The Year After Childbirth: Enjoying Your Body, Your Relationships, and Yourself in Your Baby's First Year (Paperback)

by Sheila Kitzinger (Author) "Before your baby was born you probably read books, went to classes, found out what you could about birth..." (more)
Key Phrases: drop your shoulders, perineal trauma, recti muscles, United States, Pelvic Lift (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A supportive, illustrative guide for new mothers explains the physical changes they should expect, the impact of a child on new fathers, the adjustments to be made in a couple's emotional and sex lives, breastfeeding, and more. Reprint. 25,000 first printing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Fireside (September 6, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684825201
• ISBN-13: 978-0684825205
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #183,600 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book!, February 7, 2001

By	C L B C - See all my reviews

Giving birth and becoming a mother was chaotic, overwhelming, wonderful and scary at the same time, and of the many books I bought to help me through it, only this book really helped. Where so much that is written about the experience of new parents is advice driven and vaguely judgmental, this book has the perfect empathetic air. So many times while reading this book I would think "oh yes, that is exactly what I have been feeling!" My only advice to expectant mothers would be, buy this book, wrap it up, and give it to yourself as a gift for that moment when you are back home with your new child!!!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Honest and True feelings about life after birth..., April 1, 2000

By	Melissa G. Ferrer (Texas) - See all my reviews

This book was a gift from a real friend! I was so lost and unaware about all the stuff that the doctor didn't tell me! Shelia's book gave me a wealth of information about breastfeeding and why babies cry and that it's okay to feel frustrated and say "Why the hell did I do this? " The info about post-partem sex, baby slings and most importanly post partem feelings were priceless and right on. Not may people write honestly and from real life/world experience about the spectrum of feeling and emotion that follow the first intense months of babies and moms life.This book is a must have treasure written by a woman that cares and has made her lifes work about woman! BUY THIS BOOK!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshingly realistic description of the 1st year, December 23, 2001

By	Carrie Frost (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews

I haven't read a lot of books about the postpartum period that realistically describe the physical and emotional effects of becoming a mother. This book was a refreshing change of pace. After the birth of my child, I felt guilty about not being overjoyed. Sheila Kitzinger validated my feelings, which made it easier for me to accept my new role as a mother. I disagree with the previous review, describing the book as "depressing and morbid". Unfortunately, hormonal upheavals and dramatic lifestlye changes can feel that way. But I think that anyone that has had a baby should read this book. It describes what many women are thinking, but often don't talk about for fear of being judged as "abnormal". I believe that the author's discussion of these thoughts and feelings can be empowering for a new mother. It's a good read for what can sometimes be a challenging period in a woman's life.