I remember when I was pregnant, I probably read about 10 books on pregnancy and having a newborn. And after I had my first child I remember so many things happening with my body and emotions postpartum, that I said “why don't they write books on this experience?” I felt unprepared as my body recovered from giving birth, navigating my body image, emotions, and questioning if I could do this “mom thing”.
Below is a list of books for the fourth trimester and overcoming postpartum depression. These are not affiliate links.
Books on navigating the postpartum period-the 4th trimester
The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality by Kimberly Ann Johnson
The Fourth Trimester Cards: Daily Support, Inspiration, and Wisdom for New Mothers Cards by Kimberly Ann Johnson
Therapy and the Postpartum Woman: Notes on Healing Postpartum Depression for Clinicians and the Women Who Seek their Help by Karen Kleiman
This Isn't What I Expected [2nd edition]: Overcoming Postpartum Depression by Karen R. Kleiman
What Am I Thinking: Having a Baby After Postpartum Depression by Karen Kleiman
Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers by Karen Kleiman
Books on healing and overcoming postpartum depression
Heal Your Birth Story: ...releasing the unexpected by Maureen Campion
The Mother-to-Mother Postpartum Depression Support Book: Real Stories from Women Who Lived Through It and Recovered by Sandra Poulin
Down Came the Rain by Brooke Shields
Transformed by Postpartum Depression: Women's Stories of Trauma and Growth by Walker Karraa
Birth Trauma: A Guide for You, Your Friends and Family to Coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Following Birth by Kim Thomas
This is definitely not an exhaustive list, but I am a reader and I like to have options for books that can be informative for what you, a friend, or family member might be experiencing. I think hearing other women's stories about their experience with motherhood can be really powerful and validating. Letting you know you are not alone in what you make experiencing and there is hope in feeling yourself again.
with care,
Alison
Alison is the owner of Hartman Therapy in Colorado. She offers therapy to women and teen girls helping them find relief, hope, and purpose in their lives. Alison has been working with adolescents, families, and adults for the past 7 years helping to build healthy resilient families. She specializes in perinatal mental health and teen girl depression and anxiety. Reach out today to learn more 970-795-2100