Only 25% of new mums have reported looking after their own health and wellbeing post-pregnancy, but at such a vulnerable time it is vital to be kind to yourself, something Alison Canavan wants to change.
After chasing happiness for many years, Alison who was a hugely successful model, didn't find it until after the birth of her son, James, back in 2010.
It was here that she realised she would never be truly happy if she couldn't find happiness in her life right now.
Being open and honest about her experience of depression, Alison admits that she was overwhelmed and constantly "second guessing everything" after she became a mum, but when she went searching for a book to help her, she struggled.
While she found a multitude of books and resources on how to care for her baby, there was little on how to look after a new mum.
"I went into a huge bookshop looking for a book about caring for yourself after having a baby, thinking, 'if there's a book about it it's in here'," she told MummyPages.
This is where her inspiration came to write her very own book; the sheer volume of books on pregnancy and being pregnanct against the lack of books aimed at caring for yourself as a new mum was stark.
In Ireland, we prepare mums very well for pregnancy and childbirth, but when Baby arrives, as Alison says, mums tend to neglect themselves as they focus on their new arrival. Through her support of Irish mothers and in writing this book, Alison hopes that that will soon change.
Minding Mum is about making the choices that suit you and make you happy. An avid supporter of looking after yourself inside and out, the 32-year-old mum-of-one is a lover of meditation and will only ever put "good, natural products" on her skin.
A fan of Couleur Caramel Cosmetics, a natural and organic make-up brand, and PHYT skincare products, the author believes every mum, and woman, should move on from sacrificing themselves for others and put themselves first for once.
With chapters on nutrition, exercise, post-natal depression, mindfulness, beauty tips for busy mums and much more, Minding Mum is a thoughtful and valuable book that many new mums will treasure.
