Breaking Mum and Dad

Breaking Mum and Dad is a helpful, often humorous, and always honest guide to help all new mums and dads cope with and conquer anxiety, stress and low mood in those overwhelming fledgling parent days.
With more than 1 in 10 new parents experiencing post-natal depression and anxiety, and after suffering the traumatic birth of her son, and herself being diagnosed with post-natal anxiety and birth trauma, Anna Williamson uncovers the real thoughts, feelings and behaviours that many of us experience in those first few weeks and months after becoming a parent.
From 'I'm struggling to love my baby' to 'I miss my old life' and 'Will I ever feel like "me" again?' to 'I'm anxious about having sex' this book will help new parents cope with the often taboo topics that we ALL encounter.
A therapist in your pocket, meaning you don't have to face one of life's most momentous experiences alone, or fear being judged of the weird and often worrying irrational thoughts that plague our frazzled minds. Mental health for new mums (and dads) is a thing ­- a big thing - and it's time we all stopped suffering in silence.
It takes time to adjust to this new identity and role - whether it's making new friends, coping with changing relationships, breast and bottle feeding anxiety, going back to work worries, or the whole shift being a new parent poses mentally. Breaking Mum and Dad is a little pocket guide of empathy, sympathy and above all, hope.

Anna Williamson is a television presenter, radio broadcaster, life coach, counsellor and Master NLP practitioner. She lives in rural Hertfordshire with her husband and baby. Anna is also an Ambassador for Mind, The Princes Trust, The Young Variety Club and Childline. Her goal is to continue to de-stigmatise mental health, giving young people a platform to be listened to.
Dr Reetta Newell is a Clinical Psychologist, and runs a private practice specialising in working with children and families. She provides psychological assessment, consultation, formulation and therapy to individuals and families. She works with lots of clients with anxiety. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and two children.

Preface
Introduction
1 The day after birth
2 The after birth mental stuff
3 The after birth physical stuff
4 Groundhog Day
5 The Know It Alls
6 Friendships and relationships
7 Going back to work (or not)
8 It's not just mum
9 The road ahead
Resources
Acknowledgements
Index