The Postnatal Depletion Cure

May 15, 2018

According to Australian family practitioner and debut author Serrallach, while the topic of postpartum depression has received more attention in recent years, less focus has been given to the smaller shifts in emotion and physical depletion experienced by a large percentage of women after childbirth. Baby brain--a term for the exhaustion, pain, forgetfulness, indecision, low energy levels, moodiness, and difficulty sleeping--is commonly reported by many women, asserts the author, who also reports that a mother's brain shrinks five percent during pregnancy as infants sap vital nutrients from her body. This stimulates the growth of a healthy baby but results in residual symptoms for mothers even months or years after giving birth. Moreover, women may cave to society's emphasis on the needs of baby first, which may cause them to feel they are selfish in spending time to ensure that their own physical needs are met by getting plenty of sleep and exercise. Serrallach states this is primarily an issue in Western cultures, pointing out that countries such as China, Korea, and Zimbabwe maintain customs that enable the physical and emotional healing of mothers and that we can learn from their practices. Additional information includes rebuilding micronutrients lost during pregnancy, balancing hormones, and healing your relationship with your partner and libido. VERDICT A practical volume that will be of use to mothers everywhere.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.