Breaking Mum and Dad by Williamson, Anna -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Cover Title Contents Preface Introduction 1 The day after birth

Woah, what the hell just happened? The curse of the birth plan Going public Where is the love? Bonding and hormones

2 The after birth mental stuff

When hormones kick off Hormones – breaking them down When hormones go wrong The Fast Show It’s good to talk Understanding mothers’ mental health How’s your mood? A darker shade of baby blues Breaking it down Post-natal depression (PND) Birth trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Post-natal anxiety (PNA) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Postpartum psychosis (PP) Help is at hand Dr Reetta says… After birth mental well-being Top tips for looking after your mental health Moments of mindfulness

3 The after birth physical stuff

Baby steps… Let’s get physical Getting real The final push My birth story Birthing the afterbirth Assisted births – when you need some extra help Induction Forceps and ventouse Episiotomy Caesarean (C-section) Breaking point Celebrate your inner Supermum Other yuck stuff Holy crap!! How to… have a successful post-birth poo and pee Will I ever be the same again? Who do you think you are? Dr Reetta says… After birth physical well-being Top tips for looking after your physical well-being

4 Groundhog Day

Baby steps… The first day of the rest of your life Breaking Point Feeling the heat Breaking Point Anxiety overload Breaking Point The insider’s guide to panic attacks How to… recognise if you’re having a panic attack Conquering a panic attack Clock watching – will I EVER sleep again? Going solo Breaking Point Routine routine routine Going like the clappers Eating well Breaking Point Dr Reetta says… Getting to know your baby Top tips for getting to know your baby and dealing with sleep

5 The Know It Alls

Baby steps… Public property Let it go Boob or bottle – that is the question? It’s good to talk When all is not so well Health anxiety Breaking Point You say, I say There’s never a simple answer Right back atcha The proud parent How to... appreciate your baby Frenemies Dr Reetta says… Trusting yourself and listening to advice Top tips for dealing with advice from others and trusting your own style

6 Friendships and Relationships

Baby steps… New kid on the block Making mum mates Breaking Point Fake it til you make it Getting out and about Breaking Point Breaking up the boredom Out with the old Cutting loose – the first night OUT out The heat is on Notice the nice stuff Dr Reetta says… Getting used to the new you Tops tips for dealing with friendships and relationships

7 Going back to Work (Or Not)

Baby steps… Bankrolling baby Grieving for the old you Memory moments To work or not to work…? That is the question When work isn’t an option Breaking Point How to… go back to work Childcare dilemmas Be a detective Coping with separation anxiety How to handle goodbyes Dr Reetta says… The thorny question of work Dealing with decisions about work and separation from your baby

8 It’s not just Mum

Baby steps… One for the dads Becoming dad Daddy doubts How to… be the best you can be When paternity leave… leaves Breaking Point Running the mummy gauntlet Getting to know you Piggy in the middle I’m a New Dad Get Me Outta Here! – PND in dads Let’s talk about sex… baby Let’s get it on Dr Reetta says… The challenges of fatherhood Top tips for new fathers

9 The road ahead

Baby steps… Peeking through the fog Let’s get physical You’ve got this – coping YOUR way The big question… Birth reflections How to… book a birth reflection Next time around Doing it differently Doulas Hypnobirthing Private and specialist midwives Therapy How to… get in the zone The road ahead Dr Reetta says… Keeping an open mind Top tips for the road ahead

Resources Acknowledgements Index Copyright