Motherhood is an ever-evolving state of being. From the moment that plus sign appears on the test, a woman’s life is forever changed. Suddenly, she has a new title and all the responsibilities that come with it. This abrupt change in rhythm is, unfortunately, not always granted the grace it deserves. Postpartum depression is a serious condition, and one that should never be encountered alone. Luckily, there are many mothers out there who have lent their experience to that most delicate literary medium: poetry.
The Sweetest Little Blueberry: Poems On Pregnancy & Early Motherhood by Cheyenne Bluett
In The Sweetest Little Blueberry, poet Cheyenne Bluett conquers all stages of motherhood. From bothersome morning sickness to the joys of meeting your baby, Bluett has seen it all. Her tender words are perfect for all mothers, regardless of where they find themselves on their journey.
Parental Leave: Postpartum Poetry for New Parents by Anne Marie Brown
Anne Marie Brown’s signature lyrical style flows throughout Parental Leave. These poems capture the essence of early parenthood, never shying away from the frustrations it can sometimes bring. Aside from poetry, Brown is also a children’s book author. You can find her whimsical wildlife tales here.
Smoothed Over with Feeling: Poems for New Parents by Vanessa Hope Schneider & Carissa Potter Carlson
Full of Vanessa Hope Schneider’s wonderful words and Carissa Potter Carlson’s delightful drawings, Smoothed Over with Feeling is a holistic guide to the first days of parenthood. This collection is a beacon calling all new parents to find and celebrate their community. Smoothed Over with Feeling can be purchased directly from its publisher, People I’ve Loved.
I Gave Birth to My Heart: A Collection of Poems about Motherhood, Reimagined by Ashley Hanna Morgan
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Ashley Hanna Morgan tackles postpartum depression head-on in her poetry collection, I Gave Birth to My Heart. Morgan was surprised by the sudden onset of her depressive symptoms, especially because she had devoted her whole life to helping others overcome their mental blockages. By choosing to talk about this delicate subject, Morgan lets other mothers know that they are not alone.
Unveiling Motherhood: Poems of Postpartum Resilience by Talia Nepper
In Unveiling Motherhood, Talia Nepper gives an honest portrayal of the complex emotions that arise as a result of postpartum depression. Through poetry, Nepper pulls back the curtain on motherhood, inviting her audience to understand the full emotional experience. This collection is both healing and inspiring.
poemspartum: pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, seasons (growth) by Kassondra Mangione
Kassondra Mangione’s debut collection, poemspartum, is bursting with feeling. Her deeply personal words are a guiding hand reaching out to assist other mothers in their journeys. Sprinkled with the occasional illustration, poemspartum is the perfect batch of poetry for mothers looking to find their inner voice.
The Art of Motherhood: Art, Poetry and Memoirs of a Postpartum Journey by Natasha K. Preckajlo
Unlike the other entries on this list, Natasha K. Preckajilo’s The Art of Motherhood doesn’t restrict itself to poetry. Instead, Preckajilo dips her brush into multiple mediums, crafting a memoir and poem collection unlike any other. This holistic approach to cataloging the life of a mother transforms the reader’s experience and opens their hearts to new parents everywhere.
The Mother Self by Talia Gutin
Talia Gutin’s debut poetry collection, The Mother Self, is all about identity. One of the struggles of postpartum depression is a loss of self. Gutin acknowledges this grief honestly, while also using her poetry to reclaim her personhood. The Mother Self is one woman’s healing attempt to unite all pieces of her identity together into one nuanced person.
My After All: Poems and Prose on Motherhood by Jessica Urlichs
Jessica Urlichs has captured motherhood in poetry many times over, and My After All is a startling example of the power her words can wield. In this collection, Urlichs dives into the transformative relationship mothers have with their kids over time. No truth is too dangerous for Urlichs to handle, making My After All a refreshingly honest take on the varied beauties of motherhood.
Bloom After Birth: Poems of Strength, Love and Grace in Postpartum by Sukanya Biggs
In Bloom After Birth, Sukanya Biggs acknowledges the life-altering metamorphosis of motherhood. Her loving words remind mothers that like all things in nature, their postpartum depression, too, shall pass. Bloom After Birth is a lovely collection that helps readers find beauty in every step.
Little Astronaut by J. Hope Stein
J. Hope Stein’s little astronaut draws its readers into the newness of both the newborn’s world and the mother’s. Every experience is exploratory, and every emotion is fresh. In just a few words, Stein can pierce her reader’s hearts with the startling accuracy of a prize archer. This collection is the perfect introduction to navigating a world that is all of a sudden both strange and wonderful.
This expansive list of poetry collections is sure to encapsulate every mother’s experience. Whether you’re currently pregnant, just gave birth, or are a longtime parent, these poets’ words are the perfect partner for this lovely phase of life.
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Find these collections and more on our Poetry bookshelf on Bookshop.org.
