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Awake at 3 a.m. 

 June 18, 2021

By  Deborah Lee Smith

Awake at 3 a.m

by Suzannah Neufeld

About “Awake at 3 a.m. via  Bookshop.org:

“A women’s mental health specialist introduces yoga therapy techniques to provide solace, steadiness, and ease during the difficult stages of pregnancy and new motherhood

Pregnancy and new motherhood are often thought of as the most joyful, exciting, and blissful times in your life–but they can also be difficult and overwhelming. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the number one “complication” of birth. They not only affect the mothers who suffer but also the families who care about and rely on them. While there is robust support and treatment options for other illnesses, moms who suffer emotionally are rarely acknowledged and often handed platitudes like, “Sleep when the baby sleeps,” and, “Just enjoy every minute because it goes by so fast.” This can be a lonely and confusing place to be–suffering profound fear or sadness at a time when your friends and family expect you to be happy, radiant, and beatifically calm.

As a therapist supporting women’s mental health and recovery from PMADs since 2003, Suzannah Neufeld is keenly aware of the special needs of women during pregnancy and the first year of motherhood. Synthesizing modern psychotherapeutic research with practical yoga therapy, Neufeld offers a compassionate, acceptance-based approach that meets women (and their partners) wherever they are.

Awake at 3 a.m. contains short, digestible chapters that are perfect for when you are feeling exhausted or overwhelmed. Neufeld skillfully dismantles the myths and internal beliefs that contribute to the suffering of new mothers and tells her own story with honesty and humor. From breathing techniques to mindfulness exercises, the yoga practices here are designed to fit into your life as it is now–no flexibility, mat, special clothes, or 90-minute yoga class required.”

  • “This book has been so helpful to me. I’ve had a very hard transition into motherhood for a multitude of reasons and I really felt like in many ways the author spoke right to me! The hardest thing has been feeling ashamed by the feelings I’ve been having. I can’t tell you how reassuring it’s been to know I’m not alone, nothing is wrong with me and I’m not a bad person/mom.” – J (via thegoodtrade.com)

As mentioned in the More Than You See Podcast. Listen HERE.

Deborah Lee Smith

Hi there! I'm an actor, producer, and writer who is devoted to storytelling and mental health awareness. After struggling through my own mental health, I found that non-traditional resources, like the ones we explore on More Than You See, helped me immensely get through my dark times. Thus, this website and podcast were born! I look forward to helping you gain agency over your mental health journey as you build your own toolkit of resources, tips, and ideas. Because you never know what might help pull you out of the darkness, and we are all More Than You See.   


Deborah Lee Smith

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