Second Labor: Mothers Share POST-Birth Stories

THERE IS ALWAYS A POST-BIRTH STORY.Everyone asks about your birth story but what about after that? The postpartum period - the time frame after giving birth - can affect mothers and families as much as the birth itself if not more.Second Labor features twenty-four mothers unique personal experiences after having a baby. Their stories are bold honest and reflective. Youll grab for the tissue box laugh out loud or both.Watch this short trailer about SECOND LABOR - the book and the Mamalogues.These personal stories provide validation for other mothers as well as insights for anyone supporting postpartum women whether youre family a friend or a professional. From a first baby to a fifth in expected or unexpected circumstances Second Labor gives voice to a wide spectrum of stories about what life is truly like with a new baby.UPDATE Second Labor has earned coveted reviews in Publishers Weekly and Readers Favorite. MORE...Birth stories are perceived as sexy while the postpartum period is seen as anything but. Yet postpartum is full of stories...While birth stories are welcome in our culture post-birth stories are not given a forum. Birth stories are perceived as sexy while the postpartum period is seen as anything but. Birth is finite whereas postpartum goes on for a while and therefore seemingly doesnt lend itself to the buildup-crescendo-conclusion of a story. Yet postpartum is full of stories and this anthology seeks to fill our cultures postpartum story gap by giving voice to a wide spectrum of experiences.Some examples of topics include the breastfeeding-versus-formula quandary not loving the baby until after a few months razor-at-wrist postpartum depression rebirthing a baby with Down syndrome homebirths C-sections vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) a baby so good you could have ordered her from a catalog and many other enlightening and touching stories. Because each mother wrote so honestly this anthology validates mothers and families as well as provides detailed insights for anyone working with postpartum women.There are plenty of postpartum books on the market - most of them how-tos for babys first year or dedicated specifically to postpartum depression or one persons autobiographical account of new motherhood. This anthology by contrast uses the model of multiple personal tales fostering connection with a range of experiences. In turn the stories raise awareness about the need for physical emotional and mental support for postpartum mothers.