Mom in the Mirror

Mom in the Mirror: Body Image, Beauty, and Life after Pregnancy is for every woman who has ever doubted herself or her self-worth after the birth of a child. Because most women spend much of their lives attempting to change their bodies, it's not surprising that the weight gain that comes along with pregnancy (and post-pregnancy), coupled with the challenges of parenting, only exacerbate issues with weight, body image, disordered eating, and self-esteem. Drawing on the wisdom of eating disorders expert Dr. Dena Cabrera, as well as the personal experiences of former anorexic Emily Wierenga, Mom in the Mirror is a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual response to a female generation seeking its true identity in an appearance-based world. With chapters that deal with bruises from the past, misconceptions about pregnancy, life before and after children, marriage and motherhood, spiritual and physical nourishment, relationships with friends and family, and the changing role of a mother as her children age, it is a holistic approach to the age-old questions: Who am I, and why am I here? Comprising personal stories, expert advice, reflection questions, and helpful tools, this book is an inspiring read intended for women everywhere who want to restore a positive body image and to overcome the insecurities that arise when pregnancy is over and child-rearing begins.

Dena Cabrera, PsyD, serves as a licensed clinical psychologist, certified eating disorder specialist, and clinical director at Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders. She has personally treated hundreds of women and girls struggling with eating and body image issues. Cabrera has been quoted in print publications including Parenting Magazine, Parents Magazine, Prevention, and others. In addition, Cabrera has published several articles and book chapters. She is a wife and mother of two.

Foreword Introduction 1: Our Bodies, Ourselves-The Dissatisfied Generation 2: A Bruised Beginning-From Girlhood to Adolescence 3: From Bruised to Broken: When Adolescent Turns Adult 4: Before and After-The Effects of Pregnancy 5: Change, Acceptance, and More Change-Embracing Motherhood 6: The Sleepless Wife-How to Balance Marriage and Motherhood 7: Beyond Breast Milk (or Formula)-The Challenges of Feeding Children 8: Food from Heaven-Spiritual Nourishment for You and Your Family 9: Like Mother, Like Daughter-Your Personal Legacy 10: Being the Mirror-How to Inspire Beauty in Our Daughters 11: The Anxious Mother-Using Food, Exercise, or Work as an Escape 12: Friendly Competition-Your Relationship with Other Women 13: As They Grow-Your Changing Role as a Mom and Woman 14: Getting Help-Hope and a Cure 15: Identity Crisis-Discovering True Self-Worth Appendix Bibliography