Not Your Mother’s Postpartum Book: Normalizing Post-Baby Mental Health Struggles, Navigating #MOMLife, and Finding Strength Amid the Chaos

by Caitlin Slavens, Chelsea Bodie

“But no one told me to expect this…”

So many new moms find themselves saying this phrase in the first hours, days, and weeks postpartum—sometimes even for years! That’s where Instagram’s wildly popular @mamapsychologists come in. In Not Your Mother’s Postpartum Book, Chelsea and Caitlin share what to really expect postpartum—and it’s not just the baby blues.

This refreshingly candid resource fills a notable void by providing real, honest, and raw insights into motherhood. With their nonjudgmental yet humorous tone, Caitlin and Chelsea provide a deep dive into all things #momlife,

Birth trauma & perinatal mood disordersBaby feeding & sleepThe mental load of motherhoodBody image strugglesMom guilt & burnoutNICU lifeIntimacy & romance postpartumPregnancy complications & lossThe balancing act of returning to workAnd more…Mom life feels hard because it is hard. There is hope, and this book is here to provide it.

Genres: Parenting, Self Help, Nonfiction

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2023

Reviews

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considering how expensive this book is, I expected it to be a little more information-dense/like an encyclopedia.
It reads like blog posts in book form to me, but there is definitely some good information. I'd get it used or from a library.

[Brenley · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️’s

Highly recommend this book for clinicians and new moms alike!! Packed with tons of helpful information, definitions, exercises and personal stories. A wonderful resource!!

[Missi Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personally a three, but feel like it could be a five for others. Great for reflection and working through the challenges of post partum. I was fortunate enough to navigate many of these with my support team before reading this.

[Ashley Soriano Lernor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that this book was updated and had some thought-provoking questions. I did find myself skipping ahead or skipping full chapters when I did not feel that it was that relevant. Either way, a quick listen or read

[Cecillia Luper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calling all moms! 📣📣📣
You need this book 📖

I turned to this book at almost 8 weeks postpartum, and my only regret is that I didn't read it sooner.

This book helps you to understand that all of these difficulties, all of these feelings, all of these thoughts, it's all normal. Everyone's pregnancy and postpartum journey is different, magical, and beautiful; yet, at times, can be a struggle (and that's normal and okay too). You feel the love for your baby and the judgment from your peers. You experience the joy of this new precious life and also the strain of sleep deprivation. This book goes over all of this and more! No one will feel excluded with the vast range of categories and topics covered in this extremely helpful and mom-empowering book.

Also, I listened to the audible audiobook version and loved the narrator. She did an outstanding job at capturing the overall tone 👏

[Emily Almacddissi · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the right audience, this book could be life changing. For myself, as a therapist and seasoned therapy attendee, the exercises weren’t necessarily groundbreaking but it was helpful to see the way the authors adapted typical therapy exercises to specifically fit postpartum struggles. I enjoyed how the book is formatted into different chapters for each postpartum topic which allows for easy reference. I also enjoyed reading the authors’ experiences with the various aspects of postpartum life & mental health. I would highly recommend this book for individuals who haven’t had a lot of, or any therapy. For those who have had a lot of therapy, this book could still be helpful, but perhaps temper your expectations a bit. If you’re expecting to learn some wildly new or unique techniques for dealing with mental health during the postpartum period, you will be disappointed. If you’re expecting an accessible read with accessible practices to springboard yourself into thinking about ways to cope more effectively with postpartum mental health, you will be very happy with this book.

[Bryna Zumer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books is mostly a workbook (for working through different feelings/situations), affirmations, and some resources for different aspects of postpartum life. It is reassuring, uplifting, and a good tool for those looking for that “workbook”/affirmational approach - or just for a quick pick-me-up and burst of inspiration.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Audiobook] This is the postpartum book I didn’t know I needed, even though I’m almost 2 years out. It is written for everybody in a postpartum body (or mind), discussing topics that I wouldn’t even think to ask about or wouldn’t ask about for fear of seeming like a total weirdo. Recommend to all new moms.

[Annette Ridenour · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the thoroughness of this book. I would definitely recommend it in your pregnancy or even before you start trying to get pregnant, and write down your plan for how you’ll deal with different situations. Dealing with postpartum anxiety myself, it was hard and a bit triggering to listen to this book now. So I would recommend starting earlier or waiting if you’re currently postpartum.

[Allie Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very non-judgemental book that normalized a lot of what I’ve been feeling post partum. It was straight to the point and easy to pick up and put down between the many distractions of motherhood. Definitely recommend for anyone that isn’t quite feeling themselves PP.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a relatable book for me in this postpartum period. I want to buy a copy of this to keep on my shelves and highlight meaningful passages for me. Becoming a mother is such a HUGE identity shift. I highly recommend this book! (Read via scribd aka Everand)

[Sarah-Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

[Talisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had this book as I left the hospital, if not before. Don't wait on this one especially if your mind is reeling post-partum. I found it helpful, I just wish some chapters dug a little deeper.

[Alaina Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really useful postpartum book for new moms and the clinicians who work with them alike. Very relatable and very practical.

[Brenden Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very honest and helpful book about maternal postpartum mental health. Goes into various different emotional issues that a mom might struggle with.

[Aj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly this should be required reading in high schools.

[Bekah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be a must read from all new moms. So many amazing things brought together into one book to give you every confidence and tip you thought and didn't know you needed.

[Laura P · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good balance of information, stories, and tangible strategies. Useful for moms at various stages

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5