‘I kept scribbling in the margins: ‘We need to know this stuff!” Joanna Pocock, Spectator

A radical new examination of the transition into motherhood and how it affects the mind, brain and body

During pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood, women undergo a far-reaching physiological, psychological and social metamorphosis.

There is no other time in a human’s life course that entails such dramatic change-other than adolescence. And yet this life-altering transition has been sorely neglected by science, medicine and philosophy. Its seismic effects go largely unrepresented across literature and the arts. Speaking about motherhood as anything other than a pastel-hued dream remains, for the most part, taboo.

In this ground-breaking, deeply personal investigation, acclaimed journalist and author Lucy Jones brings to light the emerging concept of ‘matrescence’. Drawing on new research across various fields – neuroscience and evolutionary biology; psychoanalysis and existential therapy; sociology, economics and ecology – Jones shows how the changes in the maternal mind, brain and body are far more profound, wild and enduring than we have been led to believe. She reveals the dangerous consequences of our neglect of the maternal experience and interrogates the patriarchal and capitalist systems that have created the untenable situation mothers face today.

Here is an urgent examination of the modern institution of motherhood, which seeks to unshackle all parents from oppressive social norms. As it deepens our understanding of matrescence, it raises vital questions about motherhood and femininity; interdependence and individual identity; as well as about our relationships with each other and the living world.

Right this very moment, you’re growing a tiny life in your body and with that life-growing comes a lot of feelings-some beautiful, some exhilarating, and some straight-up ridiculous. You’ll have a lot on your mind and with The Big Journal for Pregnant People you can record all the ups, downs, and in-betweens.

With playful prompts, brilliant quotes, pregnancy facts, straight-talking advice, and plenty of space to draw, this book is a must-have for anyone who wants to make some time for themselves before that precious arrival changes, well, everything.

Most baby books are about the baby. This one is for you. Now go grab a pencil, you’ve got memories to make.

‘A gripping exploration of the science of the uterus, the politics of medicine and the future of reproductive freedom’ New Statesman

‘Page for page, I may not have ever learned more from a book‘ Rob Delaney, author of A Heart that Works

‘It will change the way you think about bodies forever’ Rachel Clarke, author of Dear Life

‘Empowerment in book form’ Maxine Mei-Fung Chung, author of What Women Want

‘A phenomenal book’ Elinor Cleghorn, author of Unwell Women

The womb is the most miraculous organ in the body – with the power to bring life or cause death; to yield joy or pain – yet most of us know almost nothing about it.

In this book, midwife and bestselling author Leah Hazard sets out on a journey to explore the rich past, complex present and dynamic future of the uterus. She speaks to the Californian doctor who believes women deserve a period-free life; walks in the footsteps of the Scottish woman whose Caesarean section changed childbirth forever; uncovers America’s long history of forced and coercive sterilisation; observes uterine transplant surgery in Sweden and takes a very personal dive into the world of ‘womb wellness’.

Written with wisdom, warmth and nuance, and combining the author’s years of experience as a midwife with medical history, scientific discovery and journalistic inquiry, Womb is an extraordinary exploration of a woefully under-researched and misunderstood organ. Above all, the book reveals that the uterus is more than the sum of its biological parts: it influences all our lives in the twenty-first century, and how we celebrate, medicate and legislate the womb might yet control where we go from here.

Selected as one of the Independent‘s 10 best pregnancy books for expectant parents

Birth is a feminist issue. It’s the feminist issue nobody’s talking about.

FEATURING A BRAND NEW CHAPTER
 
‘A powerful read, whether you’re pregnant or not’ Independent

Finally blasting the feminist spotlight into the labour ward, Milli Hill encourages women everywhere to stand and deliver, insisting that birth is no longer left off the list in discussions about female power, control and agency.

From the importance of birth plans to your human rights in childbirth, and including birth stories from women across the world, this call-to-arms will help you find your voice, take an active role in your choices, and change the way you think about childbirth.

Praise for Give Birth Like a Feminist

‘I feel so lucky to have read Milli’s book while pregnant, she completely changed my way of looking at giving birth’ Ella Mills, author of Deliciously Ella

Becoming pregnant is a beautiful moment in any person’s life, and with this one-stop pregnancy guide by your side, you will be fully-equipped from beginning to end of your joyful journey.

With day-by-day artworks and fetal images showcasing your baby’s development, this comprehensive pregnancy book is perfect for both first-time mums and experienced parents alike.

Dive right in to discover:

– A day-by-day structure with unmatched detail for every step of the journey.
– The day-by-day format is continued for the first two weeks of life with a new-born baby.
– An hour-by-hour account of the crucial 12 hours post-delivery.
– Illustrated artwork to show fetal development throughout the stages of pregnancy.

As your due date approaches, this baby development book explores all the options available for your labour and birth so you can make the right choice with confidence, and also breaks down your delivery and the first 12 hours after childbirth. The day-by-day format continues for the first two weeks postpartum as you embark on life with your newborn.

All the latest medical advice for mums-to-be is covered, including guidance on nutrition and exercise, so you’ll understand how to keep you and your baby happy and healthy throughout pregnancy. Featuring Q&As with both experts and mums also provides extra support, answering common questions and offering reassurance for any questions or concerns you may have about pregnancy, from your pregnancy diet, to the first 40 days, this baby parenting book truly does have it all.

The ideal gift for expectant mothers who are seeking a healthy and happy pregnancy every step of the way, and a must-have parenting book for those who seek a detailed account of labour, birth, and exploring all the options available during pregnancy care.

With The Day By Day Pregnancy Book by your side, we assure you will feel safe and supported during this special time in your life, as you count down the days to your new arrival!

Recognizing the vacuum of readily available nutritional information to guide people through pregnancy, Deliciously Healthy Pregnancy is the myth-busting antidote to a grey area, previously regarded as taboo. While accepting there’s no “right way” for everyone, Rhiannon’s practice is based on the latest scientific research, and backed up with practical advice, tips, and recipes to inspire.

Readers can go on a journey to explore:

– The entire pregnancy cycle – fertility, conception, pregnancy, postnatal – showing how good nutrition can have a positive impact on each phase, and preparing the mind and body for pregnancy and birth.
– An expert insight into the key nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that enable a healthy pregnancy
– Includes over 80 recipes to be enjoyed by parents and families, focusing specifically on nutrition for pregnant mothers
– Recipes have been thoroughly researched by a qualified nutritionist specialising in pre and postnatal health, breaking down the science for the reader and enabling them to trust the source of the advice.

Split into two sections, the book starts by breaking down the science behind the advice, exploring the stages of pregnancy and being a new mum, with infographics illustrating the changes to the body, your lifestyle, and diet for mother and baby. Following on from the theory, the second half of the book is the practical side with over 80 flavour-packed recipes.

Recipes can be customized to suit your personal situation: either to target a particular condition or symptom, or to cater for your dietary needs and choices, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free.

A must-have pregnancy cookbook for couples looking to conceive – this book is useful for both mothers and fathers alike! So whether you’re seeking to explore all the stages of pregnancy, birth and weaning, or you’re looking for a self-purchase or gift for friend/relative/partner who is looking to conceive, pregnant or already has a young baby, Rhiannon’s practice is based on the latest scientific research and backed up with practical advice, tips, and recipes.

In The StrongLikeMum Method, pre and postnatal fitness expert and mum of four Shakira Akabusi accompanies you on your pregnancy journey and throughout the first year of motherhood to help you tap into the full power of your body and mind with accessible exercise and wellness advice.

The benefits of leading an active lifestyle are so much greater than the aesthetic goals we’re bombarded with almost everywhere we turn. This book will unlock secrets that have been hidden in history and show how the female body has adapted and changed to become the powerful force it is today. As well as easy-to-follow exercises, Shakira’s empowering StrongLikeMum Method provides advice on nutrition, the power of sleep, language and ways to adopt a positive mindset.

Whether you are a first-time mum or a mother to two or more and whether you are hoping to enjoy an active pregnancy or wish to recover effectively postpartum, this book has been written to give you a full understanding of what your body and mind are capable of during and after pregnancy. It will give you the tools to understand your own body and instill the confidence to sustain a fit, healthy and happy lifestyle inside and out.

‘A very funny, honest look at the ups and downs of parenting. I absolutely loved it.’ – Emily Dean, host of Walking the Dog

‘Lucy, a favourite comic of mine, manages to shed new light on something so universal. Her reaction to parenting is ridiculously refreshing and loaded with guilty laugh out loud honesty. After the school run, I implore you to pick a page, any page, then realise you’re not alone. A gentle funny stroke of parenting genius’ – Johnny Vegas

‘As a mum of two girls, I was nodding, laughing and emotional. I recognised so much of Lucy’s journey in my own… I really loved it.’ YolanDa Brown, BBC Loose Ends

From TV’s award-winning comedy mum and the writer of Hullraisers, Lucy Beaumont, comes her hilarious debut on the trials and tribulations of motherhood.

Known for her sharp, witty and surreal view on everyday life, Lucy shares the unpredictable craziness of being a mum in this brilliant and laugh-out-loud ‘mumoir’. Mums everywhere will recognise the madness of it all. Like when Lucy was hospitalised during her third trimester with chest pains but it turned out to be a burrito. Or when she was so tired at the park she forgot her own child’s name.

Heart-warming and laugh-out-loud funny, Drinking Custard also captures Lucy’s marriage to comedian Jon Richardson, as they navigate Lucy’s raging pregnancy hormones and balk at pram prices together.

Get ready to make room on mum’s bookshelf for Drinking Custard to sit alongside other mum classics such as Why Mummy Drinks, Hurrah For Gin! and The Unmumsy Mum.