Expecting Mindfully: Nourish your emotional well-being and prevent depression during pregnancy and postpartum

About the book: Unlike other mindfulness resources for moms and moms-to-be, this compassionate book is grounded in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, a proven program. The authors are leading experts on the emotional challenges of pregnancy and early parenting--and how to overcome them. Guided meditations and gentle yoga practices help you build crucial skills to prevent depression, ease anxiety, and minimize stress during this unique and important phase of your life. Clear suggestions for how to follow the program day by day are accompanied by moving reflections from a "circle of mothers" working through the same steps. In a convenient large-size format, the book features journaling exercises and other practical tools (you can download and print additional copies as needed). The companion website also includes audio downloads narrated by renowned meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg, plus video clips of prenatal yoga practices.

About the author: Sona Dimidjian, PhD, a clinical psychologist, is Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder. She is a widely recognized expert on women’s mental health; the clinical application of contemplative practices, such as mindfulness meditation; and cognitive and behavioral approaches. She has developed successful prevention and treatment programs to promote well-being among women, including during pregnancy and early parenting. Dr. Dimidjian is a recipient of multiple awards and the author of widely cited scholarly papers. She is coauthor of the self-help resource Expecting Mindfully as well as Behavioral Activation for Depression and Behavioral Activation with Adolescents (for mental health professionals).

Praise:

"The emotional habits you bring to pregnancy and giving birth--such as believing you need to be a 'perfect' mother--can get in the way of taking care of yourself. Expecting Mindfully prepares you for the mental and emotional challenges that accompany having a baby, so you can get your mind ready, not just the baby’s room! This book offers a powerful mix of mindfulness, cognitive therapy, and practical wisdom that will help you during and after pregnancy--and all through life."

-Tara Bennett-Goleman, MA, author of Emotional Alchemy, and Daniel Goleman, PhD, author of Emotional Intelligence

"As the mom of a 2-year-old with another on the way, this book has helped me be present and manage the stresses and craziness of this hectic time. I now have the tools to help me slow down when I feel worn out or overwhelmed by it all, and can react in a mindful, deliberate manner. The book has also helped me see the beauty in the messy moments. I can savor this stage instead of allowing sleep deprivation to let my mind drift on autopilot."

-Erin C., North Wales, Pennsylvania

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