Women’s voices—sharing their honest and raw stories—are both important and powerful (especially in today’s alarming world). As the woman behind the game-changing #IHadaMiscarriage movement, Jessica Zucker understands this better than most. Which is why she’s just released Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women’s Lives. Her second book (after 2021’s I Had A Miscarriage), Normalize It is a compassionate call to shift culture—to replace silence with storytelling with the aim of doing away with the antiquated and strident trifecta (silence, stigma, shame—repeat) that affect women over the course of their lives. Below, the Los Angeles-based mother of two (Noa, 11, and Liev, 16) and reproductive and maternal mental health-focused psychologist shares more about her latest book, alongside her other Mother Essentials of the moment.

Normalize It. “This book was a labor of love and covers the central themes of the ways I think culture would benefit from shifting the current narrative when it comes to girls’ and women’s lives. I wholeheartedly believe that it is time that we start speaking up about the all-too-common, but under-acknowledged, taboos women navigate throughout our lives. Normalize It addresses a multitude of challenges women face that so often incite shame and overwhelming cultural pressure to stay silent. Based on composite patient stories, coupled with cutting-edge psychological research, I share my insight into the shame and stigma that shroud so many women’s experiences and explores the liberation that can follow when we get vulnerable and talk about the hard stuff.” Normalize It, $21.88, Bookshop and Amazon.

Waking Up App. “Returning to the present moment can prove challenging amid the cultural chatter, but this app has changed all of that. It’s my go-to for meditation, thought-provoking conversations, and insightful lessons with world-renowned scholars.” WakingUp.com

Hiking and Biking. “I begin most days with a hike in the Hollywood Hills or a Peloton ride at home. I find that exercising first thing sets me up for a refreshed mindset. Sweating gives me a burst of energy that lasts throughout the day.”

Alliance of Moms. “This organization is committed to deeply important work that very much aligns with my career path. It’s a dedicated community that supports pregnant and parenting youth in L.A.’s foster care system, so that they can build a positive future for themselves and their children.” AllianceofMoms.org

People I’ve Loved Cards. “Founded by artist and illustrator Carissa Potter, this intentional company creates cards and other amazing gifts and objects from the heart. I send these cards to loved ones for all occasions. (Also, I LOVE that she offers cards acknowledging grief and I especially love how she expresses it).” PeopleIveLoved.com.

Clare V. Bags. “Every single one of these purses. Every. Single. One.” ClareV.com

True Botanicals Nutrient Mist. “Part of my daily regimen includes multiple spritzes of this enlivening nutrient mist. My sister introduced me to this company and it’s become a mainstay.” Nutrient Mist, $26, True Botanicals.

Parachute Sheets. “This sheet set converted me into a die-hard fan of linen sheeting year round.” Linen Sheet Set, $349, Parachute Home.

Linda Farrow Sunglasses. “Stylish and sleek, this is my favorite place to turn for chic sunglasses. I absolutely love the Astrid Oversized Sunglasses in Brown and Aqua.” Astrid Oversized Sunglasses in Brown and Aqua, $570, Linda Farrow.

Il Makiage Lipstick. “I wear this lipstick morning, noon, and night. It’s the perfect pop of color. It makes me feel/look like I’m going somewhere, even when I have no big plans.” Dirty Talk Lipstick, $34, Il Makiage.

Duckbill App. “You don’t have to do it all yourself! Duckbill provided me with the help I didn’t even know I needed in juggling everyday tasks. This app offers life support by taking over the execution of day-to-day duties and life admin.” GetDuckbill.com

I Had a Miscarriage: A Memoir, a Movement. “This is the first book I wrote and is truly my heart and soul. Weaving my own story with those of fictional patients and research, I Had A Miscarriage is an urgent reminder of the power of speaking openly and unapologetically about the complexity of our losses and our lives.” I Had A Miscarriage, $17.62, Bookshop and Amazon.

Midland Candle Collection. “Each scent in the collection evokes a unique adventure, capturing the essence of nature’s most captivating moments. Each candle (most especially Sunrise Trail) transports me to a place of tranquility and delight at the end of a busy day.” Sunrise Trail Candle, $44, Midland.

Matta Dupatta Shawl. “These hand-woven multi-colored scarves bring a splash of soulfulness and playfulness to any outfit.” Dupatta Scarf, $115, Matta.

Beatrice Valenzuela Sandals. “I have these in red, but secretly want them in every color. Such an easy, elegant slide for all occasions.” Monocolor Sandals, $328, Beatrice Valenzuela.

Wallaroo Scrunchie Hat. “I don’t leave the house without a hat, and this one is especially perfect because I can throw it in my bag, leave it in the car, travel with it in my luggage, and somehow it maintains its shape and its style.” Scrunchie Hat, $53, Wallaroo.

Compendium Thoughtfulls Pop-Open Cards. “For kids and adults alike, I marvel over the genius of these meaningful pop-up cards chalk-full of inspiration and applause. My 16-year-old son still loves it when I write one of these cards and place it at the breakfast table on the mornings of big tests. They provide encouragement and ‘I know you will rock this’ vibes.” Thoughtfulls Pop-Open Cards, $7.95, Compendium.

In My Heart: A Book of Feelings. “Though my kids have technically outgrown this book, I remain obsessed with every single book written by this author/illustrator dynamic duo. In My Heart is a beautiful introduction into learning about and talking about important feelings.” In My Heart: A Book of Feeling, $10.94, Amazon.

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on the co-founders of Hearth Display, author and organizer Aida Mariam Davis, design consultant Joyce Lee, self-care advocate Rachel Garahan, DJ Va$htie Kola, designer Rebecca Minkoff, VEERT founder Julia Lang, cookbook author Jenné Claiborne, Neha Ruch of Mother Untitled, model, writer, and activist Cameron Russell, author Nasozi Kakembo, kid-lit talent Bo Lu, artist Suzy Ultman, Super Smalls founder Maria Duenas Jacob, Lanee Slaughter of MAMA & OG, and the mamas behind MAJO IDEAS.