An insightful, honest account

As tempted as I am to begin my review with "As a mother..." I'll refrain. Given that my eldest child is nearly 16, I didn't think this book was written for me, at my stage in life and motherhood. I only read it because I love Emma Jane Unsworth's writing so much that I would read her shopping list. On reading, however, I felt not only this book was written for me, I almost felt that it was written about me. I'd forgotten many of the experiences that I had dampened down with time and "stop feeling sorry for yourself" thinking. All those forgotten experiences rushed back...The patronising hospital staff (not all); being told to "shut up" by a nurse in labour when I was bellowing uncontrollably like a frightened animal; and here's where I stop because I dont want to frighten pregnant women with horror stories... But 16 years have passed and the reflection that this book has given me allows me to feel strangely grateful for all these experiences. (Empathy can feel hollow if you've not been through the mire). And I've learned something too. It never occurred to me to consider my own rights in these experiences, in the way the writer has called out. This is an important book and it is beautifully written.

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Personal, honest and relatable

I felt a great deal of this very personally - and many of the debates are ones I’ve raised myself - the ideas that ‘natural’ does not equate ‘good’ - and the notion of maternal rage - and of course there were areas that didn’t connect, but that’s because the story is wholly personal to the narrator and so naturally nobody’s story can relate exactly to anyone else’s. Overall, I would recommend this to all new parents - fathers as well as mothers.

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Fabulously written and narrated.

A truly poignant, honest, sharp witted and at times shocking account of Emma's (and her partners) journey into parenthood and her struggle with Post Natal Depression and also touches on his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. She used the same line a midwife said to me early on- that there is a reason they use sleep deprivation as a form of torture! It's both entertaining and informative with lots of research and pointers for self care near the end of the book. We don't have to lose all of ourselves to become a parent, although it can feel all consuming at times. She writes candidly about the darker side of PND, but also speaks about finding joy again and the ultimate close bond with her boy. Once Emma sought help and learned to heal, then after the darkness came the light! A light of hope for the future.

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If you suspect you might need this you probably do

I listened to this walking my baby around and around on the least bumpy path I could find and fending off the sun and wind so that he might stay asleep. I do this 4 times a day in all weather. I wear a ridiculous coat that might work in the Arctic. I've listened to various parenting/baby books and podcasts on these walks and this is the only one that felt true to life. Thank you to this author for being brave enough to speak the truth of her situation for the sake of all of us who feel the same.

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brilliant

This kept me company through night feeds and pushing the pram around. Brilliant to hear an honest view of motherhood

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Beautiful and wish i had this sooner

Really enjoyable and captivating, I’ve raced through it in days and will listen again. So honest and i could identify with so much of it. Thank you for your honesty Emma. I hope your second newborn phase is much easier and happier for you all xxx

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Amazing

Unbelievable so grateful for this and would recommend highly for any new or not new parent

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