
I was provided an advance reader copy of this book.
While I understood the concept of the book, I didn't know what to expect - ha, just like with having a baby. This book is encouraging and supportive, and it's sure to become an important resource for combatting the loneliness of the new mom's struggles.
What I was reading resonated with my own experiences, like I’d called or written the author about my struggles and these were her direct replies to me. It was an easy and very informative read, with a conversational tone that made it feel like I was talking to a friend. I wish so badly I’d had this book when I was pregnant, in the first year, and beyond. I had no clue that I wasn't taking care of myself until many months later.
I’m going to buy it to give to expectant moms in my life.
While I understood the concept of the book, I didn't know what to expect - ha, just like with having a baby. This book is encouraging and supportive, and it's sure to become an important resource for combatting the loneliness of the new mom's struggles.
What I was reading resonated with my own experiences, like I’d called or written the author about my struggles and these were her direct replies to me. It was an easy and very informative read, with a conversational tone that made it feel like I was talking to a friend. I wish so badly I’d had this book when I was pregnant, in the first year, and beyond. I had no clue that I wasn't taking care of myself until many months later.
I’m going to buy it to give to expectant moms in my life.
January 25, 2018
publisher synopsis:
Strong as a Mother is a practical and compassionate guide to preparing for a smooth start to motherhood. Everyone knows the secret to having “the Happiest Baby on the Block.” This is your guide to being the Sanest Mommy on the Block. It will prepare you with humor and grace for what lies ahead, give you the tools you need to take care of yourself, permission to struggle at times, and professional advice on how to move through it when you do. This book will become a dog-eared resource on your nightstand, offering you the same care and support that you are working so hard to provide to your child. It will help you prioritize your emotional health, set boundaries and ask for help, make choices about feeding and childcare that feel good to you, get good sleep, create a strong relationship with your partner, make self care an everyday priority, trust your instincts, and actually enjoy the hardest job you will ever love.
This book is here to take care of you.
I found this book was like so many others when it comes to pregnancy and your body, it has some good information and some information that was not for me. So my advice would be the same with this book as it is with others.. read it, see what works for you and ignore the rest.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Strong as a Mother is a practical and compassionate guide to preparing for a smooth start to motherhood. Everyone knows the secret to having “the Happiest Baby on the Block.” This is your guide to being the Sanest Mommy on the Block. It will prepare you with humor and grace for what lies ahead, give you the tools you need to take care of yourself, permission to struggle at times, and professional advice on how to move through it when you do. This book will become a dog-eared resource on your nightstand, offering you the same care and support that you are working so hard to provide to your child. It will help you prioritize your emotional health, set boundaries and ask for help, make choices about feeding and childcare that feel good to you, get good sleep, create a strong relationship with your partner, make self care an everyday priority, trust your instincts, and actually enjoy the hardest job you will ever love.
This book is here to take care of you.
I found this book was like so many others when it comes to pregnancy and your body, it has some good information and some information that was not for me. So my advice would be the same with this book as it is with others.. read it, see what works for you and ignore the rest.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 1, 2018
*I received an advance electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read this book during my second pregnancy and unlike many pregnancy and "welcome to motherhood" books, this one actually had lots of gems in it that were applicable to more than just first time parents. I found the postpartum sections the most helpful and there were several pieces of advice and things to think about that I found new and supportive in a way that most books like this are not.
I really appreciated the "Been There Done That" sections at the end of each chapter because hearing from real people who've shared similar experiences is way better than just hearing from one voice. Along the same lines, I really liked how open the author is with her own story- the good and the not-so-good. It makes her (and the book) much more relatable and feels like a friend sharing her experience, rather than a total stranger who makes themselves out to be perfect.
I read this book during my second pregnancy and unlike many pregnancy and "welcome to motherhood" books, this one actually had lots of gems in it that were applicable to more than just first time parents. I found the postpartum sections the most helpful and there were several pieces of advice and things to think about that I found new and supportive in a way that most books like this are not.
I really appreciated the "Been There Done That" sections at the end of each chapter because hearing from real people who've shared similar experiences is way better than just hearing from one voice. Along the same lines, I really liked how open the author is with her own story- the good and the not-so-good. It makes her (and the book) much more relatable and feels like a friend sharing her experience, rather than a total stranger who makes themselves out to be perfect.
April 8, 2018
*I received an advance electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I can not recommend this book enough. Seriously. I truly love how honest, funny, sincere and representative it is. I have a feeling it’s one of those books that I am going to return to again and again for support, a laugh, and as a reference text when I’m feeling lost. And it’s definitely my new go to gift for any mom friends.
Strong as a Mother provides a thorough, varied, and non-judgemental look into motherhood from pregnancy onward. It is refreshingly representative of the many unique ways in which families occur, interact, and choose to raise children. It is the first parenting book I’ve read that isn’t glaringly heteronormative. This book embraces intersectionality and can truly be helpful for any parent.
Kate Rope’s voice guides you through her research and personal experience in a way that simultaneously teaches and commiserates. The inclusion in each section of anecdotes and reflections from other real moms adds an emotional depth, and a diverse representation of what motherhood can be and mean.
My husband and I read so many childbirth, breastfeeding, and parenting books in the months leading up to the birth of our daughter, and there were still so many things I wish I had known, or at least wish I had listened to. Strong as a Mother incorporates so much of that information in an honest and compelling way. I think any parent will be better prepared, especially emotionally, after reading this book. I’ve found that reading it has been an act of self-care itself, while also inspiring me to prioritize my mental and physical health in ways that I had not since my daughter was born.
Overall, the section I needed (and will return to) the most was the section about surviving early parenthood as a couple. There are so many great reminders and tactics for reconnecting, sharing the emotional and logistical load, and being a good partner. It’s nice to know that the struggles we have as new parents are common amongst other parents, and that there are manageable small things we can do on a daily basis to be better partners and parents. These reminders are so important.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a mother/parent, is considering motherhood/parenthood, or who knows and cares about a mother/parent.
I can not recommend this book enough. Seriously. I truly love how honest, funny, sincere and representative it is. I have a feeling it’s one of those books that I am going to return to again and again for support, a laugh, and as a reference text when I’m feeling lost. And it’s definitely my new go to gift for any mom friends.
Strong as a Mother provides a thorough, varied, and non-judgemental look into motherhood from pregnancy onward. It is refreshingly representative of the many unique ways in which families occur, interact, and choose to raise children. It is the first parenting book I’ve read that isn’t glaringly heteronormative. This book embraces intersectionality and can truly be helpful for any parent.
Kate Rope’s voice guides you through her research and personal experience in a way that simultaneously teaches and commiserates. The inclusion in each section of anecdotes and reflections from other real moms adds an emotional depth, and a diverse representation of what motherhood can be and mean.
My husband and I read so many childbirth, breastfeeding, and parenting books in the months leading up to the birth of our daughter, and there were still so many things I wish I had known, or at least wish I had listened to. Strong as a Mother incorporates so much of that information in an honest and compelling way. I think any parent will be better prepared, especially emotionally, after reading this book. I’ve found that reading it has been an act of self-care itself, while also inspiring me to prioritize my mental and physical health in ways that I had not since my daughter was born.
Overall, the section I needed (and will return to) the most was the section about surviving early parenthood as a couple. There are so many great reminders and tactics for reconnecting, sharing the emotional and logistical load, and being a good partner. It’s nice to know that the struggles we have as new parents are common amongst other parents, and that there are manageable small things we can do on a daily basis to be better partners and parents. These reminders are so important.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a mother/parent, is considering motherhood/parenthood, or who knows and cares about a mother/parent.
June 23, 2020
This is the book I should have read in my pregnancy with Noah and one I will definitely be recommending to all my pregnant friends. Kate Rope gives voice to all the things I had to learn the “hard way.” She normalizes the experience of perinatal and postpartum mood disorders, provides evidence based information on breastfeeding (and other topics) that balance the well being of the baby AND the mother, and she emphasizes the importance of women creating a system of support to get through the first year. Finally, a book that emphasizes the importance of fathers stepping up to be that support. Full of tons of resources in an appendix in the back. Loved it.
June 7, 2024
This felt a bit repetitive at times but was an easy read and would be especially helpful for new moms who aren’t used to prioritizing themself and their mental health
October 31, 2020
There are different kinds of resources when you're about to have a child. If you're looking for a pregnancy/parenting guide that gives you a lot of information and instruction on fetal development, pregnancy symptoms, infant care, etc., this isn't necessarily your best bet. When I read the pregnancy sections, I found them useful but not terribly so, in part because what I really wanted at that point was to learn how pregnancy worked and that wasn't their goal. (Others may find those chapters particularly helpful, but they weren't clicking with me as much at the time.)
What I think this book is perfect for, and what I particularly appreciated, is providing attitudes and tools (and the permission to use them) that will help you make parenting easier on yourself and your partner -- and ultimately your child. Often the best advice boils down to things we already "know," technically, or could figure out on our own, but we've allowed ourselves to forget, deprioritize, or override that knowledge. What a book like this can do is persuasively and compassionately remind us of those simple things and give us practical ways to implement them. I found the sections on mental health, asking for help, parenting as a couple, prioritizing your own well-being, self-compassion, and child care to be especially reassuring and validating as I get deeper into my third trimester and the reality of a Real Baby approaches. I'm recommending my husband read them as well, because even though the book is geared specifically toward mothers (of all kinds), I think he'll find much of the parenting content addresses the fears and concerns we both share. I will also definitely recommend this to other new/expecting moms in my life.
What I think this book is perfect for, and what I particularly appreciated, is providing attitudes and tools (and the permission to use them) that will help you make parenting easier on yourself and your partner -- and ultimately your child. Often the best advice boils down to things we already "know," technically, or could figure out on our own, but we've allowed ourselves to forget, deprioritize, or override that knowledge. What a book like this can do is persuasively and compassionately remind us of those simple things and give us practical ways to implement them. I found the sections on mental health, asking for help, parenting as a couple, prioritizing your own well-being, self-compassion, and child care to be especially reassuring and validating as I get deeper into my third trimester and the reality of a Real Baby approaches. I'm recommending my husband read them as well, because even though the book is geared specifically toward mothers (of all kinds), I think he'll find much of the parenting content addresses the fears and concerns we both share. I will also definitely recommend this to other new/expecting moms in my life.
April 10, 2018
(I received an advance electronic copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
Kate Rope’s Strong as a Mother is a must-read for moms-to-be and new moms. I read this book while pregnant with my second child and there were so many helpful tidbits, I decided to take notes on all the things I hoped to do differently this time around. Moms put a lot of pressure on themselves to do things “perfectly” and this book does a great job of presenting real stories of “been there done that” moms that normalize the full spectrum of what it means to be a mother. Rope presents thorough information about mood disorders that can appear during or after pregnancy; I think this is so important to normalize what many of us experience, but no one seems to talk about.
I appreciated the discussion around how to work with your partner to prepare for parenthood. There are so many things that you don’t know that you don’t know and this provides a guide for navigating difficult new realities of how you will share the workload. One of my favorite pieces of advice was to make a list of “to-dos” for friends and family that come to visit. It’s so hard for me to ask for help from people, even though I know they genuinely want to help. I plan to make a list of things, like, “empty dishwasher, fold laundry, run the vacuum, etc.” that I can direct people to when they ask what they can do to help.
Overall, this was a quick and easy read that was packed with helpful information for new moms. I will definitely be buying this book for all of my mom-to-be friends!
Kate Rope’s Strong as a Mother is a must-read for moms-to-be and new moms. I read this book while pregnant with my second child and there were so many helpful tidbits, I decided to take notes on all the things I hoped to do differently this time around. Moms put a lot of pressure on themselves to do things “perfectly” and this book does a great job of presenting real stories of “been there done that” moms that normalize the full spectrum of what it means to be a mother. Rope presents thorough information about mood disorders that can appear during or after pregnancy; I think this is so important to normalize what many of us experience, but no one seems to talk about.
I appreciated the discussion around how to work with your partner to prepare for parenthood. There are so many things that you don’t know that you don’t know and this provides a guide for navigating difficult new realities of how you will share the workload. One of my favorite pieces of advice was to make a list of “to-dos” for friends and family that come to visit. It’s so hard for me to ask for help from people, even though I know they genuinely want to help. I plan to make a list of things, like, “empty dishwasher, fold laundry, run the vacuum, etc.” that I can direct people to when they ask what they can do to help.
Overall, this was a quick and easy read that was packed with helpful information for new moms. I will definitely be buying this book for all of my mom-to-be friends!
November 18, 2020
I started this book a week before baby’s due date, so I did not read the parts about the first and second trimester pregnancy.
The book gave me good insight on what to expect transitioning from pregnancy to motherhood/becoming a parent. The book does not impose certain methodology or way of doing things, and had a no-judging tone. Rather, it continues to remind readers that there are diverse ways of approaching motherhood, and the important thing is to ensure mother’s well-being as she navigates the new chapter in her life.
The topics I appreciated reading about: post-partum anxiety/depression in new moms but also our partners, breastfeeding, recovery after birth, self-identity, parenting choices. At the end of each chapter, there were snippets from different people sharing their experiences as new moms on the topic. It was helpful and relieving to see how different every one experiences and approaches the topic at hand.
Definitely recommend reading this book for new moms-to-be.
The book gave me good insight on what to expect transitioning from pregnancy to motherhood/becoming a parent. The book does not impose certain methodology or way of doing things, and had a no-judging tone. Rather, it continues to remind readers that there are diverse ways of approaching motherhood, and the important thing is to ensure mother’s well-being as she navigates the new chapter in her life.
The topics I appreciated reading about: post-partum anxiety/depression in new moms but also our partners, breastfeeding, recovery after birth, self-identity, parenting choices. At the end of each chapter, there were snippets from different people sharing their experiences as new moms on the topic. It was helpful and relieving to see how different every one experiences and approaches the topic at hand.
Definitely recommend reading this book for new moms-to-be.
April 11, 2018
I was given a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I wish every new mom could have the opportunity to read this book which covers pretty much every topic related to pregnancy and new parenthood. It so directly yet tenderly aids new moms in making the adjustment to motherhood as enjoyable as possible. I can sometimes feel like some of my parenting decisions aren’t the most mainstream, and I was nervous that this book would tell me that I needed to compromise my parenting decisions and do “x” instead in order to be happy and healthy in this season of life. I was thrilled to find that the author respects individuals’ decisions while still providing applicable resources for personal wellness. I finished this book feeling inspired to be kinder with myself and to do whatever I need to do in order to “stay sane,” and I feel like I have the resources I need to make that happen. The author validates women with all different experiences so that they feel normal, supported, and capable of continuing onward.
The book is divided into sections that are brief and easy to read but packed with exactly what you want to know. It equips the reader with the tools to make the decisions that are right for her at this raw yet beautiful time in life. Even if you’re not a parent but you know one, everyone should read this book. I will definitely be gifting this at all future baby showers. It can be referenced again and again and is an excellent addition to every parent’s library.
I wish every new mom could have the opportunity to read this book which covers pretty much every topic related to pregnancy and new parenthood. It so directly yet tenderly aids new moms in making the adjustment to motherhood as enjoyable as possible. I can sometimes feel like some of my parenting decisions aren’t the most mainstream, and I was nervous that this book would tell me that I needed to compromise my parenting decisions and do “x” instead in order to be happy and healthy in this season of life. I was thrilled to find that the author respects individuals’ decisions while still providing applicable resources for personal wellness. I finished this book feeling inspired to be kinder with myself and to do whatever I need to do in order to “stay sane,” and I feel like I have the resources I need to make that happen. The author validates women with all different experiences so that they feel normal, supported, and capable of continuing onward.
The book is divided into sections that are brief and easy to read but packed with exactly what you want to know. It equips the reader with the tools to make the decisions that are right for her at this raw yet beautiful time in life. Even if you’re not a parent but you know one, everyone should read this book. I will definitely be gifting this at all future baby showers. It can be referenced again and again and is an excellent addition to every parent’s library.
April 10, 2018
As a mom of 2, I found this book invaluable.
I was excited to have read an advanced reader copy of this book as I have read almost every parenting book out there in my haste to figure out this thing that is "parenting" and this is by far one of the best.
There are no other parenting books out there that focus on what the mama is going through, on a girlfriend-to-girlfriend level.
What really spoke to me about this book was the postpartum section.
Kate talks about the feelings that crop up during postpartum depression and anxiety that are so scary to even admit, that you might feel like other people would think you're crazy, and tells you that Hey! This is normal! She also tells you exactly who to talk to about it and that is invaluable.
We live in a society that does not take care of women, especially moms, postpartum care is awful - THIS BOOK is stellar, it is what we need. This book tells it like it is, naked and raw, the real emotions that go along with pregnancy and how to deal with them as well as Everything in between!
This book is a blessing to women and is much needed in the hands of all expectant mothers.
I was excited to have read an advanced reader copy of this book as I have read almost every parenting book out there in my haste to figure out this thing that is "parenting" and this is by far one of the best.
There are no other parenting books out there that focus on what the mama is going through, on a girlfriend-to-girlfriend level.
What really spoke to me about this book was the postpartum section.
Kate talks about the feelings that crop up during postpartum depression and anxiety that are so scary to even admit, that you might feel like other people would think you're crazy, and tells you that Hey! This is normal! She also tells you exactly who to talk to about it and that is invaluable.
We live in a society that does not take care of women, especially moms, postpartum care is awful - THIS BOOK is stellar, it is what we need. This book tells it like it is, naked and raw, the real emotions that go along with pregnancy and how to deal with them as well as Everything in between!
This book is a blessing to women and is much needed in the hands of all expectant mothers.
April 28, 2018
(*I received an advance copy of this book)
This is a book I really wish had been available when I was having babies. My kids are now 8, 6, and 3 so I will say that a significant portion of the book is dedicated to pregnancy (as the title states). But, I chose to read it because I love books like this that I can recommend to other moms. Strong As a Mother has a constant theme that would have been such a relief to me when I was a new mom.....take care of you. Kate emphasizes making the choices that feel the best while also understanding that you have to cut yourself some slack. Being a mom in this generation can be a very isolating thing. No one tells you to go find your village and how hard that can be. So then they really don't tell you HOW to do that. No one tells you to advocate for yourself in birth and as a new mom. And no one tells you that asking for help, or asking for alone time, is OK. Strong As a Mother is now telling you all of these things, how to do them, and how to be prepared to take on the challenges of motherhood.
This is a book I really wish had been available when I was having babies. My kids are now 8, 6, and 3 so I will say that a significant portion of the book is dedicated to pregnancy (as the title states). But, I chose to read it because I love books like this that I can recommend to other moms. Strong As a Mother has a constant theme that would have been such a relief to me when I was a new mom.....take care of you. Kate emphasizes making the choices that feel the best while also understanding that you have to cut yourself some slack. Being a mom in this generation can be a very isolating thing. No one tells you to go find your village and how hard that can be. So then they really don't tell you HOW to do that. No one tells you to advocate for yourself in birth and as a new mom. And no one tells you that asking for help, or asking for alone time, is OK. Strong As a Mother is now telling you all of these things, how to do them, and how to be prepared to take on the challenges of motherhood.
April 10, 2018
I wish this book had existed during both of my pregnancies! Other pregnancy books are so focused on the developing baby and physical changes. This book truly focuses on the humanity of the mother and all that includes—complex emotions, a range of reactions and approaches to sharing news, anxiety, joy, co-parenting, building a support network, premature birth, pregnancy loss, having a sex life, returning to work, and so much more. There are lots of snippets and stories from mothers of all kinds that enrich each section with personal perspective. The easy-to-navigate format is perfect for reading straight through or hopping around and it doesn't overwhelm with dry boring information. My big takeaway from this book is that it's HONEST. It broaches difficult topics gently, openly, and straightforwardly. Any mom or mom-to-be will feel relieved to see themselves in some of the questions. I will definitely be gifting this to all the new moms I know.
April 10, 2018
This book is a game changer. First of all, the format is easy to digest which is imperative for busy parents. It includes self-care topics for a time when it’s common to put everything and everyone else first. It is written as if a friend who has been there is speaking to you making it very approachable. This book gives you the tools to figure out issues before they become an unmanageable situation. My favorite part is the balanced perspective of the many ways to deal with parenthood. As a birth photographer and doula, I tell my clients all the time that it’s about what works for YOU. Although this is a great resource to read while beginning a pregnancy journey, this book would be worthwhile to read even when your kids are older like mine. I highly recommend this book to all parents at any stage in the journey.
August 10, 2019
I wish I had read this book about a year ago when I was pregnant. It would have been the perfect guide for me to mentally and emotionally prepare for the journey ahead. I didn’t know what to expect with Motherhood, so this book (which is filled with practical tips and tricks) would have been golden and would spare me some of the tougher mental times. I speed-read most of it and totally skipped the pregnancy part which is not relevant to me any more. It’s easily browsed through, and I found it put my mind to rest about all the things I have experienced, felt, struggled with. I was relieved to see them in writing, laid out in front of me. Some parts keep repeating themselves, thus the -1 Star. Nice list of additional resources and references!
September 25, 2018
Postpartum depression and anxiety unexpectedly hit me after my first daughter was born. I stumbled through the months following her birth, a frazzled, anxious mess. I didn't realize the value of self care and "good enough" parenting. I bumped into this book on display at my library and I was blown away by the quality! This is exactly what I needed and I'm so grateful a book like this exists. I wish I had read it before my daughter was born because it would have saved me a lot of pain but I'm overjoyed that other mammas can read this book and use it as a tool to be healthier and stronger mom's.
June 26, 2020
A definite confidence booster for any new mom. This book gives great tips on how to get through each phase from trying to get pregnant, pregnancy, postpartum and new motherhood. It reiterates that there is no right way to do things, and to give yourself grace as you figure it out. I listened to the audiobook a few weeks after I gave birth, but I should have started it sooner! Some of it was non-applicable to me, but I appreciated the information offered for different circumstances..
April 11, 2018
I highly recommend this book to anyone planning to have children. As a mother who suffered a traumatic birth experience with my first child, and an extremely difficult transition into motherhood, I wish that I had the opportunity to read this book while pregnant for the first time. The way that this book recognizes that motherhood can be tough and that self-care is extremely important for new parents is so refreshing. I spent the first two years of motherhood thinking that my needs no longer mattered in life and feeling very confused and downright upset about it. I truly feel that if I had this book back then, it would have saved me from a lot of the inner turmoil I was experiencing. Take care of yourselves, mamas! (And read this book!)
January 31, 2020
I really enjoyed this read! It was exactly what I needed to know and hear! Highly recommended!
It was very American based, so parts regarding maternity leave and health care lucky didn’t really apply to me! Feeling extra lucky during those parts to be Canadian!
It was very American based, so parts regarding maternity leave and health care lucky didn’t really apply to me! Feeling extra lucky during those parts to be Canadian!
July 30, 2020
This book has an important message and some good advice. I wish, however, that I had gotten the print version instead of the autobook. Because of the nature of the book, there were a lot of things that got repeated (like where to find the resources for getting advice for perinatal mood disorders or section titles) that felt a little repetitive in the audio version. I also wasn't super big fan of the style of the narration.
September 6, 2024
This was simple, but sweet and encouraging.
February 5, 2021
I've not read another book during my pregnancy quite like this one, geared towards the care of the mother as she is rather than how to be a better one. I deeply appreciated it.
April 18, 2018
I have a read a lot of books about pregnancy and childbirth, some are great and some a terrible. This one is most certainly in the great category. The book is broken down into several parts. Part 1 is titled " Expecting Strong: Your Emotional Guide to Pregnancy and covers all 3 trimesters and tackles just about every topic you can think of from, when you should tell people about you pregnancy to sleep to preparing for birth and pretty much everything in between. Part 2 is titled "Starting Strong: Your Guide to Thriving in the First Year and covers topics from recovering from birth to what to expect if your baby is in the NICU to getting back to having sex after giving birth. Part 3 is titled "Staying Strong: The Big Picture of Motherhood" are covers topics such as how to figure out who you are after having children and learning your own way to being a strong mother.
There are many things I enjoyed about this book and I was definitely most interested in the first section, as I currently don't have children yet. The author talks about how you might be feeling when you find out your pregnant and these feelings can range greatly. She also includes some notes from other women about how they felt when they found out they were pregnant, which I also enjoyed. One of the things that I enjoyed throughout this book is the author talks a lot about the emotional side of pregnancy and into the postpartum time period, and that is something I haven't really encountered in many other pregnancy books. I think it is a really important topics to discuss and women reading the book who are experiencing anxiety or depression during or after their pregnancies, will hopefully feel more comfortable speaking to their OBGYN about it. The input from other women on a lot of these topics throughout the book was also very helpful.
Overall, I really liked Strong as a Mother and would definitely recommend it. Compared to many other pregnancy books I have read, it covers a wide range of topics and it isn't one sided. Often I really books and they are only speaking about different pain management options or they are speaking completely of natural birth. I lean more towards the natural side, but I of course want to be educated about all of my possible choices. This book really does cover a great deal of information in a way that I haven't previously read in pregnancy books. I would certainly recommend this book for anyone who is trying to conceive, is currently pregnant or who has just given birth.
Thank you to the publisher, St. Martin's Press, for sending me an ARC of this book.
There are many things I enjoyed about this book and I was definitely most interested in the first section, as I currently don't have children yet. The author talks about how you might be feeling when you find out your pregnant and these feelings can range greatly. She also includes some notes from other women about how they felt when they found out they were pregnant, which I also enjoyed. One of the things that I enjoyed throughout this book is the author talks a lot about the emotional side of pregnancy and into the postpartum time period, and that is something I haven't really encountered in many other pregnancy books. I think it is a really important topics to discuss and women reading the book who are experiencing anxiety or depression during or after their pregnancies, will hopefully feel more comfortable speaking to their OBGYN about it. The input from other women on a lot of these topics throughout the book was also very helpful.
Overall, I really liked Strong as a Mother and would definitely recommend it. Compared to many other pregnancy books I have read, it covers a wide range of topics and it isn't one sided. Often I really books and they are only speaking about different pain management options or they are speaking completely of natural birth. I lean more towards the natural side, but I of course want to be educated about all of my possible choices. This book really does cover a great deal of information in a way that I haven't previously read in pregnancy books. I would certainly recommend this book for anyone who is trying to conceive, is currently pregnant or who has just given birth.
Thank you to the publisher, St. Martin's Press, for sending me an ARC of this book.
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