Dear Mama, You Matter: Honest talk about the transition to motherhood

by Amanda Hardy, Holly Norian (Illustrator), Alyssa Berlin (Foreword)

Dear Mama, Once a baby is born, so much of the focus and energy turns toward them. It’s natural for all the books and chatter to be about the baby. But, Mama, this book is all about YOU. You matter, too, and these words are my love letter to you.

I want you to

Hard is normal (but that doesn’t mean it’s any less hard).Perfection is a myth (and it’s a dangerous one).You matter (big time).You are not alone (we’re all in the same boat).I hope you find comfort and relief in that what you’re experiencing in this transition is actually pretty darn “normal.” Hard, but normal. One big reason it’s hard, perhaps the most misunderstood and unacknowledged reason, is new parents are in the process of becoming something new! The magazines and dominant culture narrative love to talk about when we’re going “back.” Getting our body back. Getting our life back. Back to our old selves. This idea implies that we’re just ourselves but with a baby in tow. As if a baby just fits into this carved out little corner of our lives and everything goes on pretty much as normal. This is an absolutely absurd notion, and I think it’s actually hurting us. Imagine how differently you’d think about your postpartum and transition to parenthood if our cultural story was about reinvention and redefinition of ourselves, rather than going back.

This book serves to give you some new and different tools, resources, and ideas for your difficult journey of parenthood and reduce feelings of fear, shame, or guilt. My hope is, after reading these words you’ll feel more loved, more valued, and know you are enough. There is nothing I say in this book that I say with greater conviction and certainty than you are worthy of love, grace, and compassion, and you are enough.

With love,

Amanda

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2020

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I found the author to be relatable and her content and presentation were relevant and honest. I really enjoyed reading it and will keep it on hand.

[Madelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will buy this book for every. single. person I can that is expecting or has given to birth. I am blown away at the ability of this author to give permission to moms to identify, acknowledge and accept (or NOT accept) situations and emotions in their journey through motherhood.
The term matresence being explained and validated ALONE gives this book incredible value.
Dr. Hardy writes in a personal, yet professional voice - a true voice of care and empowerment.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this book had been around when I had babies. I will be gifting this book to all the new mamas in my life.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many books about how to take care of babies, it's nice to have one that focuses on taking care of the moms. I will say that this book talks so much about how hard being a mom is that I think it would've made more scared about having kids if I read it while I was pregnant or newly postpartum. It is a great resource though for moms who really are having a tough time or don't have the support they need.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the layout of the book, the side bar points, the REAL view on momhood! All moms: new, experienced, soon to be should read the book.