The Little Book of Calm for New Mums: Grounding words for the highs, the lows and the moments in between

by Anna Mathur

The Little Book of Calm for New Mums will share advice and support on issues that new mothers face, from A for Anger, to I for Insomnia, providing an empowering pep talk for those days when new mothers need it most. Psychotherapist and mother of three, Anna Mathur, will support readers through the rollercoaster of feelings that come with being a new mum and provide expert advice based on her own professional and personal experiences. Whether you need some quick grounding, a note of compassion, or you want to untangle a feeling, flick to a page for a quick, uplifting moment of much-needed support. There are quick takeaway mantras and action tips for those tight on time, and further reading should you want to explore topics more deeply. This comprehensive A-Z covers everything from baby blues and anxiety to guilt, insomnia, stress, your inner critic and maintaining friendships.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting

304 pages, Hardcover

Published May 26, 2022

Reviews

[Iona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is broken down in to all the different things you might feel as a new mum - I have found it really helpful, like that you can pick it up any time and find the right thing for you in that moment!

[Emily Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good friend of mine got me this book and she said it helped her through the highs and lows. Mum of two gorgeous girls now but having experienced the loss of two more babies through miscarriages, I can see how this informative and well-structured read full of practical tips would have been a breath of fresh air. It’s natural to go through an emotional whirlwind with such life-changing and traumatic events, no-one should feel alone and it is important to accept help. I love Mathur’s mantra of “where there is help, there is hope”.

At almost 40 weeks pregnant, I could only relate with some ideas around things like comparing myself with others, feeling overwhelmed with advice and opinion, and winging it. Time will tell and I’m sure this book will be doing its rounds in our new mums’ group as we figure out parenting for the first time.

[Iris Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simple little book for new moms where each chapter focuses on an emotion that new moms may feel (e.g. overwhelmed, anxious, grateful, lonely, etc.). I read it all the way through because I wanted to see what it was about, but I think it would be a great resource for a new mom to read just whatever chapter resonates with her in that moment.

It provides encouragement, validation for those feelings, ways to reframe negative thinking, and tips for how to get help and manage these emotions. It’s like a taste of therapy in a mini book. It helped me to be more understanding of my own emotions and compassionate towards myself (even though I am past that newborn stage). My only critique is that I’m not sure how helpful the tips would actually be for a new mom, since it’s hard to have the mental energy to actually apply them.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little book with words full of support, grounding advice, compassion and reassurance that will make you feel understood and confident in dealing with all the feelings of motherhood.

I love that it can be read as a whole from start to finish, or you can just jump to the feeling/situation that you find yourself in at that moment and come back to it whenever you need some calming words.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this book whilst still pregnant and great nuggets of information to think about, and in a way prepare for/keep in mind for when baby arrives.
I'll definitely be referring back to this to the different sections as and when needed - the tips included were brilliant!
I'll also be paying it forward, and buying this for some friends who are expectant mothers too

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a kind gift from my sister in law as a new mum, and the words within were exactly what I needed as someone struggling with so much of new parenthood and really down in the trenches. This is not advice from a high horse, it is accessible messages, reminders and constant kindness in small chunks in between newborn feeds.

[Daniel Li · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me, the advice is so generic and commonsensical I got little value in reading it. Its central message through the different "chapters" is essentially "Make a deliberate effort to be kind and compassionate to yourself, talk to friends and family, your feelings are valid, and the "bad" times will pass"

[Ido]

As the title suggests, this is for new mothers, mostly, mainly. I stumbled upon it when I was not a new mother nor an anxious mother, but liked how it is a quick, easy and detailed book, and will recommend to my new mother friends and friends working in mental health.

[Aimée Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gorgeous little book. Perfect for new mums and whilst the format is really easy to dip in and out of (when you ever get a minute to yourself!), the content is so worthwhile and surprisingly well written. I will be recommending this to other mums for sure! 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Charlotte Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

So real, validating and reassuring. I have a 3 month old and resonate with most of this book. Especially the overwhelm chapter.

[Alanna Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review here: https://theresnoenjoymentlikereading....