The Practical Guide to Postpartum Self-Care: A Holistic Approach to Transform Your Physical, Emotional, and Mental Well-Being

Highly recommended for any new or expecting mother
The Practical Guide to Postpartum Self-care: A Holistic Approach to Transform Your Physical, Emotional, and Mental Well-being by Ava Wells contains a treasure trove of advice, both practical and theoretical, for the new mother. Although she has considerable personal experience in postpartum self-care (as she is the mother to three babies of her own), Wells also offers well researched advice from dozens of credible and relevant expert sources. Wells includes a long and noteworthy citation list at the end of the book, which adds to the overall appeal. Interested readers can use this list to embark in deeper exploration about the various topics.In order to dispel any incorrect perception that self-care is synonymous to selfishness, the overall “why” of the book is clearly noted on page 22 when Wells writes, “Remember, it is not selfish to prioritize taking care of yourself. It is essential to embrace self-care. When you do this, you are not only investing in your own health and happiness, but also in your ability to be a present, patient, and loving mother to your child.”As the subtitle suggests, Wells specifically focusses on physical, emotional, and mental well-being in this book. She offers both theoretical underpinnings as well as practical strategies for each of these classifications. Each category of well-being is extremely well researched; she supports her claims with both personal experience as well as expert, professional, and scientific evidence.In terms of physical well-being, Wells offers suggestions on diet (including a very robust but practical 5-day meal plan), how and why to prioritize getting better sleep, specific exercises that are important for new mothers, and detailed breast and vaginal care suggestions.As for emotional well-being, Wells discusses the stress involved in childbearing and postpartum, and again offers both researched facts as well as practical strategies to help combat it. She goes into detail discussing valuable techniques such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, meditation, journaling, etc. She also includes specific information on the clinical diagnosis of postpartum depression (PPD) as well as the differences between PPD and the less serious “baby blues.” She also offers guidance on when and how to seek professional help with more serious PPD conditions.Wells continues with suggestions for mental well-being including regaining a positive body image as well as bolstering and reclaiming self-confidence. She includes specific affirmations for new mothers to repeat and also encourages the reader to write their own. Wells generously includes journal prompts throughout the book, and she encourages the reader to utilize this beneficial technique (journaling) in one’s personal journey to well-being.Wells also focusses on the baby in terms of ways in which the mother and baby can begin to bond. She offers specific strategies for a new mother to communicate and understand the baby’s needs based on the baby’s behaviors. She further encourages new mothers to embark on spiritual rejuvenation through well-being techniques such as meditation, sound baths, connecting with nature, and mindful movement practices such as yoga, tai chi, and/or dance.Finally, Wells offers a look at reconnecting with personal passion, hobbies, and work. She encourages new mothers to connect or reconnect with hobbies and opportunities for continuous learning. Wells offers so many different suggestions and specific strategies that everyone is bound to connect with something that feels right to them.Lastly, Wells offers this sage advice at the end of her book which wraps up her main idea nicely: “When you can prioritize self-care, build a supportive network, and embrace the unique strengths and challenges of your motherhood experience, you can cultivate a sense of confidence, resilience, and joy that will carry you through even the toughest of times” (p. 180). Wells leaves the reader with a sense of optimism and excitement about this adventure they are taking called motherhood.Overall, this book is a wonderful resource for any new mother. It is a “one stop shop” for all things related to postpartum wellbeing. I highly recommend it for any new or expecting mother. You will not be disappointed.

Well-Researched Read
The Practical Guide to Postpartum Self-Care is a well-researched read. I appreciate the multiple pages of references for such a sensitive topic. It covers quite a bit from physical and emotional/mental well-being to bonding with the baby. The chapter on harmonizing life spoke to me the most with balancing motherhood and personal growth. Excellent book!

A must read for new moms!
So many great tips for women suffering from postpartum stress. My favorite takeaway was to be patient and compassionate with yourself as you adapt to your new reality. It’s so important for new moms to know that experiencing postpartum stress does not make you a bad mother. So many things hit us at once – a baby totally dependent on us, financial worries, body image “crisis,” feelings of isolation & loneliness, guilt over negative thoughts. Say yes to help! This book offers practical tips for creating a balanced and nourishing postpartum diet that helps you maintain energy levels and stabilize your mood. I also appreciated the author’s in-depth conversation regarding the emotional toll of lack of sleep and the positive impact of exercise. Yes, motherhood is exhausting, but it is also joyful. A great read for new moms.

As a new mum, I found “The Practical Guide to Postpartum Self-Care” to be an absolute lifesaver. Navigating the postpartum period can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally, but this book offers a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of recovery. It doesn’t just focus on the physical side but also delves deeply into emotional and mental well-being, which is often overlooked during this time.What I loved most about the book is how practical and accessible it is. The advice feels relatable, and it’s written in a way that made me feel supported, as if the author truly understands what new mums go through. Whether it’s tips on nutrition, gentle exercises, or mindfulness practices, the guide provides a well-rounded toolkit to help you heal and regain strength at your own pace.I particularly appreciated the emphasis on emotional care, something I didn’t realize I needed as much as I did. The advice helped me navigate the ups and downs, and I felt more balanced and at peace with the changes I was experiencing.If you’re a new mum looking for gentle, practical advice on how to take care of yourself during this transformative time, I highly recommend this book. It’s a comforting and empowering resource that will help you feel more in control of your postpartum journey.

Bought this for my friend, read it myself as well. It’s not just fluff—it’s filled with practical, science-backed advice that genuinely helps you navigate the postpartum journey. If you’re looking for real self-care strategies that go beyond bubble baths, this is your guide. This book is like having a wise friend who knows what you’re going through.

Being a first-time mum is hard, but this book highlights the key things you need to focus on to take care of yourself. It offers practical advice that helps you stay strong, both physically and emotionally.