Baby and Beyond: Overcoming Those Post-Childbirth Woes

by Allison Auth

During the year after giving birth, some mothers struggle to recover from the wearying days, sleepless nights, and assorted other troubles – mental, physical, and spiritual – that childbirth brings.If you’re one such woman, know that you don’t stand alone. Author Allison Auth has experienced all these woes and more, growing wise along the way in the art of postpartum life – a healing art she illuminates and shares here with you.In these lively, plainspoken pages, Auth introduces you to powerful exercise, health, and nutrition practices that can relieve – and often even eliminate – most of the troubles you might suffer during that difficult year after your baby is born. These practices will help you find the energy, balance, and healing – physical and spiritual – that you need to care confidently for your loved ones, your home, and your soul. Auth will even teach you a surefire way to slay, once and for all, the toxic temptation to compare yourself unfavorably with that “perfect mom” next door, whose hair is always tidy, clothes neat, and house clean.Here, you’ll also to deal with unfulfilled expectations when your careful birth plans go awryHow vitamins, sleep, and exercise can help you sustain your loving relationship with your spouse – and with God!How to deal with Natural Family Planning uncertainties during the year after giving birthHow to overcome self-directed negativity about your post-pregnancy bodyWhat to do when even small household tasks seem overwhelmingHow to combat discouragement when your postpartum spiritual life grows feebleHow to open yourself to friendship with other new mothers (and why you must)Why sustained self-care is critical to your well-being . . . and your family’sThree ways to weather the stages of your child’s development and the seasons of family lifeAnd much more!Whether you’re struggling through a “dark night” of genuine postpartum depression or simply enduring a frustrating roller coaster of emotions, Auth’s wealth of experience and bright wisdom will help you finally experience what you’ve been longing for since before your baby’s the inexpressible joys of motherhood.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2019

Reviews

[Eliz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars but rounding up because I love that this Catholic mom (who has struggled immensely postpartum) heard the Lord inviting her to write a book and she boldly accepted the mission. It is sweet and intimate to receive her advice about physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental health as she is not an expert and is just sharing about resources she has encountered, mistakes she has made, etc. This is a simple, humble read. I am affirmed in my current practices of self care in this vulnerable postpartum period.

[Katy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how, I wish I’d had this book when I became a mother in 2011! Allison Auth has shed a crucial light on the failings of our culture to adequately prepare, care for and support women during the postpartum year. She gives a brave and honest account of her own postpartum experiences, challenges and emotions while offering her reader practical reassurance and encouragement. Never have I related more to an author than I did while reading this book; finally, at eight months postpartum with my fourth child, I no longer feel like there is something wrong with me because I can’t “bounce back” and “get into a routine” as fast as society tells me I should. I now know that I likely suffer from a real condition called postnatal depletion, and that it’s OK! Allison, thank you for having the courage to write this book. You have helped me out more than you will ever know.

One thing to note: this book is written from a Catholic perspective, but I do not think you have to be Catholic to appreciate this book - it’s a must-read for new moms, old moms, women thinking of becoming moms, and anyone wishing to help moms at any time, anywhere.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is worth it for all the internal book rec.s I got from it. It is an ideal gift for a not-first-time mom. The author speaks honestly about her labor and deliveries and many other things and I don’t believe we need to lead with scare tactics for those already nervous for the profound changes coming. That said, for experienced moms, it’s a hands-down gotta-have.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely worthwhile read for this melancholic-choleric mom of 2. My only complaint is that it wasn’t written sooner. I’ll be taking a lot of this book to prayer and surely returning to its contents after the next baby arrives.

[Jessica Hollowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE book every new mom (or seasoned struggling mom) needs to read in the postpartum period.

[Beth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for any mothers struggling during the postpartum season. Allison Auth beautifully connects the sacrifices of motherhood with our greater purpose in Christ.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The writing was straightforward and relatable, like talking to a trusted friend. It helped me see more clearly through my 2nd postpartum fog, and I wish I'd had this earlier!