The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama: Redefining the Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Journey

Description

When the founders of the ultra-popular Motherly online community asked what today's mothers wanted in a pregnancy book, your response came through loud and clear. You want to learn about your options without being preached to. To be informed about pitfalls without judgment or scare tactics. You were looking for a book that hadn't been written: a mama-centered guide that doesn't just focus on your baby's needs, but honors and coaches you through this profound life change. That's why Motherly's founders worked with nurse and midwife Diana Spalding to create The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama. In this illustrated resource, you'll find expert guidance to support you every step of the way-through pre-conception planning, the week-by-week experience of pregnancy, childbirth, and the often-ignored "fourth trimester" of the postpartum period. From maternity leave planning to relationship reflections, nutrition support to fitness recommendations, this book will help you feel confident and inspired through one of the greatest transformations of your life. Today's new mamas are part of a generation elevating women's empowerment in all its forms. The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama is the companion you deserve on this extraordinary journey-a wholehearted embrace of new motherhood in all its power, complexity, and beauty.

Jill Koziol is the CEO and cofounder of Motherly. She resides in California. Liz Tenety is the Chief Digital Officer and cofounder of Motherly. She resides just outside of New York City. Diana Spalding, MSN, CNM, is a certified nurse midwife, pediatric nurse, and mother of three. She has BA in anthropology from Emory University and both a BS in nursing and a master's degree in midwifery from New York University. In addition to caring for thousands of pregnant women, Diana has worked in pediatric oncology, and has served in several professorial and advisory roles in higher education settings. Diana is the Digital Education Editor at Motherly and the founder of Gathered Birth, a motherhood wellness center in Media, PA.

"With consideration of every step along the whole journey of motherhood, body, mind, emotions, lifestyle, schedule, spirituality, and worldview, this will prove a must-read for many." --Library Journal "During a time of renewed awareness of the need to improve maternal health and wellness, The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama provides a resounding response. Mothers around the world deserve the guidance that this book offers: unconditional support and access to expert-backed, non-judgmental information. This book is the first of its kind to support the whole woman through the whole journey from getting pregnant, to birth, postpartum, and beyond. The maternal wellness revolution has arrived." --Christy Turlington Burns, founder, Every Mother Counts "Motherly is leading the conversation about how pregnancy, birth, and postpartum transforms a woman's world--and The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama is their greatest contribution yet. Women deserve all the support as their bodies, minds, and lives transform, and this book delivers it with so much heart." --Katrina Scott, cofounder, Tone It Up "The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama is like having an entire birth team on your nightstand. So many of us are in our bodies, completely body illiterate and unaware of its complexity until we find ourselves trying to conceive and/or be pregnant. Becoming Mama gave me so much insight into all (and I do mean all) the layers of pregnancy. But more than that, it offers grace, empowerment, and support for however and wherever you find yourself on the becoming mama journey." --Anthonia Akitunde, founder and editor-in-chief, mater mea "THE essential guide to pregnancy and birth has finally arrived. The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama is the only book you need to get you through this adventure. It's woman-centered, warm, and informative . . . it's the book I wish I would've had, and the one I'm so excited for you to have." --Natalie Gordon, founder and CEO, Babylist "This epic book is a cross between an encyclopedia and a wise aunt. In this thorough and comprehensive resource, the Motherly team offers equal doses of wisdom, love, and cold hard facts so that each new mother can develop the confidence that she desperately needs on her pregnancy and motherhood journey. A soulful and dependable guide for all women." --Kimberly Ann Johnson, author of The Fourth Trimester