Books and podcasts for maternity leave and matrescence support

Things I listened to and read that helped me stay level becoming a Mum for the first and second time.

In the thick of sleep deprivation with my second daughter 👆🏼

The power of books and reading

Reading at night is a habit I’ve inherited from my mum. Every night, even if I’ve had a few drinks (pre babies) or I’m totally shattered, I’ll need to read at least a couple of pages to unwind and unhook from the day.

Even in the brutal early days where sleep wouldn’t be longer than a 2 or 3 hour stretch, connecting with words that would take me to a different world, or give me a little bit of reassurance would help me get a slice of calm and get to sleep.

Here are some of the things I think powered me through the early phase with both my daughters on my maternity leave.

Wintering (the power of rest and retreat in difficult times) by Katherine May.

Not a specific maternity book but I found a lot of the writing to be a balm when approaching a year of ‘stepping out’ of normal life.

Maybe this is a generational thing but I often feel like I have to 'productive’ at all times, and be ticking stuff off the to-do list. This book helped me just BE, and exist with my new baby, instead of feeling like I needed to ‘complete’ all the domestic stuff that surrounds you when you’re at home.

Matrescence by Lucy Jones

A somewhat obvious choice but I love reading books in real-time about the very specific and unique time of life you’re in. I found Matrescence empowering and informative and angering (re the systems and lack of support in place for women going through it). The word ‘matrescence’ has only come into mainstream use in the last few years, despite being coined in the 1980’s. Says it all!

Post Natal Depletion Cure by Dr Oscar Serrllach

About 18 months after giving birth to my daughter, my hair starting falling out - again. It’s totally normal for your hair to fall out after giving birth but this is normally 6 months post partum, not 18 months post birth… I was also getting massively bloodshot dry eyes which wasn’t normal for me.

After reading this book I felt a bit more aware of the delicate balance of nutrients your body needs, how pregnancy and birth can wipe ‘em all out and symptoms that can crop up if there’s something going on including a hormonal inbalance.

I’m not a medical specialist in the LEAST but this book inspired me to ask for a full blood count from my doctor where I found out I was deficient in B12, Iron & Zinc so I could supplement and try and top up the deficient.

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert - for re-invigorating my creative spark. I won’t lie, the first time I read this book, I didn’t like it! But a few years on, and possibly with a slightly more open mind, it has reminded me about the power of creativity - applied to all areas of life.

Tim Key - Here’s we Go Round The Mulberry Bush - Written in lockdown; felt appropriate and comforting to read whilst in my own type of lockdowns. Obsessed with Key, reading this felt like he was in the room with me, his voice is so strong and allowed me to subconciously tune into memories of seeing him live when I would be out and about in the world.

PODCASTS

Podcasts were made for walking. Walking to get the baby to sleep, to get fresh air, and to move your body outside. I really think walking kept me sane in the early months with both my babies. And being able to listen to a podcast when they’re asleep and you’re lapping the park felt like an absolute luxury.

My podcast list is very different now but I had a little rummage through my library to remember what I was listening to on the many strolls round the local cemeteries (I live close to 3 lovely green ones in South East London, this isn’t as creepy as it sounds!)

Parenting/motherhood:

• Made by Mammas

• The Parent Hood (by The Bump Class)

Comedy and laughs:

• My Therapist Ghosted Me

• Adam Buxton

Lifestyle/story/slightly more thinky:

• Doing It Right with Pandora Sykes

• How to Fail with Elizabeth Day

I’m now in the next phase, slightly beyond the newborn/baby maternity leave. I’ve found myself drawn to things around mid-life, starting again and balancing running a business with motherhood. Would love any recommendations you have for that type of stuff…feel free to comment below 💋