Beyond the Bump: A clinical psychologist's guide to navigating the mental, emotional and physical turmoil of becoming a mother

by Sally Shepherd

Beyond the Bump is a thoughtful and practical guide that aims to help new mums feel calm, confident and equipped to face the physical, emotional and mental hurdles they may encounter post birth.

Clinical psychologist Sally Shepherd understands that a healthy and happy parent is a baby's most important asset. But the first year postpartum can be very challenging. Women must grapple with a whole new existence, and going from 'me' to 'we' can be terrifying for new mums. Sally hadn't expected to struggle during this time, so it came as a big surprise when she did. As they say, you don't know what you don't know, and it turns out Sally didn't know much at all! She had more extensive training for her first job at KFC than she did for the 'job' of being a mum!

Beyond the Bump is a book that focuses on mothers. Sally has combined her personal and professional experiences, along with clinical research, to create this much-needed resource. Covering rage, relationships, nutrition, identity and returning to work, it is a kind, considered and essential companion for any new mum.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2019

Reviews

[Anna Lindeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this for first time mothers! I started reading this just before giving birth and finished it in the weeks after. It was especially helpful when I was in hospital and started crying uncontrollably on day 2 - I knew this was normal and part of a big hormonal shift that was happening. It deals with all major issues/challenges in the first year postpartum, includes honest stories from other mothers and practical advice. Great resource!

[Kerri Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the more useful books I have read during my pregnancy/postpartum journey, as it focuses on your mental health rather than how to look after a child. You learn that on the go anyway, and basics shown in hospital but your mental well-being is rarely spoken about. Highly recommend this book to anyone having a baby, and worth partners reading too.

[linda timmermans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for new mums

Practical insightful personal , written by a mum for mums. Topics often not talked about or discussed fully. It’s stacked with the necessary information an expectant or new mum needs.

[Bel Tully · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I found the book very informative with relevant and useful "programs"; I didn't like the style of writing, felt more like a blog.

[Sami Lowcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though it took me an embarrassingly long time to finish (I’m not a nonfiction girl) this was overall a helpful resource.
I can imagine for mothers who don’t have other mothers around them this would be particularly helpful. It is a great balance of being realistic about motherhood, but also expressing that it is a great joy to be a mum (something I rarely hear beyond Christian resources.)
Not all chapters felt helpful, especially as I got further on in my postpartum journey, but Shepherd understands this will be the case, and admits as such in the intro.

[angie.thereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this during my postpartum “fourth trimester”as a new mum, and this book saved me! It is so helpful in its exploration of the emotional rollercoaster that is postpartum. I enjoyed the mix of theory, anecdotes and case studies. Recommend this for all new mums!

[Catherine Morse · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. way too quirky of a writing style for me. Didn’t find the author funny, just cringe