INTERNATIONAL speaker and writer Dr Diane Speier has published Life After Birth about the impact of the postnatal period, the three months after giving birth to a new baby, sometimes referred to as ‘the fourth trimester.’

Diane, from Pickmere, a practicing psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and grandmother with a PhD in Women’s Studies, was increasingly frustrated by a lack of information available to parents on the ‘fourth trimester’, a critical time for parents.

The full title of the book, Life After Birth: A Parent’s Holistic Guide for Thriving in the Fourth Trimester, incorporates all aspects of the postnatal experience, from navigating physical body changes, demystifying hormonal fluctuations and feeding choices to bonding, attachment and relationship dynamics.

Diane also introduces energy medicine techniques in the book, which makes it the first of its kind in the context of the postnatal period.

Diane said: “When my daughter gave birth to my first grandson in 2011, and asked where all the books were on the postpartum period, I realised there were very few in existence and it was time to do something about it.

“Although there is some investment going into perinatal mental health, postnatal care has been subject to funding cuts, stripping vital services both in statutory care and in the community.

“My aim was really to take a practical and holistic approach to addressing new parents’ physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual needs.”

Life After Birth is available via amazon.