Brave New Mama

by Vicki Rivard

The first year of motherhood, unstitched and singing.

Genres: Poetry, Parenting

144 pages, Paperback

First published November 26, 2017

Reviews

[Joanne Tomlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a treasure! I can think of no better gift to offer to a new mother (or any mother for that matter)! Vicki's words are salve for the soul. You will come back to them again and again and feel comfort in the shared experiences of motherhood. Like a warm embrace on days when you need it most.

[Anne Susko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for any new mama, this book touches on all the feelings and more. It's a supportive hug when needed and helps me feel not alone.

[Valentina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most special and magical combination of words for a new mama. Everything that lets you feel supported and heard but in the most manageable read for those early early mornings or late late nights. It's a book of love and I feel so happy to have a copy beside my bed.

[Samantha Pomroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This spoke to me as the mom of an (almost) six month-old boy. Thanks for putting my feelings into words, I feel SO understood after reading this. I don't feel alone in the thoughts and feelings either, which is so lovely.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all moms even if you are past the 1st year of motherhood. This is a beautiful book that touched my soul.

[Krista George · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of poems (love), is a gift for all mamas!

These poems are a a way to (re)connect to your heart and own mothering experience. They are a reminder that you are not alone, a reminder of what is truly important in life and most importantly that you are enough.

A must read for any mother and a perfect gift for those joining the club.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Planning on getting this for all birthing friends moving forward - cried and laughed through the whole thing. Highly recommend as a new mama gift!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exceptional and heart-tugging book. It brings me right back to those first moments after Roo's birth and all the way through that tumultuous, amazing, and exhausting first year. I found myself saying 'yes, yes, that is exactly it! That is what motherhood feels like!', as tears streamed down my face.

Vicki's writing is sweet and ferocious at the same time.

I think this may be the gift I give to every new mama I know: to have this book of poems and to know you are not alone is as nourishing as any casserole dish a new mom could receive (and remembering how hungry and nested I was in the bedroom in those early days, that says a lot).

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for one sitting or to pick through for moms to be reminded that they got this and are remarkable, strong and not alone.

[Erika McBee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, short, incredibly moving poetry.

I'm not a literature scholar, but I would guess that this may not be the highest form of poetry out there. That being said, her style is beautiful and highly accessible. If you find yourself moved by Rupi Laura's work (as I do) then you'll probably enjoy this too. I believe that sometimes, in matters where words usually tend to fail, less can be more.

I was captivated and read the whole book in one night at 3am when I couldn't sleep about a week before my daughter was born, and I've come back to it several times. Very validating of the intensity and range of feelings that new motherhood brings. I'm so glad I received this as a gift prior to giving birth, and I highly recommend this as the perfect gift for new moms.

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a balm to the mama’s soul. So rarely have I felt so seen, so tenderly understood in my motherhood (boys, 3 years and 1 year). A perfect gift for any mother, especially in the weeds of the early years!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is breathtakingly beautiful and spoke to my heart and my gut. I will read it again and again and again.

[Carryn Lund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straight to the heart. Dog-eared all over.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So lovely, and good for even those of us brave not so new mamas.

[Frances Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be handed to every new mother immediately after birth. Soothing, connecting, healing and dripping in love.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

i can’t come to the door, i said.
i have seven pounds of stardust
resting on my chest.

— priorities

[Ada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feelings I couldn’t explain, taken from my heart and put into words. Many tears were shed reading this. Loved it.

[Kara Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

😭🔥💓

[Teidra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for new moms.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and stunning

[Cristina Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need you to listen to me- if you give your pregnant or newly postpartum friends no other gift but this little book, it will be more than enough. Vicki Rivard is brilliant in her writing. The words she’s penned could’ve come from the depths of the soul of any mother- a beautiful symphony of a love that demands, of the beauty of self-discovery, of loss. If you are a mother, if you love a mother, you need to read this book.