All The Things - Paperback

by Mariah F. Martinez (Author)

My entire perspective on life shifted unexpectedly the moment I found out I was pregnant.

All The Things, is a heartfelt and honest rollercoaster portraying both the joys, struggles-and everything in-between- of navigating pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Society is bombarded with the message that a woman's main purpose in life is to get married and have children. But the reality is that parents are in a never-ending comparison-spiral, often feeling isolated by the true realities of parenthood. After having children, I completely lost myself and was furious that nobody in my life prepared me for the realities of parenthood. In All The Things, I share my transition from 'becoming a mom', to 'becoming a full human being who happens to be a mom'.

We talk through childbirth, newborn baby, parenting, motherhood, family, health and wellness, pregnancy, maternal mental health, pregnancy after loss, miscarriage, cultural perspectives on pregnancy, c-sections, vaginal birth, postpartum, prepartum, postpartum anxiety and depression, and breast feeding.

I am Hispanic, Catholic, and a working mother of two children who unexpectedly experienced postpartum anxiety and depression. I'm on a mission to help other families navigate the ins and outs and All The Things nobody tells you about. Through my story I aim to help parents and their support systems be a little more prepared for what to expect before, if, and when expecting a child.