Birth & What Came After: poems on birth and motherhood

By Jessica Bates

"The body forgets pain, she said. Otherwise women would only have one child. Is it true? Has my body forgotten?"
"Few experiences are as powerful, as deeply poetic, as childbirth. Many poets have written powerfully about it; I think of Gabriela Mistral, of Sharon Olds, of Martha Silano. Jessica Bates writes in that great tradition. In her keen eye, "every tummy ripple gets attention"; she is rapt in the face of "this wild thing that came from" her body. Birth is messy, and Bates doesn't blush or flinch when describing the blood and goo of her lived experience. This is the poetry of "a glistening goddess, naked and pacing"." - Tom C. Hunley, author of PLUNK and THE STATE THAT SPRINGFIELD IS IN
"This beautiful book of poetry fell into my lap just very recently. I was nursing my youngest son who is 22 months old reading a poem on weaning. The emotions that overcame my soul I'm not yet able to articulate, but I knew instantly I needed more. I am so incredibly thankful to have found this work of art. Breastfeeding and motherhood changes us in our core and we are all connected in this way. This is an amazing gift for any mama you know." - Barbara Demske, from The First Latch's 2017 Holiday Gift Guide
Birth & motherhood transform us. They shake our foundation with sacred, unconditional love. These 55 poems reflect on birth, death, motherhood, family, breastfeeding, raising children, confronting fears, and feeling joy in a fleeting moment. At the back of this motherhood poetry collection, you'll find 10 writing prompts for mothers to reflect upon their own experiences. A perfect gift for a new or seasoned mother, and also a great read for those of us who aren't mothers. Birth is universal; birth is miraculous. Birth is a roaring power.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1544706332
• ISBN13: 9781544706337
• Release Date: May 2017
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 114 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.0" x 8.0"