After Birth: What Nobody Tells You - How to Recover Body and Mind

by Jessica Hatcher-Moore

'Important on so many levels - every new parent should read it, men included' Ross J. Barr, Acupuncturist and Women's Health Expert

'An absolute treasure trove on women's physical and mental postnatal health' Milli Hill, author of Give Birth Like A Feminist and The Positive Birth Book

While there is a wealth of advice for new mums on caring for their babies the same is not true for postpartum health. Fulfilling this vital need, After Birth is the ultimate postnatal primer for women facing changes to their bodies after having a baby.

Addressing issues great and small­ - from hair loss and stretch marks, to bladder and bowel leaks, painful sex, diastasis recti and mental health - researcher and writer Jessica Hatcher-Moore brings together straight-talking advice on preparation for childbirth, healing, and recovery in the weeks, months and even years that follow. She also offers insights for partners, whose role is often overlooked at this critical time.

Blending knowledge from the full spectrum of modern and traditional therapies with honest experiences from mothers, here is balanced advice with no agenda. Taking a broad look at what we can do for ourselves at home, and also when to seek expert help, After Birth will reassure, inform and empower women to reclaim their post-birth bodies.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting

320 pages, Paperback

Published May 27, 2021

Reviews

[Kara Motschall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not for all expectant mothers! After Birth describes everything that may go on during and after birth (most of which are difficult/stressful situations). I personally loved learning all of these facts and new pieces of information. I wanted to be fully informed of every situation that I may come across during my postpartum journey. There is even a section at the end to help partners understand what their partner may be going through and how to best support them. I would only recommend this book to mothers who want to know all the facts up front.

[Emma Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any expecting mother or parent to be should read this book! One of the best books I’ve read on preparing for birth and life after birth. Key takeaway: prioritise looking after yourself (body and mind) so you can look after your baby!

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read detailed discussion of the potential physical and mental consequences of giving birth, UK based information.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is written by an author in the U.K, so it is all in the context of their healthcare system. Regardless, much of it applies to the US and the women’s stories in the book are universally applicable. What is helpful about this book is the no-nonsense approach to the scarier, harder issues that arise in birth and postpartum. The approach is meant to decrease the sense of isolation between new mothers that can be experiencing the same or similar problems as each other and never know it. The strength of this book is explaining what is happening to put in context what you may need, with a message of empowerment to seek all methods of support you can. Additionally, the author puts an importance on pelvic floor health, as a preventive measure for issues that will arise later in life. The underlying conclusion is that sharing information is power and telling our stories only makes all women stronger and more prepared for motherhood.

My personal drawback in this book is the author's opinions around the validity of BMIs in the "During Pregnancy" chapter. For a book published in 2021, I am suprised to see the BMI embraced as legitimate and something to be abided by when growing a child. Although embracing that it is an "imperfect measure", she goes on to push a narrative that I believe teeters on body-shaming. As a birth and post-partum doula, I would steer clients clear of this section if using this book as a resource.

[Hazel MacLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forewarned is forearmed. Great information on post natal health with practical tips. It is quite normal to prep for birth, but understanding how to take your health, fitness, nutrition and mental health seriously after birth is arguably more impactful. Not to mention being aware of the shifts to your life and relationships.

Did you realise that incontinence is one of the leading reasons for admission into care homes in later life and can stem from pelvic floor issues left untreated after pregnancy and birth which then crop up much later on? I didn't but I'm glad I do now. I would recommend this book to anyone pregnant or postnatal, it also has a section for partners.

[Sophie Determann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I'd discovered this book before delivering my baby, but it's been excellent postnatally. Postnatal health (and women's health generally) suffers from a woeful lack of research, resourcing and care in the UK. This book makes an informed case for the improvement of those things while practically explaining and offering advice on issues that you might come across as a birthing person. The information on labour interventions, pelvic recovery, feeding etc was all much better than I received in antenatal classes. Very clearly written and easy to digest.

[Rebecca Derine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally useful book, for both me and my post-birth support system. It's intense reading but it's reassuring to me to know we have this knowledge, in case it's needed. I'd rather me and my partner be prepared than struggle for having been optimists.

Also, one of the highlights of the book for me was the frequent quotes by Kate Walsh, a specialised pelvic floor physiotherapist, one of the best in the UK. In my mind, I pictured I was receiving birth advice by Kate Walsh, the actress from Grey's Anatomy. Which made my pregnancy a bit more cheerful.

[Tiffany Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

By far the most comprehensive resource I have found so far as a mum-to-be on postpartum care, although it is mainly focused on physical rather than mental health. It recommends private care a lot which is unthinkable for a lot of us, but at the same time it is a reminder to look beyond the standard options offered.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top 5 books to recommend to read in pregnancy to understand postpartum. Well written, informative and fantastic resource

[charli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshingly realistic and honest, no topic too taboo to be talked about openly and honestly. Vital for new parents. I’ll be keeping a copy for my daughter should she choose to be a parent.

[Elisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really informative re pelvic floor rehab, and post partum recovery. Glad I came across it before child birth.

[Nina Fitton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. Helpful. But don't read it before you give birth as some of the stories and information could be too negative and just cause you to worry.

[Jing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can be summed up with: get pelvic floor PT

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend to begin reading this in your first trimester. The beginning of the book has preventive care that needs to be started in pregnancy.

Overall, really well researched and great citing of sources. I even wrote down a few of the sources to visit with them myself. I was tentative as an American to read a UK book, but the information was still relevant and easy to read.

The downside of being very informative, is that you get to know everything that could possibly go wrong during birth and postpartum. This can be depressing and cause anxiety, so be wary of whether you're ready to take in that kind of information before reading this book.

UPDATE (after being postpartum myself):
Some of the preventive advice was questionable. Please seek a pelvic floor physical therapist for preventive care sometime during pregnancy before birth.