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, Feminism

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.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this on my library ebook Hoopla streaming and mainly read it during night time nursing to keep myself mentally alert (guess it was timely!). The book is set up in standalone chapters that deal with things like birth plans, postpartum anger, identity after birth, pressure to breastfeed etc. The author is a psychologist who mixes her own experiences with those of pseudonym patients, research data, and her professional advice related to processing that topic. She ended each chapter with some practical steps to take along with reflection questions that could be done by yourself or with your partner.

She’s from Australia, making some of the stuff country context specific, but even as an American, I thought the book was helpful for a first time parent.

[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!