The Post-Pregnancy Handbook: The Only Book That Tells What the First Year After Childbirth Is Really All About---Physically, Emotionally, Sexually [Paperback]

Sylvia Brown (Author), Mary Dowd Struck (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 8, 2003

While a number of books exist which deal with various aspects of the postnatal experience - breastfeeding, exercise, motherhood, post-partum depression - this is the first complete source of information on what a woman experiences both physically and emotionally in the days, weeks and months after childbirth. It is also the only book in its field which balances medical advice with practical tips and numerous references to alternative remedies. From Sylvia Brown, a mother, and Mary Dowd Struck, RN,MS,CNM, a nurse/midwife, comes The Post-Pregnancy Handbook, a wonderfully comprehensive, honest self-help guide which every new (and repeat) mother should keep by her bedside. Brown and Struck give detailed guidance on:

The First Few Days
- alleviating discomfort from the after-effects of labor or a ceasarian
- making the hospital stay more pleasant
- coping with possible medical complications

The First Few Weeks
- organizing home life with a new baby
- surviving fatigue
- breastfeeding successfully
- managing older siblings, parents and friends
- introducing a new dimension to the couple (returning to sex after childbirth)
- navigating the new mother's dietary needs
- identifying and overcoming a range of emotional difficulties from "baby blues" to severe postnatal depression
- dealing with stress, guilt and that elusive maternal instinct

The First Year
- achieving a complete physical recovery: how to get back into shape from the inside out
- restoring strength and tone to the pelvic floor
- countering the legacies of pregnancy: problems with hair, skin, and varicose veins

A thorough, straightforward guide to helping the new mother achieve an effective and harmonious recovery.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Broader in scope than similar consumer works, this book includes discussion of the physical, emotional, and social issues commonly associated with the first year of life after delivery. Englishwoman Brown, who writes with the help of Struck, a registered nurse and clinical teaching associate in obstetrics and gynecology at Brown University Medical School, spearheaded this work after she got frustrated with the dearth of materials on her subject. Unfortunately, in attempting to cover every postpartum issue, the authors preclude comprehensive treatment of individual topics. Presented is a mix of helpful and problematic information. Although interesting in themselves, health statistics are presented without source citations or adequate descriptions of conditions and populations; statements of opinion, some highly arguable, are presented as facts. The authors also fail to provide comprehensive treatment by addressing the reader throughout most of the text as a partnered parent with a healthy infant. Those issues aside, the work's major drawback is its liberal recommendations regarding herbal and mineral remedies, which are provided without warnings of contraindications or potential side effects. For instance, comfrey is recommended for lactation support, but according to the second edition of PDR for Herbal Medicines, it is contraindicated for breast-feeding and pregnancy. Oral ingestion of silver, which has not been shown to be efficacious and has potentially harmful side effects, is recommended to lift postpartum spirits. Not recommended. Noemie Maxwell, King Cty. Lib. Syst., Seattle
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Brown started writing The Post-Pregnancy Handbook after becoming disillusioned with life after her baby was born. No one told her how ravaged her body, or how topsy-turvy her emotions, would be. With nurse and clinical teacher Struck's aid, she aims to put all the unpleasantness out there, so that new mothers can be better informed. Her advice is practical and descriptive, dealing with such mundane but necessary matters as stretch marks, hair care, diet, and bodily functions during the first few weeks after giving birth; she and Struck suggest traditional and alternative remedies for those and other concerns. They briefly address the psychological ramifications of parenthood, too, with helpful tips on understanding what a new father might be feeling and on regaining intimacy with one's partner. Particularly insightful is the chapter "The Mother in You," which helps a woman manage her expectations of herself as a mother, given the practicalities of everyday life. Mary Frances Wilkens
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (November 8, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312316267
• ISBN-13: 978-0312316266
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #93,911 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wish I had read this before I had my baby!, October 28, 2002

By 

Gretchen Goel "Yogini G" (Winter Park, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Post-Pregnancy Handbook: The Only Book That Tells What the First Year After Childbirth is Really All About--Physically, Emotionally, Sexually (Hardcover)

This book is an excellent resource for FIRST TIME mothers! I am giving it as a shower gift to my expectant cousin. It is especially helpful if you don't have any close friends or relatives who have had a baby that can tell you first hand what happens to your body, emotions, relationship with spouse and friends after the baby. There is an important chapter that explains what emotions the father goes through and why he isn't always as helpful as you would expect. Buy this book if you are a first time mom or know someone who is expecting.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Give this book to every pregnant woman, February 26, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Post-Pregnancy Handbook: The Only Book That Tells What the First Year After Childbirth Is Really All About---Physically, Emotionally, Sexually (Paperback)

When I was pregnant I read a ton of pregnancy and baby books, but none prepared me for the post-pregnancy realities. All pregnancy books ended at labor and all baby books started with baby. But I had a really difficult time after the birth of my first baby and there was nothing available for ME. This book gives new moms honest information to help them get back to themselves in every way -- emotionally, physically and sexually. Now I give this book to every pregnant friend. It is the best shower gift.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read for Post-Preggies, April 25, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Post-Pregnancy Handbook: The Only Book That Tells What the First Year After Childbirth is Really All About--Physically, Emotionally, Sexually (Hardcover)

Have this book handy for the day you come home if not sooner. It is the best book I have read on this under-recognized subject--physical and emotional effects, breastfeeding, effects on the couple. Sylvia Brown understands this subject inside and out and writes about each one thoroughly in a sympathetic and authoritative style. My favorite section was on the emotional aspects, including post-natal depression, the various types, the causes and what to do. A very complete book that I am very fortunate to have found in time. It was a real consolation during my recuperation even though it was my second pregnancy.