“Birth is our inbuilt experience of initiation to self, but we are in desperate need of sage guidance throughout this otherwise overwhelming and scary transformation. Kimberly Ann Johnson lights the path to our truest, most actualized, and empowered feminine selves...because it begins in the Fourth Trimester. Every mother-to-be and mother-lover needs these pages to learn how to truly honor this mystical transition.”—Kelly Brogan MD, author of the New York Times bestseller, A Mind of Your Own

“In all my years as an ob/gyn, I never once met a woman who was able to get by the initiation of labor and birth and focus on the critical postpartum time frame—a time which is largely ignored in our culture. After all, most “maternity leaves” end at mere 6 weeks—nowhere near enough time to truly honor and carry out the true work of the fourth trimester. No—we tend to focus only on the birth—and if mom and baby make it through in a reasonably healthy way, we figure we’re done. Not even close.  In this eye opening and vital book, all those who care about women, children, and families will find a treasure trove of information and practices that are vital for the health of society. I highly recommend this book.”—Christiane Northrup, M.D., ob/gyn physician and author of the New York Times bestsellers: Goddesses Never Age: The Secret Prescription for Radiance, Vitality, and Wellbeing, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom, and The Wisdom of Menopause

"While there are a plethora of books about pregnancy and delivery, few discuss self-care after the baby is born. Johnson, cofounder of the STREAM School for Postpartum Care, aims to fill that gap with this comprehensive guide to a transitional time. Using a holistic perspective, Johnson addresses everything from preparing one’s body for birth to rebuilding and healing afterward."—Library Journal

"After giving birth, many women devote every ounce of energy in their tank to taking care of their newborn — which is more than understandable. But delivery puts a huge strain on your body, and healing is paramount. The Fourth Trimester encourages new moms to take time for themselves post-pregnancy, and tangibly shows you how to do so."—Woman's Day 

KIMBERLY ANN JOHNSON was a yoga teacher and bodyworker whose body, and life, was permanently altered when she sustained an injury during childbirth. Determined not to get a full pelvic floor reconstructive surgery, she traveled the world learning about postpartum practices. After healing herself, she became a doula, Sexological Bodyworker, and Somatic Experiencing practitioner so that she could help women through this important and overlooked phase of development that is the postpartum period. As is taught in many traditional cultures, she believes that when nurtured and taken care of properly, women can emerge from this rite of passage stronger, more whole, and with more access to their power. She believes the same is true of relationship, that with the right tools, marriages and partnerships can be more connected and robust after children. For this reason, she wrote The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing YourBody, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality to be published by Shambhala Press in November 2017. To learn more about how to have a radiant postpartum experience and how to do a decent Kegel, go to her online home at magamama.com.
 
Kimberly has a private practice in Encinitas and LosAngeles, CA specializing in birth injuries, birth trauma, and sexual health. She is the co-founder of the School for Postpartum Care with her mentor Ellen Heed, where they train professionals to help women heal from painful sex, birth injuries, and genital trauma. Her most outstanding accomplishment is being a single mom to fiery 9-year-old, Brazilian daughter, Cecilia. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.