Book Review: Awake at 3am by Suzannah Nuefield

One of my absolute favorite books to recommend for clients is Awake at 3am by Suzannah Nuefield.

This book not only normalizes the challenges of postpartum but compassionately explores methods to feeling more grounded and kind to yourself as you navigate this massive life transition.

This book truly is comprehensive guide to yoga practices specifically tailored to the needs of pregnant and postpartum people. Suzannah Nuefield is a therapist and yoga teacher and she uses this book provides practical advice on how to use yoga therapy to reduce the physical and emotional stresses of pregnancy, as well as promote mental well-being in the weeks and months (and years!) following childbirth. Through detailed descriptions of postures, mindfulness, and meditations, Nuefield offers insight into using yoga as a therapeutic tool during pregnancy and postpartum.

Each chapter focuses on something different. Part 1 is focused on explaining and diving into the foundations of the book including mental health and mood disorders and yoga as a therapeutic tool. Part 2 is focused on practices that anyone can utilize as a part of a whole-person therapeutic protocol. My favorite is her section of self-compassion and letting go of comparisons - which is a common obstacle in the parenting world. And perhaps the most important, and life-changing chapter is her chapter on responsiveness (instead of reactivity) and being flexible with yourself and your baby.

Overall, Awake at 3am is an excellent resource for anyone navigating the challenging emotional and spiritual journey of pregnancy and postpartum. Neufield’s writing style is friendly and relatable which allows readers to gain insight into her depth of experience in the field of perinatal health. By combining both Eastern and Western approaches, this book offers a well-rounded look at holistic prenatal care through the lens of yoga therapy. Highly recommended!