About the Book
Unlike other mindfulness resources for moms and moms-to-be, this compassionate book is grounded in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, a proven program. The authors are leading experts on the emotional challenges of pregnancy and early parenting--and how to overcome them. Guided meditations and gentle yoga practices help you build crucial skills to prevent depression, ease anxiety, and minimize stress during this unique and important phase of your life. Clear suggestions for how to follow the program day by day are accompanied by moving reflections from a "circle of mothers" working through the same steps. In a convenient large-size format, the book features journaling exercises and other practical tools (you can download and print additional copies as needed). The companion website also includes audio downloads narrated by renowned meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg, plus video clips of prenatal yoga practices.
Table of Contents:
Foreword, Samantha Meltzer-Brody
Our Journey Together
Getting Started
Class 1: Mindfulness Begins with the Everyday
Class 2: Body, Mind, and Breath
Class 3: Rhythms of Motherhood
Class 4: Opening to Difficulty and Uncertainty
Class 5: Thoughts Are Not Facts
Class 6: How Can I Best Take Care of Myself?
Class 7: Expanding Your Circle of Care
Class 8: Looking to the Future
Resources
Audio and Video Tracks
Audio Downloads
1. Introduction to Daily Activities
2. Drinking Tea Meditation
3. Eating Meditation
4. Washing Dishes Meditation
5. The Body Scan
6. Introduction to Sitting
7. 10-Minute Breathing Meditation
8. 25-Minute Sitting Meditation
9. Walking Meditation
10. 3-Minute Breathing Space
11. Being with Baby
12. Difficult Emotions
13. Positive Emotions
14. Lovingkindness Meditation Introduction
15. 20-Minute Lovingkindness Meditation Sitting Practice
16. 10-Minute Lovingkindness Walking Practice
17. Feeding Baby
Video Downloads
1. Yoga Introduction
2. 10-Minute Yoga Practice
3. 25-Minute Yoga Practice
About the Author :
Sona Dimidjian, PhD, a clinical psychologist, is Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder. She is a widely recognized expert on women’s mental health; the clinical application of contemplative practices, such as mindfulness meditation; and cognitive and behavioral approaches. She has developed successful prevention and treatment programs to promote well-being among women, including during pregnancy and early parenting. Dr. Dimidjian is a recipient of multiple awards and the author of widely cited scholarly papers. She is coauthor of the self-help resource Expecting Mindfully as well as Behavioral Activation for Depression and Behavioral Activation with Adolescents (for mental health professionals).
Sherryl H. Goodman, PhD, a clinical psychologist, is Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Psychology at Emory University. Her research is grounded in the field of developmental psychopathology. She is a leading expert on the mechanisms by which mothers with depression may transmit mental health problems to their children, understanding risk and protective factors, and preventing or treating depression that occurs in pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. Goodman is a recipient of multiple awards, the author of widely cited scholarly papers, and a past editor of the Journal of Abnormal Psychology. Her books include the self-help resource Expecting Mindfully.
Review :
"The emotional habits you bring to pregnancy and giving birth--such as believing you need to be a 'perfect' mother--can get in the way of taking care of yourself. Expecting Mindfully prepares you for the mental and emotional challenges that accompany having a baby, so you can get your mind ready, not just the baby’s room! This book offers a powerful mix of mindfulness, cognitive therapy, and practical wisdom that will help you during and after pregnancy--and all through life."--Tara Bennett-Goleman, MA, author of Emotional Alchemy, and Daniel Goleman, PhD, author of Emotional Intelligence
"As the mom of a 2-year-old with another on the way, this book has helped me be present and manage the stresses and craziness of this hectic time. I now have the tools to help me slow down when I feel worn out or overwhelmed by it all, and can react in a mindful, deliberate manner. The book has also helped me see the beauty in the messy moments. I can savor this stage instead of allowing sleep deprivation to let my mind drift on autopilot."--Erin C., North Wales, Pennsylvania
"This book is an absolute gem. It pulls back the curtain on your mental health needs as an expectant or new mother and provides proven tools to address them. Drs. Dimidjian and Goodman's unique blend of clinical wisdom and research, coupled with Sharon Salzberg’s guided meditations, engages both your heart and mind in this vital work."--Zindel Segal, PhD, coauthor of The Mindful Way through Depression
"This user-friendly book will help you avoid the heartache of postpartum depression by creating your own early warning system. I wish this resource had been available when I was having my children."--Nanette Santoro, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado
"Pregnancy was daunting for me. I was overwhelmed and anxious about my ever-growing body, the baby's health, and my new role as a mother. This compassionate workbook helped me find solid ground in tempestuous seas. I will be forever grateful to Drs. Dimidjian and Goodman for helping me enjoy my pregnancy and equipping me with the tools to be a mindful parent."--Christie-Anne L., Boulder, Colorado
"There are so many books for expecting and new mothers, but few so gently and wisely share evidence-based methods to quiet our busy minds and calm our distress. Take your time to work through this book and give yourself the gifts that it offers. You will find enduring tools to carry you through all the ups and downs of parenthood."--Wendy N. Davis, PhD, Executive Director, Postpartum Support International
"As a father-to-be, this book has helped me understand my wife's feelings during her pregnancy, and also taught me some skills that I will be able to bring forward in our new life together as a family. The authors do an excellent job of walking you through the exercises in a logical manner while leaving lots of room to let your experience be your guide."--Michael B., Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
"Women often don't receive the help they need for the very common feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress during pregnancy. The program in this book can help you stay emotionally well at this exciting but sometimes difficult time. Using two of the most well-established techniques in therapy today could benefit all pregnant women!”--Vivette Glover, PhD, Professor of Perinatal Psychobiology, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
"The writing style makes you feel like you are having a heartfelt conversation with the authors, as well as a supportive group of other expecting and new mothers. I only wish I'd had this book when I was first expecting!"--Blakie S., Guelph, Ontario, Canada
"This book is an extraordinary achievement. All the activities are described in language that is easily understood. The authors convey warmth, sensitivity, and authentic concern for all women who are adapting to parenthood--especially if your worries are preoccupying or you are feeling demoralized or pessimistic. There is practical guidance about how to integrate the program into your busy daily life, and many opportunities to shape it for your individual circumstances."--Jane Fisher, AO, PhD, FCCLP, FCHP, clinical psychologist; Professor of Women’s Health and Global Health, Monash University, Australia
"Expecting Mindfully provides helpful tools and skills for women who are expecting or postpartum. This wonderful book is easy to read and offers highly practical and valuable information that all new mothers need."--from the Foreword by Samantha Meltzer-Brody, MD, MPH, Distinguished Professor and Director, Perinatal Psychiatry Program, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill -Those who work the program should gain valuable skills and tools for getting ahead of depression and anxiety, as well as a useful workbook for reference during pregnancy and quite likely for the rest of their lives.--Publishers Weekly, 3/4/2019
