Table of Contents

Introduction

ONE
The Birth of a Mother
Birth: Only the Beginning
What Is the Postpartum?
Postnatal Care
The Fourth Trimester
Signs and Guideposts
Honoring Our Range of Emotions
Being a Mother Is Second Nature, Isn't It?
Realistic Expectations
The Feminine Mystique Revisited
Sacrifice and Empowerment
Developing Confidence
Mothering Archetypes

TWO
New-Mother Care around the World
Postpartum USA: Immediately after Birth
Immediately after Birth: A Glimpse at Traditions
Lying-In
Rites of Passage
Postpartum Family Support
Heat and Healing
Massage
Wrapping the Belly
Herbs
Bathing
Nutrition
Visitors
Mother-Baby
Men and Postpartum Care
Bringing the Best to the West

THREE
Preparing for the Postpartum before Baby Is Born
Late Pregnancy Health Is the Foundation for a Healthy Birth Recovery
The Needs of New Mothers
Creating a Support Circle
Breast Feeding
Maternity and Paternity Leaves
Creating a Postpartum Sanctuary
Drawing from a Full Well

FOUR
The First Days after Birth
The Birth Setting and Postpartum Experience
Bonding
Physical Changes in the Days after Birth
Herbal Baths
The Shape of Your Body
Healing from a Cesarean
Your Digestive System
When Your Milk Comes In
Breast-Feeding Challenges in the First Days
Sore Nipples
Difficulty Nursing
Insufficient Breast Milk
Breast-Feeding Support in the Days after Birth
If You Aren't Breast-Feeding
Reflecting on Your Birth
A Difficult Birth
Emotional Highs and Lows
Body Tonics
Exercise
Sex after Birth
Your Healthy Newborn
Signs of Illness in the Newborn
Babies in Need of Special Care
Getting Enough Rest
Visitors, Visitors, and More Visitors
New-Mama Nutrition
The Partner Relationship
Older Children

FIVE
The Next Six Weeks
More Body Changes
Where Did Everybody Go . . . or Yes, You Still Need Help around the House
Reinventing Yourself as a Mother
More Birth Reflections
Further Breast-Feeding Adventures
Herbs and Breast Feeding
The Magic of Your Baby
Fussy Babies
Infant Massage
Sleeping Arrangements
Getting Around with Baby
More Exercises for Loving Your Post-Birth Body
Back into the Swing of Things
Working and Breast-Feeding
Breast Pumps, Nursing, and Making It Work
Relationship Challenges and Triumphs
Sex in the Weeks after Birth
Baby Blues
Postpartum Depression
The Light at the End of the Tunnel

SIX
Nutrition for New Mothers
Not Pregnant Anymore: What You Need Now
Lactation and Nutrition
Planning a Healthy Diet

SEVEN
Into the First Year
Wondering Who You Are
"I Feel Like I Can't Get Anything Done"
Your Body
Motherhood and Your Career
Teething Baby, Sleepless Nights
Still Nursing
New-Mother Moods
Isolation and Social Networks
Postpartum Depression
Parenting Issues
Relationships, Sexuality, Fertility, and Birth Control

EIGHT
Replenishing Yourself
New-Mother Meditations
New-Mother Checklist
Creating Time to Nurture Yourself
Your Pelvic Floor
Free-Movement Dance
Postnatal Yoga
Fabulous Healing Baths
Shower Spa
Simple Pleasures for Your Hair and Body
Creating a Home Spa
Quiet Time Alone
Exploring Your Creativity
Keeping a Journal
Be Gentle with Yourself: Embrace and Enjoy Your Baby


APPENDIX 1
Herbal Preparations
Purchasing Herbs
Herbal Preparation
Forms of Preparation

APPENDIX 2
Resources
Herbs and Herbal Supplies, Books, Support and Information Groups, Educational
Programs, and Additional Health Supplies
Support and Resource Organizations
Educational Resources and Magazines
Miscellaneous Products
Bulk Herbs, Herbal Products, Books, and Supplies

Bibliography

Index

About the Author

Aviva Jill Romm is a certified professional midwife, practicing herbalist and the former president of the American Herbalists Guild.

Reviews

"This is a superb and much needed book that should help and support all postpartum mothers."
*Suzanne Arms, award winning photojournalist, author of Immaculate Deception II : Myth, Magic and Bir*

"Thirty years ago, when I had my babies, we were rediscovering natural birth and breast-feeding. But, we struggled alone during postpartum. If I had been able to read Aviva's book then, I would have cried less. Every new mother should have a copy of this book."
*Peggy O'Mara, Editor and Publisher of Mothering magazine*

"Destined to have widespread appeal for its compassionate and wise advice. Thank you, Aviva, for so much vital information in one volume.
*Jeannine Parvati Baker, author of Prenatal Yoga and Natural Childbirth*

"Finally, a book that addresses an aspect of birthing that has been forgotten in the western world.This book should make a valuable contribution not only to women, but to the whole family."
*Mary Bove, N.D., of the Brattleboro Naturopathic Clinic, Brattleboro, Vermont*