Navigating the pregnancy and postpartum period can be overwhelming. Having the right resources and support can make a significant difference. Whether you're wanting to become pregnant, newly pregnant, experienced pregnancy loss, postpartum, a partner or wanting to support a loved one, these books offer guidance and understanding on the various identity changes and mental health challenges that may arise during this time.
These recommendations can also be helpful if you are a family member or partner wanting to better understand and support what a loved one is going through. Below are curated book recommendations to help you and loved ones through different aspects of this journey.
1. Understanding Matrescence
Matrescence is the process of becoming a mother, encompassing the physical, emotional, and psychological changes that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood. This concept is similar to adolescence, which describes the transition from childhood to adulthood, highlighting that becoming a mother is also a significant and transformative phase of life.
Recommended Reads:
What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions from Pregnancy to Motherhood – Alexandra Sacks & Catherine Birndorf
Strong as a Mother: How to Stay Healthy, Healthy, and Sane from Pregnancy to Parenthood -- Kate Rope
Expecting Better and Cribsheet - Emily Oster
2. Anxiety
Anxiety is a common experience during pregnancy and postpartum, affecting about 20% of women/birthing people as well as impcting men and birthing partners. It can manifest as tension, worry, agitation, frustration, guilt, fear of being left alone with the baby, sleep disturbances, difficulty focusing, rumination, intrusive thoughts, and heart palpitations. Addressing these symptoms is crucial for a healthy transition into parenthood.
Recommended Reads:
Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts: Breaking the Cycle of Unwanted Thoughts in Motherhood – Karen Kleiman & Amy Wenzel
The Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook – Pamela S. Wiegartz & Kevin L. Gyoerkoe
The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions and Restoring Your Vitality – Kimberly Ann Johnson
3. Intrusive Thoughts
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, often distressing thoughts or images that can occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Research shows that up to 90% of new moms experience intrusive thoughts. Postpartum men and birthing partners can also experience intrusive thoughts. Intrusive thoughts can be images, thoughts and can be sexual and graphic in nature. Please know there's nothing you are doing wrong to create these thoughts and there is a lot of help to manage them. While common and generally harmless, they can feel alarming and may contribute to anxiety.
Recommended Read:
Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts – Karen Kleiman
The Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook – Pamela S. Wiegartz & Kevin L. Gyoerkoe
4. Postpartum OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can manifest or worsen during the postpartum period. It involves persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that are performed to reduce anxiety, causing significant distress.
Recommended Read:
Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts – Karen Kleiman & Amy Wenzel
5. Rage/Anger
Postpartum rage is an intense and often unexpected emotion that can arise during the postpartum period. It may be triggered by unmet expectations, overwhelming responsibilities, or hormonal changes, and can feel isolating for those who experience it.
Recommended Read:
Body Full of Stars: Female Rage and My Passage into Motherhood – Molly Caro May
6. Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by sudden and repeated attacks of fear that last for several minutes or longer. These are called panic attacks, and they can be especially troubling during the postpartum period when they are often linked to concerns about the baby or one's ability to care for the baby.
Recommended Read:
The Panic Attack Recovery Book – Shirley Swede
7. Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression and mania or hypomania. The postpartum period can be particularly challenging for those with bipolar disorder, as the emotional and physical demands of caring for a new baby can exacerbate symptoms.
Recommended Reads:
Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for You and Your Loved Ones - Francis Mark Mondimore
Birth of a New Brain: Healing from Postpartum Bipolar Disorder – Dyane Harwood
8. Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe mental health condition that occurs in about 1-2 per 1,000 births. It involves symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, severe confusion, and cognitive impairment. This condition requires immediate medical attention and inpatient care to keep mom and baby safe. If there is a history of bipolar disorder, there is a higher change of psychosis.
Recommended Reads:
A Cognitive Behavioral Approach for Psychosis - Maxine Condon
The dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook for Bipolar Disorder - Sheri Van Duk
9. Postpartum Depression in Fathers/Birthing Partners
Postpartum depression is not exclusive to birthing parents; partners can also experience it. Symptoms can include sadness, fatigue, anxiety, changes in sleep or eating patterns, and a sense of being overwhelmed. It is important to recognize and address these feelings to support the well-being of both parents.
Recommended Reads:
The Postpartum Husband – Karen Kleiman
10. Trauma/PTSD/Maternal Near-Miss
Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can result from difficult or traumatic pregnancy, childbirth experiences and postpartum events. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Addressing these issues is crucial for both the parent's and the child's well-being. EMDR is an evidenced-based modality to also explore for trauma and PTSD.
Recommended Reads:
When Survivors Give Birth – Penny Simkin & Phyllis Klaus
Invisible Victims: How Maternal Near-Misses Result in Trauma and PTSD in Birthing Partners – Tiffany Lowther
11. Perinatal Loss
Pregnancy loss can be one of the most heartbreaking experiences a person can face. It’s important to have resources that can provide support, understanding, and healing during this difficult time.
Recommended Reads:
I Had a Miscarriage: A Memoir, a Movement- Jessica Zucker
The Miscarriage Map: What to Expect After the Loss of a Pregnancy- Emily S. Zitek
Healing After Loss: Daily Meditations for Working Through Grief- Martha Whitmore Hickman
Empty Arms: Coping With Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Infant Death- Sherokee Ilse
In addition to the books listed above, there are many other resources available for those navigating the challenges of pregnancy loss and grief. Seeking support from a licensed perinatal counselor, therapist, obgyn, or support group can be incredibly helpful during this time. It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey through grief is unique, and there is no “right” way to heal. Books can offer comfort, but they are just one part of the process.
Reaching out to professionals and connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can provide the additional support needed to process emotions, heal, and find peace. If you are looking for more support, don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule, explore mental health resources, perinatal loss support groups, and other specialized organizations dedicated to helping individuals and families during their healing journey.
Reach out to Tiffany at Tiffany@LowtherCS.com to request a PDF copy of this resource.
Lowther Counseling Services, www.LowtherCS.com, 2025
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