Dr. Erin Stevens (above with a uterus tatoo!) isn’t just a regular Minnesota Parent contributor: She’s also an award-winning OBGYN and an advocate for legislation to support women’s reproductive health care.

And now she’s adding another title to her resume: Author.

This month local publisher Wise Ink will release her new book, Unexpected: A Postpartum Survival Guide, illustrated by Lisa Troutman of Drawn Well in Minneapolis.

Stevens, who practices at the Edina location of Clinic Sofia, hopes to set the record straight about what happens to postpartum bodies, no matter their gender identity, delivery outcomes or parenting status.

Pregnancies and babies get all the attention, she says, and not enough attention is placed on postpartum recovery. 

“Life after delivery is veiled in secrecy by cute little bows and animal-themed burp cloths, leaving people dangerously in the dark about which postpartum issues are normal or concerning,” she said. “Many feel essentially on their own, winging it through what can be a truly difficult time. This can lead to adverse mental, emotional, physical and social issues.”

Topics will include how to deal with stitches, bodily functions, breastfeeding/formula-feeding, exercise and sexual activity. She also includes resources to support mental health and other needs and even offers a list supplies you can gather to build your own home postpartum survival kit!

Learn more — and get to know Dr. Stevens — at erinstevensmd.com/unexpected.