The Complete Guide to Postpartum: A mother-focused companion for life after birth

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Is it supposed to be this hard It's a question all new mothers ask.

The moment after birthing your baby, you enter postpartum. It's the blurriest of transitions - there's joy and awe but also intense physical recovery, fluctuating hormones, a brain that can't find the right words, and so much to learn. It's beautiful and it's hard.

The Complete Guide to Postpartum is your comforting and enlightening companion to navigating this entirely new life, from the earliest moments post-birth to many years later.

This illustrated guide includes:
Your postpartum preparation checklist
The fourth trimester
Mental health
Hormones
The pelvic floor
Postpartum with your partner
Feeding
Sleep
Taking care of yourself and boosting your confidence
Trusted postpartum resources

Full of expert advice, mothers' stories and evidence-based information, this invaluable guide, with handy ribbon marker so you can easily dip in and dip out when you have time and headspace to read, will support you into motherhood with confidence and reassurance.

Reviews

'The perfect balance between practical advice, balanced breakdown of available evidence, and the sharing of wisdom and understanding. A must-read for expectant and new parents.' Dr Eliza Hannam, GP and lactation and sleep consultant


'Sophie Walker and Jodi Wilson help you to anticipate what happens after the birth of your child with comfort and reassurance, while gently challenging you to look after yourself, plan ahead and understand what will happen to your body and mind in the days and weeks following birth. If you are having a baby, you must read this book.' Prof. Helen Ball, director of Durham Infancy & Sleep Centre

'If the village you need to raise a child came in book form, this would be it. Laden with up-to-date information and a ton of expert tips, consider this book essential for your fourth trimester.' Dr Natalie Elphinstone, obstetrician

'An exceptional resource. This book provides new mothers with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions for themselves and their babies, and cuts through the misinformation and myths. I strongly recommend reading it before your baby arrives - it's an essential tool for navigating the early stages of parenthood with clarity and compassion.' Dr Kavita T. Krishnan, GP and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

'At last, an evidence-based resource that sheds light on the often-overlooked postpartum period. This book brings together leading experts in the field, weaving their insights into an engaging, authoritative guide. A vital step toward ensuring mothers receive the care and nourishment they deserve during this transformative time.' Dr Natasha Vavrek, women's health and perinatal specialist GP

'With both scientific rigour and lived-experience stories from mothers, this companion acknowledges the profound transformation and complex realities of matrescence with honesty and practical wisdom. It is carefully crafted to provide education on both the physiological and emotional landscape of life postpartum, breaking cultural silences while acknowledging the joy and transformation that can come with this monumental life transition. Essential reading for anyone seeking to understand, support or navigate life after birth.' Dr Sophie Brock, motherhood studies sociologist

'Finally - a warm, compassionate and intelligent mother-focussed book that offers up-to-date, research-informed guidance for every woman in the transition to motherhood. What I love most about this book is that it covers issues that other guides shy away from in a calm, realistic manner. The perfect gift for anyone's matrescence.' Julianne Boutaleb, consultant perinatal psychologist

'A truly essential guide for mothers, helping mothers approach this period with understanding and practical solutions to increase their confidence. Supported by stories from real mums and interviews with industry experts, this book is a comprehensive roadmap through what is often very unfamiliar terrain. A perfect baby-shower gift - a smoother postpartum is the best gift of all.' Samantha Gunn, birth and postpartum doula

'A roadmap to healing, bonding and growing alongside your little human. What an epic resource.' Lael Stone, author, educator and speaker

'This book provides an honest and authentic discussion about the many faces of motherhood. It is provocative, relevant and compassionate. Read it.' Fiona Reid, senior clinical midwife, Birthing on Country

'A comprehensive, practical guide that provides everything you need to know about the perinatal period. As a clinician and grandmother, I believe this book is what all mothers need to navigate the physical and emotional complexities of the single biggest change in their life. Thoughtful, kind and sensible, it's the perfect read for all new parents.' Prof. Anne Buist, University of Melbourne

'This guide deserves a place on every mother's bedside table - a compassionate, insightful read that I wholeheartedly recommend.' Steph Gouin, registered nurse and sleep consultant

'Support of all kinds is the key to thriving in postpartum - and this book maps that support.' Rhea Dempsey, childbirth educator, doula and author

'This comprehensive yet easy to navigate book is a really helpful resource for support people - in all their diversity - who are navigating the postpartum period.' Red Dearnley, Birth for Humankind

Author Bio

Sophie Walker is the founder of Australian Birth Stories, the number-one podcast for birth and postpartum advice and an online education hub offering support and guidance from pre-conception through to the first 12 months. She has a master's degree in public health, is a mum of three and is passionate about empowering women on their journey into motherhood.

Jodi Wilson is a writer, postpartum doula, prenatal yoga teacher and mother of four. She is the author of Practising Simplicity as well as co-author, with Sophie, of the number-one-selling Australian pregnancy and birth guide, The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy & Birth.