the experiences, successes, and struggles of many other women before and after childbirth in this all-in-one mothercare guide about family, work, the baby (or second or third baby), and you. Includes checklists, plan-ahead suggestions, questionnaires, and much more.

Drawn from three years of research, the author's own experience, and the candid recollections of many mothers--married and single, birth and adoptive, older and younger-- the nine chapters in this comprehensive guide cover all aspects of the postpartum experience, including:

• what the new mom should expect when she goes home
• what postpartum is and how long it lasts
• where to find breastfeeding help
• how to ask for help
• the new mom's home-care options
• realistic going-back-to-work options
• how to relieve the isolation of at-home mothering
• what to say (and not to say) to family members
• and much more