Publishers Weekly
01/16/2023
In this intimate manual, Vieira (PR You!), who reflects on motherhood as WittyOtter on Instagram, dispenses guidance for surviving the first year after childbirth. Recounting the difficulties she faced after having her son, including postpartum depression and fights with her husband, Vieira shares with expecting and recent mothers “everything I wish I had known,” such as what to expect at the hospital, what to do after taking one’s baby home, and how to find childcare. Insights from obstetricians, lactation consultants, and other experts are peppered throughout, including recommendations to get infants on a sleep schedule by developing a bedtime routine and that breastfeeding doesn’t have “to be all or nothing.” The most revelatory material deals with the negative aspects of motherhood, as when Vieira recounts the guilt she felt about not immediately loving her newborn until she learned that this is normal because the “brain is set to first feel an obligation to take care of and protect our baby, and by doing that we bond with them.” Vieira’s candor about her struggles as a new mother and the input from experts results in a volume that’s at once practical and deeply personal. This is a must for new and mothers-to-be. (Mar.)
From the Publisher
It's not just the baby who goes through tons of changes in that first year. If you've been pregnant, given birth and are adjusting to new motherhood at home, Becky Vieira offers the raw, unvarnished truth that is often glossed over by those who just want to focus on the magic of being a new parent. No topic is too taboo, and Vieira covers everything from getting past that first postpartum poop to dealing with unsolicited advice from relatives.”—Good Housekeeping "Vieira’s candor about her struggles as a new mother and the input from experts results in a volume that’s at once practical and deeply personal. This is a must for new and mothers-to-be."—Publishers Weekly “Becky Vieira has been an enduring and beloved voice in the postpartum community advocating for women through her personal experiences, precise observations, and unequivocal humor. Her new book, Enough About the Baby, is a solid reference for new moms who are navigating this challenging time in their lives, and who seek comfort from those with shared experiences and the wisdom to accept the ups and downs as part of this spectacular journey of motherhood. Perhaps the most important message Vieira teaches the reader is: ‘It’s okay to be selfish. It’s okay for this journey to also be about you. In fact, you and your baby will actually thrive if you do.’”—Karen Kleiman, author of Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts “Becky shatters the crippling silence surrounding the truth about motherhood. Finally, someone is honestly telling new mums what they need to know, not what we think they want to hear. We’re all tragically vulnerable to the darker aspects of this journey, and no amount of privilege can stop the crippling depression, anxiety, and loneliness that many mothers face. One of the biggest problems is that people shy away from talking about this, and mums don’t know what to expect or how to find help. Finally, we have a book that blows the lid off topics many have considered taboo—and now this important conversation can begin. Becky is a vocal advocate for maternal mental health and provides readers with what we all need: information, resources, support, and compassion. This is a book I wish I had as a new mum, and it gives me hope that future mothers won’t suffer like some of us did.”—Anna Paquin, Academy Award–winning actress and mom of twins “Enough About the Baby brilliantly combines humor and compassion to present the authentic reality of the first year of motherhood. Becky passionately advocates for moms, empowering us to value our health and welfare just as much as our baby’s—and it’s about time someone stepped up to do this! This isn’t just helpful information for expecting and new moms, it’s essential reading.”—Laura Benanti, Tony Award–winning actress, author, and mom of two “Becky Vieira is the brutally honest mom friend that EVERY new mom needs in her corner. That friend who won't sugarcoat things. Her book is full of useful information, personal insights, and Becky’s unique brand of humor. Enough About the Baby is absolutely going to be my new go-to baby shower gift.”—Tara Clark, author of Modern Mom Probs “Gone are the days of flowery, intrusive, peppered-with-toxic-positivity baby advice. We’ve entered a new era in this society of ours, ladies—the era of compassionate truth, which Becky Vieira so eloquently and artistically delivers in a brilliant roadmap for new moms. By blending her own experience, good and bad, with the brutally honest truth of what motherhood is really like in the first year, Vieira leaves no stone unturned when it comes to what to expect when you’re expecting and the candid details of what bringing baby home truly means for mama, and hits the nail on the head by reminding us that it’s enough about the baby—let's make sure mom is getting what she needs to survive this new world.”—Michelle Dempsey-Multack, author of Moms Moving On “This is an honest, eye-opening look at how raising a baby is equal parts maddening and heartwarming. It will make any parent say, ‘I am not alone.’”—Clint Edwards, bestselling author of Fatherish “The hilarious and practical how-to guide that every new parent needs. I cry-laughed, nodded, and was wowed by the advice. This is the perfect gift for every mother-to-be. Where was this book when I was a new mom?”—Sally Hepworth, New York Times bestselling author and mom of three “I so wish I had this book when I was pregnant with my first. Becky gives all the far-too-honest (and therefore helpful) advice that moms never seem to get. So much is written about the baby’s journey; I love that she’s focused on the mom’s journey through the first few years instead. I would call this book laugh-out-loud funny if it weren’t so on-the-nose about just about everything related to new motherhood.”—Kate Auletta, Editor-in-Chief, Scary Mommy
