Breathing Space for New Mothers: Rest, Stretch, and Smile–One Yoga Minute at a Time

I have read a lot of books for new moms. I found this slim volume to be one of the most useful and uplifting. The book is divided into three parts and each chapter focuses on a different theme. Each chapter opens with the authors reflecting on the theme. Then they share the vignette of a real mother who is addressing the theme or a challenge related to it. The authors then discuss practical solutions for the mother, but also coping mechanisms and how to treat herself. The authors encourage self-compassion and curiosity about one’s feelings. The chapter ends with a yoga pose related to the theme. All of the yoga poses can be done together as a sequence at the end of the book. I found the yoga poses easy enough to do. Overall, I found the book comforting and encouraging. I appreciated the message the mothers are enough as they are, and although motherhood brings a lot of uncertainty, each woman has the strength within them to meet the challenge.

One of the most poignant vignettes is of three women who were pregnant together, meeting up with each other with their new babies. Each woman is impressed with the other’s competence and confidence and critical of herself. Extending the same kindness to ourselves as we do to others, is a central theme of the book.