During pregnancy the focus of antenatal preparation is the birth itself, and the importance of the postnatal period is often overlooked. Yet postnatal recovery (or a lack of it) can have consequences for the long-term health and wellbeing of both mother and baby. In Why Postnatal Recovery Matters Sophie Messager draws on her experience as a scientist and doula to show that thinking ahead to after the birth can get new families off to the best possible start.

The Beat of Your Own Drum weaves together science and sacred wisdom to explore the transformative power of drumming for women’s well-being. Practical, scholarly, and inspirational, this book invites women to reclaim their rhythmic heritage and harness the healing power of percussion for personal and collective transformation.  The Beat of Your Own Drum weaves together science and sacred wisdom to explore the transformative power of drumming for women’s well-being. Sophie Messager, PhD, is a former biology research scientist turned holistic women’s mentor, and her groundbreaking book bridges the gap between evidence-based research and ancient feminine wisdom. Through an analytical and intuitive lens, Sophie examines how drumbeats influence everything from neurological patterns to birth experiences, from anxiety regulation to spiritual awakening. Discover the historical significance of women drummers, contemporary applications of drumming in health care, how drumming can be used to support neurodivergent individuals, ways to incorporate drumming into ceremony for rites of passage, how drumming can support labor and birth, drumming as a natural alternative to psychedelics, the power of drumming for personal growth and community building.  With practical guidance to help you choose your drum, find a teacher, find or start a drum circle, create your own ceremonies. This is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in the intersection of rhythm and well-being.   Whether you’re a seasoned drummer, curious beginner, or a professional interested in innovative well-being approaches, this book offers practical guidance alongside fascinating insights. Discover how the simple act of drumming can regulate your nervous system, enhance your spiritual practice, and help you navigate life’s transitions with greater ease and authenticity.   Part practical guide, part scholarly exploration, and part inspirational journey, The Beat of Your Own Drum invites women to reclaim their rhythmic heritage and harness the healing power of percussion for personal and collective transformation.

During pregnancy the focus of antenatal preparation is the birth itself, and the importance of the postnatal period is often overlooked. Yet postnatal recovery (or a lack of it) can have consequences for the long-term health and wellbeing of both mother and baby. In Why Postnatal Recovery Matters Sophie Messager draws on her experience as a scientist and doula to show that thinking ahead to after the birth can get new families off to the best possible start.

The Beat of Your Own Drum weaves together science and sacred wisdom to explore the transformative power of drumming for women’s well-being. Practical, scholarly, and inspirational, this book invites women to reclaim their rhythmic heritage and harness the healing power of percussion for personal and collective transformation.  The Beat of Your Own Drum weaves together science and sacred wisdom to explore the transformative power of drumming for women’s well-being. Sophie Messager, PhD, is a former biology research scientist turned holistic women’s mentor, and her groundbreaking book bridges the gap between evidence-based research and ancient feminine wisdom. Through an analytical and intuitive lens, Sophie examines how drumbeats influence everything from neurological patterns to birth experiences, from anxiety regulation to spiritual awakening. Discover the historical significance of women drummers, contemporary applications of drumming in health care, how drumming can be used to support neurodivergent individuals, ways to incorporate drumming into ceremony for rites of passage, how drumming can support labor and birth, drumming as a natural alternative to psychedelics, the power of drumming for personal growth and community building.  With practical guidance to help you choose your drum, find a teacher, find or start a drum circle, create your own ceremonies. This is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in the intersection of rhythm and well-being.   Whether you’re a seasoned drummer, curious beginner, or a professional interested in innovative well-being approaches, this book offers practical guidance alongside fascinating insights. Discover how the simple act of drumming can regulate your nervous system, enhance your spiritual practice, and help you navigate life’s transitions with greater ease and authenticity.   Part practical guide, part scholarly exploration, and part inspirational journey, The Beat of Your Own Drum invites women to reclaim their rhythmic heritage and harness the healing power of percussion for personal and collective transformation.