Rattled Audiobook By Nicole Pensak cover art

Rattled

How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain

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Rattled

By: Nicole Pensak
Narrated by: Lisa Negron
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About this listen

A Zibby Owens Summer Reading Pick

Matrescence, noun /mæˈtres.ənts/ the process of becoming a mother: The physical, psychological, and emotional changes you go through after the birth of your child... largely unexplored in the medical community. —Cambridge Dictionary

Most new mothers bring their infants to the doctor but ignore any distressing feelings or sensations they might themselves have—that sense of being "rattled" at many moments throughout the day and night. In Rattled, Dr. Nicole Pensak shares her own experiences and those of her patients to help new mothers feel informed, validated, and guided through matrescence. After giving birth, a woman often feels like a completely different person. It may sound dramatic, but the rollercoaster of physical and psychological changes affects the brain and body in a similar way that adolescence changes us. To compound that, many women hide these feelings, worrying that something is wrong with them.

Dr. Nicole Pensak is here to reassure us that being "rattled" is normal, and not at all surprising. After all, seismic changes in identity and emotion have occurred. Research shows that a woman's brain shifts in real, biological ways very quickly after giving birth. Many women become hypervigilant, for good reason: the brain is telling her to stay alert because she has a human to keep alive and safe. While these brainpower boosts can cause anxious feelings, they can also help to manage the distress and harness the advantages of the postpartum brain. In fact, this is a time of neuroplasticity, when the brain is more receptive to positive reinforcement.

Trained at Yale and Harvard and certified in perinatal mental health, Dr. Pensak provides practical and emotional support, helping to relieve the anxiety and pressure for perfection in motherhood and paving the way for a better beginning for families and babies. She discusses mental health treatment and the upside of therapy during this changing time and offers accessible scientific information, relatable anecdotes, and strategies for self-care. The result is a reassuring and practical handbook that new mothers and their families will refer to time and again.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Nicole Pensak (P)2024 Podium Audio
Mental Health Motherhood Parenting & Families Psychology Relationships Sexual & Reproductive Health Human Brain

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Great read for Dads too!

Excellent read, loved it as a new Dad!!! Great to have a better understanding of what new moms are going through.

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A must read for all mothers

Finally! A book that is helping to change the narrative around "mommy brain" and offering tangible tools to empower us as mothers to take care of ourselves as much as we do our children. A digestible mix of science and practical strategies. Dr. Pensak is funny, raw, and inviting. I love how she share her own unique journey into the chaotic and beautiful world of motherhood. Thank you, Dr. Pensak for helping us as mothers’ feel seen during this time of profound transformation and for giving us the tools to “up the ante” and thrive.

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Best info ever

Great listen! And the info is invaluable and doable! Loved having the quick takeaways from each chapter

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A must read for mothers at any stage!!

This book is an absolute gem! From the very first page, it feels like a warm hug for every mother, no matter where she is in her journey. The author has crafted an incredibly insightful and compassionate guide to maternal mental health, diving deep into the emotional complexities that come with motherhood. What makes this book stand out is how it goes beyond just the postpartum period—it offers invaluable support for any phase of motherhood, whether you’re navigating the early days, the teen years, or everything in between.

The way the author intertwines personal stories with expert advice is both heartwarming and empowering. The language is accessible, never judgmental, and filled with so much empathy. Each chapter provides not only practical tools and strategies to boost mental well-being but also a sense of solidarity, reminding mothers they are not alone in their struggles. It is a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that caring for ourselves is a vital part of caring for our children.

Whether you are a new mom, an experienced one, or somewhere in between, this book is a must-read. It has the rare ability to make you feel seen, heard, and understood. It’s a book that encourages self-compassion and offers a powerful message of hope and healing. I can’t recommend it highly enough—this book is a true gift for every mother!

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Incredible Book!!!!!

“Rattled" is more than a book—it’s a supportive companion during one of the most transformative periods of life. Whether you’re seeking to understand the science behind your emotions or looking for actionable advice to navigate anxiety, Dr. Pensak’s work provides both comfort and empowerment. It’s an essential read for anyone looking to harness the power of their postpartum brain and step confidently into motherhood.
In summary, Dr. Nicole Pensak’s "Rattled" offers a refreshing, science-backed perspective on postpartum anxiety that is both enlightening and incredibly practical. Its compassionate approach not only helps you understand your experience but also equips you with the tools to thrive as a new mom.

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Highly Recommend

I highly recommend this book to all parents to understand the power of motherhood and the brilliance of the maternal brain. Get ready to feel empowered! Brilliant, raw, relatable and extremely validating.

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