The Book
Mothering the
New Mother: Women's Feelings and Needs
After Childbirth
About The Book
This classic book, published in 1994, draws on three years of research, the author’s own experience, and the candid recollections of many mothers—married and single, birth and adoptive, older and younger, and culturally diverse. The nine chapters in the book explore the many transitions to new motherhood from a mother-centered perspective.
What people are saying…
“Sally Placksin’s Mothering the New Mother is the all-in-one guide, for parents and professionals, to the sometimes fabulous, sometimes frustrating, always fascinating postpartum period… Culturally sensitive, thoroughly researched, clearly presented, Mothering the New Mother addresses all our postpartum concerns and provides truly helpful advice…”
— Penny Simkin, Founder, Doulas of North America (DONA)
Author, Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn
Founding Member, Prevention and Treatment of Trauma in Childbirth (PattCh)
"Mothering the New Mother addresses a sadly overlooked area of need in the United States — the postpartum period … Sally Placksin tackled this void and filled it admirably with clear information on what to expect; what needs, feelings, and changes may occur; and what to do to meet the needs of this period in a woman's and a family's life…."
— Phyllis H. Klaus, C.S.W., M.F.C.C., Erickson Institute
Author, Birth: Issues in Prenatal Care
“On every page, in every paragraph, on each line, there are pearls of wisdom and tidbits of insight into the joy, struggle, peace, love, loneliness, support, lack of support, and more about matrescence. I cannot recommend this book highly enough! For anyone who is thinking about becoming a mother, is a mother, or wants to help mothers.”
— Mindy Werth, Aunty Mindy Consults
