Mothers Change
Thanks to WOW Women on Writing Blog Tours and author Toni Curtis for the chance to join the WOW Blitz for her debut book Beyond Depletion: A Nutritional Therapist's Guide to Postpartum Healing. Scroll down for more information about the book but first, a little bit from me about how motherhood changes.
Motherhood Changes
When moms and moms-to-be get talking about childbirth experiences I like to say I've done it all (I haven't). But I have had a variety of experiences.
Baby 1: Emergency C-section, breech, 4 weeks early(the early part will be an underlying theme of all my pregnancies)
After Baby 1: Well, the general anesthesia combined with a pre-existing medical condition did a number on me. So much so that Baby was ready to leave the hospital before me (but they generously left Baby in the hospital with me for 5 days). Thankfully, Baby loved to take naps and I was young so we survived.
Baby 2: Natural birth (scared off any medical help after the disasters of Baby 1), bedrest started at 32 weeks, 3 weeks early
After Baby 2: On the one hand, easier recovery than with C-section. On the other hand, juggling Baby 2 and Toddler made life a bit more tiring. Plus Baby 2 was not enamored with naps and stuck to 10 minute cat naps at random times.
Baby 3: Epidural, bedrest started at 32 weeks, 3 weeks early
After Baby 3: Welcome to the world of geriatric pregnancy (and postpartum). Tired all the time. Plus having to keep up with the schedule of an elementary and middle school student. I fell asleep (and snored) at a Harry Potter movie as well as a field trip to Gettysburg.
This is just my way of saying that pregnancy and postpartum recovery is unpredictable, not just from woman to woman but for different pregnancies for the same woman. So the caveat "You know the drill" for a woman who has given birth before is completely wrong. Because what she may have needed and what worked for the first baby might not work for this baby. That's why it's nice to know that there's a book like Beyond Depletion that doesn't expect woman to know everything. It's a helping hand for every mom and mom-to-be.
More about Beyond Depletion
After years of being dismissed by the medical system, nutritional therapist and doula Toni Curtis discovered the truth: postpartum depletion is real, it is measurable, and it does not have to be your new normal. Beyond Depletion is the guide she wishes someone had handed her — a fusion of ancestral wisdom, functional nutrition, and modern science built specifically for the fourth trimester and beyond.
Inside, you'll find a complete roadmap for postpartum recovery, including the science of postpartum depletion, nervous system healing, global herbal wisdom, nutritional information, sample recipes, guided journaling pages and a 42 day recovery plan.
Whether you're newly postpartum, years past delivery and still not feeling like yourself, or preparing for birth and want to protect your recovery in advance, this book meets you where you are.
More about Toni Curtis
Toni Curtis is a certified birth doula and childbirth educator. Her work in maternal support began in 1996 when she volunteered as a peer educator while in high school. In addition to teaching classes about safe sex practices, she supported teen mothers who needed prenatal care, labor and delivery support and postpartum care. For years, she continued to stand with and advocate for young mothers who were underrepresented and in many cases, simply not heard.
Since the birth of her own children, Toni has been on a mission to equip herself with the knowledge that she now shares with her clients and fellow doulas. Recently, her wealth of knowledge and passion for this work has led her to become a mentor to doulas across the country. She is passionate about her work and prides herself on being patient, empathetic, kind and always willing to learn. Her mission is to educate, support, advocate and even make policy changes surrounding implicit and cultural bias about equitable maternal care.
When she is not taking a class or supporting moms, Toni enjoys spending her time with her husband and their two children. She enjoys learning about different cultures, watching Japanese anime and most recently, taking roller skating classes so she can refresh her skills.
Catch Up with the Author
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birthwisedoulas_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BirthWiseDoulas
Twitter/X: https://x.com/BirthWiseDoulas
Ready to Read
Want to Win?
Enter to win a copy of Beyond Depletion: A Nutritional Therapist's Guide to Postpartum Healing. Fill out the form HERE by November 4.
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