The birth of a child can provoke profound change in a woman-in her health， career， emotions， sex life， and relationships with friends， husband and family. Pregnancy and childbirth radically alter a women s body and metabolism--it s virtually impossible to "bounce back" quickly after childbirth. And many new moms discover that their sex lives and social lives--and with them， their self esteem--evaporate with a new baby， who they somehow seem to have been made wholly responsible for.Life After Birth doesn t cloak the truth in pastel colors， but explores the actual physical， psychological and emotional consequences of giving birth. Through extensive research and interviews， Figes tackles the tough realities of a new mother s life. What she discovered can help a new parent face some of the most difficult decisions she ll ever have to make.