Postpartum Books
Start with Dr. Jana's own two books, then browse therapist-recommended reads organized by stage.
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By Dr. Jana
Written by Dr. Jana Rundle, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist who works with new parents every week.
Bloom Psychology
The Calm New Mom
A practical guide to postpartum anxiety
Jana Rundle, Psy.D.
The Calm New Mom
A practical guide to postpartum anxiety
The book Dr. Jana kept wishing she could hand every new mom at the end of a session. It explains what postpartum anxiety actually feels like from the inside, why your brain latches onto worst-case thinking, and what brings your nervous system back down. Chapters are short on purpose, because most of this gets read one-handed.
Get it on AmazonBloom Psychology
She's Not Overreacting
The postpartum brain, the mental load, and what actually helps
Jana Rundle, Psy.D.
She's Not Overreacting
The postpartum brain, the mental load, and what actually helps
The postpartum guide written for partners. Ten chapters on the fourth trimester, what happens to the postpartum brain, why the mental load is invisible until you name it, and why offering to help so often backfires. Includes say-this-not-that scripts and the signs that mean it is time to get professional support.
Get it on AmazonShe's Not Overreacting pairs with the free mental load workbook, a printable way to divide the invisible work at home.
More therapist-recommended reads
Pregnancy
Prepare with evidence-based knowledge and confidence.
Expecting Better
Emily Oster
Why conventional pregnancy wisdom is wrong — and what you really need to know.
Motherhood Survival Manual
Jill Zechowy, MD
Practical wisdom and real talk for navigating the challenges of motherhood.
The Baby Decision
Merle Bombardieri
A thoughtful guide for those considering parenthood.
Postpartum
Support for the emotional and mental health challenges after birth.
Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts
Karen Kleiman
Normalizes intrusive thoughts for new mothers. A reassuring read that helps moms understand they're not alone.
What About Us?
Karen Kleiman
A guide to safeguarding your relationship through the challenges of new parenthood.
This Isn't What I Expected
Karen Kleiman & Valerie Raskin
Classic guide on overcoming postpartum depression with practical strategies.
Parenting
Practical, research-backed approaches to raising kids.
The Whole-Brain Child
Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
12 strategies to nurture your child's developing mind.
No Drama Discipline
Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
The whole-brain way to calm the chaos and nurture your child's developing mind.
Cribsheet
Emily Oster
A data-driven guide to better, more relaxed parenting from birth to preschool.
The Family Firm
Emily Oster
A data-driven guide to better decision making in the early school years.
How To Keep House While Drowning
KC Davis
A gentle approach to cleaning and organizing. Permission to let go of perfectionism.
Need Personalized Support?
Books can help, but if you're struggling, consider speaking with a maternal mental health specialist.