A Natural Guide to Pregnancy and Postpartum Health: The First Book by Doctors That Really Addresses Pregnancy Recovery

I bought this book hoping that I could avoid going through post-partum depression again by implementing the recommendations of the authors. While I haven't yet had my baby or started taking the supplements recommended, I already feel like I am armed and ready.So much of what the authors have to say just seems sensible to me. They discuss the normal eating habits of our western diet and show how the nutrients that are missing (or are overabundant) affect our physical as well as mental health. None of their recommendations are "out there" or extreme, but just sensible.They discuss changing our diet to include fish 2-3 times a week as well as lots of fruits and vegetables and cutting out refined sugars and flours. They also give thorough descriptions of different vitamins and minerals which belong in our diet and how they affect us. They also explain why so many of the multi-vitamins and supplements readily available at the supermarket or pharmacy are ineffective because of the form in which they're produced.By going to the website [...] you can order the supplements recommended. I've already ordered them and, as they arrived today, plan to start taking them tomorrow.I highly recommend this book for any woman suffering from post-partum depression issues...or depression that may not be so readily linked to the birth of a child.

This is a must read book for every pregnant mother, every new mother, every mother who developed chronic symptoms after a pregnancy, every spouse of one of these women, and anyone providing healthcare to pregnant or postpartum women. I have not seen any other book that deals so well with the many nutrient depletions and hormonal imbalances that pregnancy may cause in the mother and how to prevent or reverse them. Following the guidelines here for dietary changes, essential fatty acids, vitamin and mineral supplements, hormone balancing, amino acids and exercise could certainly prevent many of the very common problems in the postpartum period, such as depression, mood swings, fatigue, weight gain, and decreased libido. If these symptoms are not treated early, they often become chronic longstanding problems that many of my medical colleagues have then treated with all sorts of medications, especially Prozac. There is an excellent chapter on breastfeeding problems and remedies along with a discussion of what herbs are safe or unsafe during nursing. The many case stories remind me of real-life patients I have treated. I am keenly interested in neurotransmitter and hormone problems and after reading this book I have a greater understanding of the cause of these problems in mothers and will more effectively treat them.

I was so happy to find this book when I was pregnant. While there are many books about eating right during pregnancy, there is almost nothing about postpartum diets even though nutrition is just as important for a mother's recovery and a nursing baby's well-being.The authors of this book do an excellent job explaining how most postpartum problems actually result from nutrient depletion and hormonal imbalances. More importantly, they tell you how to bring your body back into balance through diet and nutrition, herbs, supplements, and exercise.The authors explain how to read lab tests so you can take charge of your own postpartum recovery and don't have to rely on what your doctor may or may not tell you. Another feature I especially appreciated was that the authors realize that postpartum mothers don't have a lot of time and energy to institute major lifestyle changes and they offer tips and suggestions on food preparation and menu planning. There are also sections on breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, emotional stress.I found this book invaluable during and after my pregnancies and I referred to it often when writing my book "The Vegetarian Mother's Cookbook." I recommend this book for all new mothers and mothers-to-be.

This book is so excellent! Everyone should read it, whether having a baby or not! It explains why our body needs certain nutrients and how easily nutrients can become depleted and stay depleted for years and lead to disease. It explains the "why" of things you're always hearing, such as don't eat sugar and flour, or eat more protein. Once you read it and understand how your body works, you feel really motivated to make the extra effort to provide your body with the foods it needs. Also, this book explains some very important things that you need to know postpartum. Especially, if you have a second child, the nutrient depletion from the first child will make your second pregnancy difficult if you don't start restoring nutrients as soon as you can. I wish I had known this before my second pregnancy. This book is very helpful! Get it asap! In our society there is hardly any acknowledgement of how much your body goes through in having a baby. POstpartum problems aren't addressed. Women are expected to have a baby and then be back at work a few months later. This book explains why you need to help your body recover, and what you need to do.

I am a childbirth instructor. I bought this book to solve some of my problems I was having with nutrient depletion 19 months after having my second baby. I am an avid nutritional reader, so I had already researched most of the information in this book before purchasing it. However, this would be a great resource for someone new to the birth and nutritional scene. It is a shocking realization for most that pregnancy and breastfeeding depletes nutrients from mom, and to deal with this reality moms need to give themselves a REAL break. Forget returning to work after 4-6 weeks. This the information in this book really helps set new moms up for success and could even decrease the likelihood or severity of postpartum depression.

What a beautiful bargain... put a smile on my face

I like this book but it's not my favourite among all my other books. Although if you do not know very much about natural health, then this book is for you. I already had a good base of knowledge, so I found I already knew quite a bit of what he includes in this book. Otherwise though, a very good book.