Mothering the New Mother

For the expectant and new mom, freshly updated and designed, this acclaimed all-in-one support guide focuses on all aspects of the postpartum experience. The nine chapters in this comprehensive guide include resources, networks, information, stories, and advice to nurture, validate, and empower the new mother, whether she is having her first baby or her third. Among the subjects covered are: what to expect when you go home; what is this period called "postpartum" and how long does it last; where to find breastfeeding help; how to ask for help; homecare options; what are realistic going-back-to-work options; how to relieve the isolation of at-home mothers; what to say (and not to say) to family members. Drawn from three years of research and the author's own experience, each chapter is filled with the practical suggestions and hands-on solutions provided by doctors, nurses, midwives, other caregivers, policymakers, and over 100 new mothers. Also included are many real-life stories told by women in their own voices; checklists; a prenatal and postpartum questionnaire to help assess and plan needs; reading lists; resource listings; and a separate chapter for second-, third-, or more-time moms.