Zen Mamas

by Teresa Palmer, Sarah Wright Olsen

The founders of the popular blog Your Zen Mama share their experiences and tips on becoming a mother – while trying to stay Zen! – in this practical and beautiful book.

Being Zen(ish) is what we call it – and it’s the ish that we endorse!

Teresa Palmer and Sarah Wright Olsen are two mums from opposite sides of the world who are doing their best to raise happy, empathetic children while working, travelling and maintaining their sanity. With six kids between them, the founders of the much-loved Your Zen Mama blog know as well as anyone that motherhood doesn’t exist in the highlight reel of life, and that finding even a fleeting semblance of calm amongst the epic ebbs and flows of being a parent is usually all you can hope for!

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Self Help

296 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2020

Reviews

[Tara van Beurden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book, and a few others, whilst in the middle of my last fertility treatment. I listen to a podcast that often tells me that I need to start thinking of myself as a Mum in order to be one. For me, reading is a huge part of my identity, so I thought I’d put this idea into action by starting to read parenting books. This is my first (besides one about trying to get pregnant) and its a really beautiful book. I’m not sure who Sarah Wright Olsen, but Teresa Palmer is an Australian actress, and whilst I wasn’t aware of her Zen Mama blog, it fits what I’ve seen of her - somehow she just seems like the kind of woman to be trying to raise kids in a more down-to-Earth way. This books covers conception, up to actually raising your kids, and it covered some topics I’d not expected, including miscarriage (I had a chemical pregnancy whilst reading it, and it hit home) and using second hand (seemed strange but encouraging from an actress). Overall, a lot of what this book covers resonates for me - I intend to breastfeed, use cloth nappies and try to have a natural delivery. This book got me thinking about not just my approaches to being pregnant and documenting the journey (something I’m particularly focused on because it might be my one and only), but on pain relief in child birth (always thought I’d be a ‘get me the epidural’ but this book made me think again about that) and how I was raised and what of that I’d not want to replicate for my own children (though there is a lot I would replicate). Whilst there are times I felt this book ignored that fact that we all probably don’t quite have the money Teresa and Sarah do (and to be honest, I actually have no idea how well off either are), overall a lot resonated with me, and I think I’ll be referring back to it when I actually get pregnant and have my own kids. And the pictures are gorgeous! A nice, ‘zen’ entry into parenting books.

[Miriam Crosby · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was unfortunately an example of deceptively beautiful advertising. The suggestions around co-sleeping were dangerous (not in line with research or medical recommendations) and the eating of the placenta holds significant risks for baby and mother due to possible infection.

SIDS and Kids supports many families every year in Adelaide who are dealing with the tragedies resulting from co-sleeping - those who’ve followed the co-sleeping guidelines quoted in this book. These deaths go unreported in the media to protect the families but which allows inaccurate information to proliferate through avenues such as this book.

I enjoyed reading the book and found myself looking to purchase some of the recommended sleeping products and set ups that this book recommends. It was only upon finding that these set ups posed a significant risk to infants that I realised the book wasn’t an appropriate resource for any mother.
It is a timely reminder that not everyone who writes and publishes a book is an authority on their subject matter and that all advice should be taken with a grain - or in this case a whole packet - of salt.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, in particular the second half of the book from labour onward, because it was nice to have more general “conversational” advice compared to other birth and labour books. This is a pretty new age hippy read, so if that isn’t your thing you will probably roll your eyes a lot (I’m into that sort of point of view for the most part, but even I rolled my eyes a little bit).

The “hands on” information and advice is really accessible. While I like books like “What to Expect...” I found that an information overload compared to this, which I appreciated - especially the parts on labour and after labour.

I’m somewhat adverse to the notion of “community” and mothers groups so I found this book relied on those types of things a lot, which just wasn’t for me.

The book itself is really beautifully put together and there are lots of suggestions for other reads the authors found helpful to them. I’m not sure if it was just my edition, but it was nice to see a lot of Australian stats and resources provided.

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book slowly through out my pregnancy and found it wonderful and insightful. I enjoyed the relaxed style of parenting that is depicted and also the many recommendations for Australian brands/books/medical quotes ect. I found it very informative while also being conversational and enjoyed how openly the author spoke about their experiences.
I would definitely recommend this book to all mothers to be and hope they enjoy reading through it as well :)

[Anné Jude Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps I'd just read too many pregnancy books by this point, but this one didn't feel particularly compelling. I like their "zen-ish" approach and agreed with most of their outlooks on pregnancy and beyond, but I didn't find I gained a ton of wisdom with this one.

[Hayley (hayleys.little.library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This morning I finished ‘Zen Mamas’ by Teresa Palmer & Sarah Wright Olsen, after slowly reading it over the course of 6 weeks. This is probably one of the first books that I’ve read relating to pregnancy/birth/children/becoming a parent and it was so informative yet written in such a way that felt comforting and very easy to understand.
Overall it had such a broad range of information, while the book was set out so nicely with photos and graphics. I highly recommend this book and think that it would be a perfect gift as well 🥰🌸
5/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Sarah Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good overview if you are newly pregnant. Doesn’t go into any one thing particularly deeply but it’s a great starting off point that is easy to read and not too overwhelming. There’s a lot of information out there that can be.

[Hannah Sparke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great little guide on all things mama. Would be a great gift for a first time mum. Easy to read and understand.

[Zoe Cameron · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book is absolutely beautiful physically but definitely not for me. I’m a practical and routine type person and these two are not at all. This book made me anxious for what is to come.

[Karis Dodson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book with beautiful supporting pictures etc but at the end of the day it is just opinions.. so take or leave the bits you want to.

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Kiel Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in one day! It was so informative and didn’t waffle so has left me feeling so much more prepared for birth/labour 💓 highly recommend!!!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of great advice and funny stories. Reading this was like having a chat with my best friend.

[Brooke Huaki-Feaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book but some areas I thought could of had more information, such as the later parts of pregnancy. But it is a lovely book

[Delaney Webb-Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe it's just because my birth was super rough but this felt borderline crunchy mom. Still a nice listen but I didn't feel like a lot was relevant to my experience

[Erika Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply beautiful, from the testimonies to the photography. These women carry motherhood so well.