5 Postpartum Books You Need On Your Shelf
You spend SO much time preparing for the arrival of your baby.
In fact, you probably have various books and different apps that tell you exactly how big the baby is (I always looked forward to seeing what kind of fruit or vegetable my growing baby was going to be in the coming months. It’s the little things, you know.) and where they are currently in their development.
But don’t forget to educate yourself about your journey too, mama. Recovery from childbirth is often overlooked and hastily prepared for.
Time and time again, mothers are often taken aback by the emotional upheaval they undergo during the beginning of motherhood, surprised by the sheer spectrum of emotions. Everything from joy to anger, love, and disappointment, it’s a delicate time for so many of us.
To prepare you even further for postpartum — or if you know a mama-to-be that loves to read and could use a few different types of motherhood books on her bookshelf — let’s talk about some of the essential books you need to help you build a sound mind in your fourth trimester.
1. The First Forty Days by Heng Ou
Ou tackles the concept that mothers need to “bounce” right back to their pre-baby bodies and how women often face the emotional challenges of motherhood alone out of fear of judgment. Within the first forty days, it’s important to establish a “lifeline of connection, nourishment, and guidance.”
Packed full of wonderful recipes, advice on how to set up a support system, postpartum information on topics like lactation, and tips on how to honor your journey as a mother, this is an inspired companion that any expectant or first-time mother needs by her side.
What they’re saying: “Women are beginning to see the range of choices they have during pregnancy and birth, but the journey isn’t over when the baby arrives. Bringing our attention back to the importance of the postpartum period for new mothers helps to create space for this essential period of integration and recovery. The First 40 Days is an invaluable companion during the first 40 days and beyond.” - Ricki Lake & Abby Epstein, Filmmakers, The Business of Being Born
Honest Opinion: This book is truly caring and thoughtful. The only thing I’d like to point out is that the ingredients for the recipes can be hard to find. Ou also has many meat recipes so this may not be the best option for our vegan or vegetarian families.
2. Breathe Mama Breathe by Shonda Moralis
“Breathe Mama Breathe” is an empowering book that helps you practice mindfulness...even if it’s just for five minutes every day. But in the end, it’s not about saving time. It’s about embracing the smaller, quieter moments of motherhood and learning how to be fully present.
Moralis empowers you with easy-to-do practices that can fit into any routine, no matter how busy you are. And the best part? If you’re looking for a solution that can help you right now, this is it. You can begin your practices and meditations as soon as the book is in your hands.
What they’re saying: “Breathe, Mama, Breathe is a breath of fresh air for stressed-out moms. At once practical and creative, author Shonda Moralis offers easy-to-use mindfulness tools and strategies for real-life moms needing peace, calm, and centering—along with a dash of compassion and humor that comes from her own experiences as both a mom and a long-time mindfulness expert. This is an excellent and much-needed book!”
—Donald Altman, MA, LPC, author of Clearing Emotional Clutter, One-Minute Mindfulness, and The Mindfulness Toolbox
Honest Opinion: Have you ever tried something you were told was going to be super easy, and yet, it really wasn’t once you tried it out? This is NOT that. Moralis is true to her word when she says busy moms can practice these mindful meditations. You NEED this on your shelf. If you’ve been craving a reset in your chaotic day, or simply a way to take a mental break, Moralis teaches you accessible exercises that can help you feel re-centered.
3. To Have and To Hold: Motherhood, Marriage, and The Modern Dilemma by Molly Millwood
Millwood explores the complexities of motherhood that we all experience. Even with her background as a clinical psychologist, she was still surprised by the unexpected identity crisis, shifts in her relationship with her husband, and the disruption to her overall well-being. She acknowledges just how hard this time in motherhood is and sheds light on how women are affected personally, psychologically, professionally, and emotionally.
What they’re saying: Will speak to so many women's experiences...Exactly what I would be looking for if I were a new mother.
-- Sue Johnson, author of Hold Me Tight
Honest Opinion: This book...really hit home. Millwood speaks about Postpartum as if she were in my head, describing everything...all my emotions. This book is about transition, the shifting of identity, and feelings of loss and gain. So powerful, and so compassionate. This is MUST for every first-time mother.
4. You Are a F*cking Awesome Mom by Leslie Anne Bruce
If you’re looking for a book that just tells it like it is, this is the one for you. This is for the mama who is keeping her emotions to herself, and gradually feeling a loss of control in all aspects of her life. Bruce tells her own personal stories and leans into self-empowerment to emerge better and stronger than you were before.
What they’re saying: "Leslie Bruce is a lifeline."
-- Jill Smokler, New York Times bestselling author
Honest Opinion: The personal stories Bruce shares are absolute magic. This isn’t a book that talks at you. Bruce talks to you, never once forgetting that motherhood isn’t glamorized like you may have seen on social media. But instead, this book gives you clarity on your thoughts and helps give you a voice. No sugar-coating -- just real and raw motherhood.
5. Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide To The Secret Fears of New Mothers by Karen Kleiman
Kleiman’s book is a beautifully illustrated glimpse into the realities of motherhood. In our most private and vulnerable moments, it can be so hard to think straight. Kleiman provides ways to identify, manage, and cope with our complex emotions by helping us understand that we’re not alone in this.
What they’re saying: "This brilliant little book is chock-full of truths about the common realities of new motherhood. Once again, Kleiman says what we are all thinking—and too scared to say out loud. With comic relief, she puts it all out there!"
- Catherine Birndorf, MD co-founder of The Motherhood Center of New York
Honest Opinion: I loved the practicality of this book. The illustrations are gorgeous with easy exercises that you can do. Kleiman keeps in mind that new moms rarely have any time, especially for themselves. But she approaches a heavy topic with humor, simplicity, and grace that make this digestible for every mama who needs extra support.
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Mama, we hope you find this list helpful.
Sometimes the most important books we need on our shelves are the ones that help us see through the fog...even if we’re feeling just fine today, they can help with tomorrow.
Hopefully, these books can help you build the tools you need to get through the toughest days.
Here at Bloome, we’re here to be another pillar of support for you during motherhood.
We’ve got so many resources for you. It’s time to take care of YOU.
If you’re interested in any of our programs, please let us know. We’re happy to meet you right where you are.
P.S. All of our programs are insurance-based so you can focus on your emotional recovery.