Left Holding the Baby €“ Book Review

Left Holding the Baby is such an amazing book – because it is so practical and easy to use for mothers. ;It has stories from other women and really speaks the truth about motherhood. ;

Over 80% of mothers today suffer from some form of depression after giving birth. ;Where do they go to talk about the reality of motherhood? ;A lot of mothers find the local mother groups a little bit ‘light’ when it comes to dealing with the true emotions around motherhood. ;Women have to give up so much. ;Is it talked about – not really.

There is usually a great deal of preparation for motherhood – falling pregnant for a start can be a really hard road for a lot of women, then the pregnancy, working out career direction , child care, choice of hospital and medical guidance…..it goes on. ;But once you have had the baby – all the relatives and friends have been to look at the glowing mum and bub, partners return to work – then what……you are left alone to cope with something you know nothing about, quite often with little or not support and no one really to talk to.

A lot of mothers today are choosing to have their babies later in life. ;Not many women have the traditional extended family around to support them. ;Some women feel completely lost. ;It can particularly hit women who have been very successful in demanding careers. ;

This book talks about all of this. ;It has real stories from real mothers. ;It gives practical exercises to deal with all the emotions surrounding motherhood. ;How to ask for help. ;Looking at your self esteem. ;Talking about your birth experience. ;How to express your emotions clearly and cleanly – particularly in your relationship….and let’s face it, most relationships feel some stress after baby comes along. ;Women (and men) need to understand how to develop a new relationship with their partners. ;

Finally the book celebrates motherhood and encourages women to talk about the positive strengths gained through motherhood. ;A celebration of motherhood and womanhood is recommended on the baby’s first year.