3 Maternal Mental Health Books To Read

February is Psychology Month so we reached out to our counselling team for recommendations on mental health books specific to new and expecting parents. 

Becoming a new parent can be joyful, but the journey is also filled with hills of both highs and lows. In addition to aches and pains, sleepless nights and other common new parenthood hurdles, many are faced with pregnancy and postpartum mental health issues including stress, anxiety and depression.

Prioritizing maternal mental health is important, especially in the early postpartum days. Our team of registered psychotherapists at Yoga Mamas have put together a handful of expert-approved titles you should read if you're a new parent.

Baby Bomb
Recommended by Susan Haller, MSW, RSW
Registered Psychotherapist at Yoga Mamas

This is a very honest look at the impact of welcoming a new baby into the family; both the challenges and the benefits.  It also provides some very good advice as to how to navigate the complexities of a partner relationship based on the work of couples therapist  Dr. Stan Tatkin. Very practical and easy to relate to!

Buy This Book Online and Pick Up In Clinic
Book a 20 Minute Complimentary Consultation With Susan

To Have And To Hold
Recommended by Lisha Cash, MSW, RSW
Social Worker, Psychotherapist at Yoga Mamas

Molly Millwood is a clinical psychologist who provides counseling services to women with advanced specialized training in marital therapy and intimate relationships. Her book examines all areas of motherhood, including identity shifts, relationship dynamics, expectations and realizations. It offers insight and guidance to the readers as they navigate this journey. She approaches the subject through the lens of her professional knowledge and training, as well as reflecting on her clients' experiences and her own motherhood journey.

​Readers are provided with a raw and real experience from a clinical psychologist, who has the theoretical understanding of how to manage potential anxiety, depression, etc., but struggles with some of these areas herself. I feel this is validating as it reminds us that we are all human and this journey may be difficult at times for anyone. 

Buy This Title Locally At Queen Street Books
Book a 20 Minute Complimentary Consultation With Lisha

Atlas Of The Heart
Recommended by Annette Newton, RP(Q). 
Therapist at Yoga Mamas

​Did you know we have 87 different emotions, and that jealousy and envy are not the same things? “Stressed in being in the weeds, overwhelmed is being blown.” – Brene Brown Atlas of the Heart.

Brene discusses the definitions of 87 different emotions which forms the emotional map of our beings which then produces thoughts and behaviours.  Emotions are a result of our experiences, and we need to feel the emotion, name it, and then process that emotion so that we are better emotionally regulated and better able to deal with everyday stress.

Change comes from knowing and this book will allow one to name the emotion correctly and take that first step towards healing and living your best version of yourself. When anxious ask yourself "what the emotion that is associated with that?" - likely it is fear… Anxiety results from avoiding core emotions and needs and is the result physical pushing down or avoiding our emotions. 

Buy This Title Locally At Queen Street Books
​Book a 20 Minute Complimentary Consultation With Annette

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