Meditation for New Moms
Author
Shannon Lesley
Shannon Lesley is a mom of three kids, three different ways: one step kid, one foster adopted kid and one birth kid. In comparison to her two older kids, birthing her third child was the worst—she does not recommend it. Lesley is experienced in extreme post-partum depression and the kind of anxiety that makes her get up in the middle of the night to make sure her kids are still breathing. She is passionate about children and education, and proud of her work as an ambassador for foster youth, a girl scout leader and a teacher.
Description
In Meditation for New Moms, Shannon Lesley offers a lifeline to overwhelmed new mothers. Pulling from her experiences, Lesley shares her own story of grief, pain, and postpartum depression, as well as how meditation saved her life and her family. Each chapter features a short, guided meditation tailored to the unique needs of new moms: • a nature visualization • connecting with maternal ancestors • nursing • falling asleep • working moms • moments of crisis This heartfelt offering from one mom to another is not only a guide to meditation but also a message of hope and inspiration for new moms struggling with their mental health. A must-read for any new mom looking to find some peace and relaxation amidst the chaos of caring for a baby.
Book excerpt
I kept going to baby groups and therapy sessions, but I wasn’t really there. It was just a fog of me. Nothing helped or changed anything until one day my therapist got an idea. She asked, “If I record a meditation for you, would you listen to it while you nurse?” “Sure, whatever,” I said. I had never meditated before. She pulled out one of those old-fashioned cassette recorders that journalists used to use in the 60s, with a small plastic microphone, and started talking into it softly. I watched her and wondered where I was going to find a cassette player. I guess I found one, though I don’t remember doing so. What I do remember is every word of that meditation. I listened to it over and over and over. I listened to it so many times that even when I wasn’t home, I could close my eyes and hear that voice in my head and find the calm the meditation offered. That meditation, made just for me, is what saved my life and my family. Everything I went through that year, and the meditation that saved me, has inspired me to write this book for you, from one mom to another. My goal is to pay it forward and help new moms relax so they can find the joy and confidence associated with motherhood. Motherhood is one of the hardest things you can do in life. The reassurance of being seen is often nice. I am unbelievably grateful to every single mother who saw me struggling during my journey and reached out to help. We women are so powerful. The way we stick together and help each other out is really special. This book is my way of seeing you. Each chapter is its own meditation created specially to help you out. Find the one that speaks to you most, and listen to it while nursing, falling asleep, while your baby sleeps, or whenever you need it. I want you to know that I see you and I’m so proud that you are pushing forward. Taking care of yourself is taking care of your baby too. You are not alone. I am here with you, and I care about you immensely. My hope is that this book allows you to come to terms with motherhood and how it impacts you, providing you with healthy coping mechanisms and support along the way. And, in case you are wondering what happened to that baby I almost gave away: She’s a teenager now. It turned out that I had given birth to my best friend that year. I’m eternally appreciative for the support that allowed me to keep my baby daughter, and every mother should feel supported in that way too.
Genre Non-Fiction
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