Mom in the Mirror: Body Image, Beauty, and Life after Pregnancy

Mom in the Mirror: Body Image, Beauty, and Life after Pregnancy is for every woman who has ever doubted herself or her self-worth after the birth of a child. Because most women spend much of their lives attempting to change their bodies, it’s not surprising that the weight gain that comes along with pregnancy (and post-pregnancy), coupled with the challenges of parenting, only exacerbate issues with weight, body image, disordered eating, and self-esteem.

Drawing on the wisdom of eating disorders expert Dr. Dena Cabrera, as well as the personal experiences of former anorexic Emily Wierenga, Mom in the Mirror is a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual response to a female generation seeking its true identity in an appearance-based world. With chapters that deal with bruises from the past, misconceptions about pregnancy, life before and after children, marriage and motherhood, spiritual and physical nourishment, relationships with friends and family, and the changing role of a mother as her children age, it is a holistic approach to the age-old questions: Who am I, and why am I here? Comprising personal stories, expert advice, reflection questions, and helpful tools, this book is an inspiring read intended for women everywhere who want to restore a positive body image and to overcome the insecurities that arise when pregnancy is over and child-rearing begins.

Dena Cabrera, PsyD, serves as a licensed clinical psychologist, certified eating disorder specialist, and clinical director at Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders. She has personally treated hundreds of women and girls struggling with eating and body image issues. Cabrera has been quoted in print publications including Parenting Magazine, Parents Magazine, Prevention, and others. In addition, Cabrera has published several articles and book chapters. She is a wife and mother of two.

Emily T. Wierenga is a recovered anorexic and a wife and a mother to four boys (two of them biologically her own). She is the author of three books, including Chasing Silhouettes: How to Help a Loved One Battling an Eating Disorder with Dr. Gregory Jantz and Save My Children: The Story of a Father’s Love. She has appeared on national television and radio multiple times and speaks regularly to church and women’s groups. In addition, Wierenga is a monthly columnist for the Christian Courier; a commissioned artist; and an award-winning journalist. She also serves as official ambassador for FINDINGbalance, as well as a navigator for the National Eating Disorder Association. For more information, please visit www.emilywierenga.com.