Table of Contents
Foreword ix
Introduction 1
My Own Birth and Postpartum Experience 8
Part 1 Preparing for the Fourth Trimester
1 The Postpartum Revolution 23
2 Setting Yourself Up for a Smooth Transition to Motherhood 33
3 Creating a Postpartum Sanctuary Plan 49
4 Third Trimester: Preparing Your Body for Birth 65
Part 2 Savoring the Fourth Trimester
5 Balancing Your Emotions 101
6 Restoring Your Vitality 119
7 Rebuilding Your Body 145
8 Understanding Medical Realities 173
9 Owning Your Birth Experience 203
10 Deepening Intimacy 227
Part 3 Beyond the Fourth Trimester
11 Rediscovering Your Body 247
12 Reclaiming Your Sexuality 263
13 Discovering the Mother You Are 279
Conclusion: Continuing the Revolution 303
Acknowledgments 305
Appendix 1 Postpartum Sanctuary Plan 308
Appendix 2A Postpartum Relationship Plan 312
Appendix 2B Dividing Household Chores 313
Appendix 3 Letter for Meal Train Participants 314
Appendix 4 Sign for Your Front Door 315
Appendix 5 Essential Foods for Postpartum Healing 316
Appendix 6 Recipes 323
Bibliography 331
Index 334
About the Author 344