Expert, practical advice for complete mental and physical maternal healthKate Rope's Strong as a Mother is a practical and compassionate guide to preparing for a smooth start to motherhood. Everyone knows the secret to having "the Happiest Baby on the Block." This is your guide to being the Sanest Mommy on the Block. It will prepare you with humor and grace for what lies ahead, give you the tools you need to take care of yourself, permission to struggle at times, and professional advice on how to move through it when you do. This book will become a dog-eared resource on your nightstand, offering you the same care and support that you are working so hard to provide to your child. It will help you prioritize your emotional health, set boundaries and ask for help, make choices about feeding and childcare that feel good to you, get good sleep, create a strong relationship with your partner, make self care an everyday priority, trust your instincts, and actually enjoy the hardest job you will ever love. This book is here to take care of you.

PART I: EXPECTING STRONG--YOUR EMOTIONAL GUIDE TO PREGNANCYThe First Trimester: Nervous Excitement* You're Pregnant, Now What? * It's Natural to Worry: Anxiety in Early Pregnancy * What Should I Spill the Beans? * What Was That?! The Unexpected Emotions of Pregnancy * Am I a Terrible Mother if I Have a Cup of Coffee? * What If This Doesn't Feel Like "The Happiest Tome of My Life?The Second Trimester: Taking Care of You* Making Self-Care Second Nature* Feeling Good About Your Changing Body* "You're Huge!" and Other Things People Say and Do* Why Sleep Matters and How to Get It* Moving Your Body Will Improve Your Mood* Sex During Pregnancy* Managing the Emotions of Pregnancy Complications or a "High-Risk" PregnancyThe Third Trimester: Preparing for a Strong Transition to Parenthood* Planning for Co-Parenting* Building Your Village* Preparing to Feed Your Child in a Way That Works for You* Getting Ready for Birth* Packing Your Emotional First-Aid KitPART II: STARTING STRONG--YOUR GUIDE TO THRIVING IN THE FIRST YEAR* If You Are Recovering in the Hospital* If Your Baby Is in the NICU* At Home: Rest and Rely on Your Village* Your Breastfeeding Survival Guide* If Breastfeeding Is a Struggle* How to Get Sleep When You Have a Baby* If Your Delivery Didn't Go as Planned* Bonding with Babies 101* Managing the "Baby Blues"* Why Did I Just Think That? Scary Thoughts Made Less Scary* When It Doesn't Feel Right: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders* How to Get Help So You Can Start Feeling Better* How Can I Tell My Family and Friends That I Am Struggling?* Taking Care of Your Body Instead of Beating It Up* Being a Mom to a "Fussy" Baby* Taking Care of Yourself from the Start* Surviving Early Parenthood as a Couple* A Low-Key Guide to Sex in Early Parenthood* How to Feel Good About Childcare* Your Game Plan for Returning to WorkPART III: STAYING STRONG--THE BIG PICTURE OF MOTHERHOOD* Who Am I Now?* The Most Important Person* Beware the Cult of Perfect Motherhood* Learning on the Job* Be Your Best Friend* Good for Her, but Not for Me* You Are Good Enough* Being Strong As a Mother