Why Did No One Tell Me This?
Full of honest advice and inclusive options, Why Did No One Tell Me This? is the funny, personality-filled, illustrated guide to pregnancy, birth, and beyond that modern parents have been waiting for.
Pregnancy and childbirth are full of big questions -- what if my baby is enormous? Will my water break naturally? What even goes into a 'birth plan'? How on earth am I going to keep this child alive once it's here? And where do I turn for advice that will really work for me and my life?
In Why Did No One Tell Me This?! doulas and reproductive health experts Natalia Hailes and Ashley Spivak answer these questions and more for today's wellness-focused, intersectional parents-to-be. Drawing on years of experience in their birth doula practice Brilliant Bodies, as well as expert opinions from lactation specialists, gynecologists, therapists, and more, Natalia and Ashley guide readers through the entire process, from the earliest stages of pregnancy through the jungle of postpartum feelings and responsibilities.
Bite-sized pieces of advice are interspersed with vibrant illustrations to break down the doubts and fears that often surround childbirth and empower readers to explore their own individual needs, know their rights, and find their voice both during and after pregnancy. By addressing common fears, incorporating regular tips for partners, and providing information on a wide array of birth and parents styles, this unique and inclusive guide is the perfect tool for a new generation of parents.
Natalia Hailes is a birth doula, lactation specialis,t and reproductive health educator. She's worked with hundreds of families supporting them through pregnancy and beyond, and as a mother herself she speaks from experience. Originally from Colombia, she spent 15 years in NYC and recently moved to Richmond, VA. Her work has been featured in Newsweek, Refinery29, Well+Good, Business Insider, and MindBodyGreen, among others. Learn more at nataliahailes.com.
Ash Spivak (Author)
Ash Spivak is an Internationally Certified Birth Doula and co-founder of Allbodies (allbodies.com), a digital platform for modern health education. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Newsweek, and Teen Vogue.