Table of Contents
Introduction: What Do I Do Now? ix
1 Is There Anything I Can Do to Make This Easier? (The Final Stretch) 1
2 Is This Finally Happening for Real? (The Drama of Delivery) 10
3 Will I Ever Walk Again? (My Messed-up Lady Parts) 15
4 Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me to Bring Depends? (Postpartum Bleeding) 23
5 Has Anyone Ever Been This Heavy? (Swelling and Sweating) 28
6 Will I Ever Be Able to Go #2 Again? (Constipation) 34
7 What Are These Bumps on My Butt? (Hemorrhoids) 39
8 Will I Ever Sleep Again? (The New Nighttime Schedule) 44
9 So Now We're Both Wearing Diapers? (Urinary Incontinence) 53
10 Why Can't I Think about Anything but Breastfeeding? (The Psychological Side of Nursing) 59
11 Are My Boobs Always Going to Be Like This? (The Physical Side of Breastfeeding) 69
12 What Is This Thing Hanging Off My Stomach? (The Post-Pregnancy Bod) 77
13 Can I Airbrush My Actual Body? (Skin and Hair Changes) 86
14 Why Can't I Sit Down without Wincing? (Aches and Pains) 97
15 When Can I Hit the Gym Again? (Getting Back in Shape) 113
16 How Am I Supposed to Do This? (Insecurity) 124
17 Why Can't I Stop Crying? (Postpartum Depression) 127
18 What Do I Want Out of Motherhood? (Getting Your Brain Ready) 135
19 Why Can't I Relate to My Partner Anymore? ("Diamonds or Dishes") 148
20 Will I Ever Get My Groove Back? (Sex after Baby) 154
21 Should I Stay or Should I Go? (The Return, to Work) 160
22 When Will Things Go Back to Normal? (The Rest of Your Life) 168
Index 172