Awake at 3 a.m.: Yoga Therapy for Anxiety and Depression in Pregnancy and Early Motherhood

by Suzannah Neufeld MFT

Pregnancy and new motherhood are often thought of as the most joyful, exciting, and blissful times in your life––but they can also be difficult and overwhelming. Yoga therapy offers practical mind-body tools (simple breath, movement, and mindfulness practices) to support you and provide solace, steadiness, and ease in difficult times.
 
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the number one “complication” of birth. They affect not just moms who suffer, but also the families who care about and rely on those moms. More than twice as many moms suffer from PMADs as gestational diabetes. Yet while robust support and treatment options exist for diabetes, moms who suffer emotionally are rarely acknowledged. Instead of receiving help, they are handed platitudes like “Sleep when the baby sleeps,” “Let go of stress because it’s bad for the baby,” or “Just enjoy every minute because it goes by so fast.” This can be a lonely and confusing place to be—suffering profound fear or sadness at a time when your friends and family expect you to be happy, radiant, and beatifically calm.
As a therapist supporting women's mental health and those recovering from perinatal mood disorders and trauma since 2003, Suzannah Neufeld is keenly aware of the special needs of women during pregnancy and the first year of motherhood. Synthesizing modern psychotherapeutic research with practical yoga therapy, Neufeld offers a compassionate, acceptance-based approach that meets women (and their partners) wherever they are.
 
Awake at 3 a.m. contains short, digestible chapters that are perfect for when you are feeling exhausted or overwhelmed. Neufeld skillfully dismantles the myths and internal beliefs that contribute to the suffering of new mothers, and tells her own story with honesty and humor. The yoga practices are designed to fit into your life as it is now––no flexibility, mat, special clothes, or 90-minute yoga class required.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2018

Reviews

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suffered with postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD after the birth of my son; I'm also a certified birth doula. This book is now one of my go-to resources for friends and clients who are struggling with maternal mental health issues. It's a wonderful idea, easy to put into practice, and requires very little extra effort for a large return. I only wish this had been available when I was fighting my perinatal mood disorders. Highly recommended.

*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.*

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that gets it, for people having a hard time in pregnancy and postpartum. I felt seen, encouraged, and held, as well as offered tools to help get better. A very helpful book.

[Laura (Book Scrounger) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for the sake of the sense of solidarity it presents with mothers during the postpartum period -- especially those of us who have experienced depression and/or anxiety in that time. It is nice to read about someone else who's been through it and can zero in on some of the specific struggles and mental ruts we can get stuck in. While I had a harder time connecting with the yoga aspects (and would question the philosophies behind some of it), it was still a decent introduction to some poses and calming techniques that could be very valuable. For those who are already into yoga especially, this is a great resource for the postpartum period, and even for those who haven't been diagnosed with depression or anxiety, there is some good practical wisdom here for moms in general, involving topics such as comparisons, perspectives, expectations, etc.
(Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy.)

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for expectant and new mothers. I'm so glad I found it at my local library! It provides solace amidst the challenges and struggles of pregnancy, birthing and early motherhood, offering understanding, validation and practical tools to help find your way through these significant life events and changes. I read it from cover to cover and gave my pregnant sister a copy. The chapters are so short and digestible (easy for time-poor mothers) and the author is so understanding and candid.
AWAKE AT 3 A.M. offers the advice that mothers need to hear, like you need to look after yourself to be a good mum and partner, if you're exhausted then it means you need more rest, it's important to ask for help until you get the help you need, and "I am not this body, nor am I these thoughts", for those struggling with anxiety, depression and body-image concerns.
Yoga therapy, as a branch of yoga practice, is accessible at any stage of life, including pregnancy and postpartum, regardless of whether you have a baby in your arms or a toddler running around you.

[Mahrya Q · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very helpful yoga poses, meditations, exercises and tips.

[Cassie Rosen · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3) I appreciated the author intentionally keeping the chapters short for ease of reading during the postpartum period when time is short. The range of topics was great. This book served as a good reminder that yoga can be a couple minutes of stretching and breathing - something is far better than nothing.

[Rebecca Hanover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. So relevant to new moms and not-so-new-moms (of which I'm the latter). Makes you laugh, makes you feel like you've got this - even if you don't. I love her "ok principle" and the fact that the author doesn't require you to head to a 90-minute yoga class every day. There are simple and effective practices you can do right at home. Highly recommend!

[Alycia Canfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me make it known that I am not a mother and have never been pregnant before I start this review. That being said I am still big in the tummy area. and am still depressed and have anxiety and still still know know a ton about motherhood... and this book is 5 stars for anyone into yoga!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must read for all who are pregnant, postpartum, ttc, or in any other way in relation to the parenthood community.

[Victoria Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book that would definitely reassure a new mother. I am not one of those so I didn't read the whole thing but I felt like I would share this with friends of mine who need some support and advice. It's almost like a hug in a book!