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4.27 AVERAGE
4.27 AVERAGE
Maybe I would give this book another shot in the future; however, it just didn't grab me. I think she had good ideas, but it was the style that I couldn't get into.
If you're a mother, whether you're a new mother, soon-to-be mother, or a seasoned veteran, you need to read this book. Molly ties in some fascinating studies and research, along with both her personal experiences and those of some clients in a way that I feel all women can relate to. I think my biggest takeaway is that it's NORMAL. It's all normal. Momming is hard. And that's OKAY. And I'm not wrong to think that it's harder on women than men (the transition to parenthood). Even when both members of a couple have the best of intentions.
Anyway. Read this book. I'll be buying a copy.
Anyway. Read this book. I'll be buying a copy.
Again, this is along the lines of my current hyperfixation. I need to understand.
This book is quite depressing the further you get into it. I think it must really speak to the strength of hormones if this is the bleak reality that awaits those who take on motherhood. I would like to think of some chapters as an exaggeration of the facts, as only the perspective of a therapist seeing only those having a hard time with it. But who knows.
I have one large issue with this book, which is where I took away stars. She admits straight out of the gate that she has a bias, and that the book will only be written for cis (she never uses that word, though it is implied) women co-parenting with cis men. While, sure, it’s a common experience, it’s quite far from all-encompassing. I did not appreciate how narrow-minded this made the book feel.
If you’re looking for a wake up call you have come to the right place. She gently eases you into the facts, but before you know it you’re furrowing your brow and asking yourself why you’re spending your commute listening to this if it is so upsetting. She has a great reading voice, though.
Do I recommend? I don’t know. Inconclusive.
This book is quite depressing the further you get into it. I think it must really speak to the strength of hormones if this is the bleak reality that awaits those who take on motherhood. I would like to think of some chapters as an exaggeration of the facts, as only the perspective of a therapist seeing only those having a hard time with it. But who knows.
I have one large issue with this book, which is where I took away stars. She admits straight out of the gate that she has a bias, and that the book will only be written for cis (she never uses that word, though it is implied) women co-parenting with cis men. While, sure, it’s a common experience, it’s quite far from all-encompassing. I did not appreciate how narrow-minded this made the book feel.
If you’re looking for a wake up call you have come to the right place. She gently eases you into the facts, but before you know it you’re furrowing your brow and asking yourself why you’re spending your commute listening to this if it is so upsetting. She has a great reading voice, though.
Do I recommend? I don’t know. Inconclusive.
To be clear, this book is specifically about the transition to motherhood within a heterosexual relationship and the author says so at the beginning. So it won't apply to everyone. But if this is your relationship situation, this book may be immensely resonant and helpful to you.
This book talks a lot about the often undiscussed and unacknowledged impact of the transition to motherhood, emotionally, physically, mentally, and on the parents' relationship to each other. If that impact packed a wallop, as it did for me, reading it even well into motherhood may be helpful. My kids are 5 and 10, and I still related pretty hard to a lot of this book. The author gets into all of this through attachment theory, discussion of cultural gender norms and the lack of social support for new mothers, and professional experience as a therapist. I am finding I don't know how best to talk about this book in a way that doesn't sound very dry. It's not, really. And I think it's important enough that it's going on my shortlist of books about parenting to recommend and buy for new parents. I think many, many mothers will feel very seen and validated by reading this book, and maybe have a clearer view of themselves and their relationships that allows them to let go of guilt and confusion surrounding how hard this can all be. If your relationship and your sense of self took some hits, if you'd like to prepare for your own experience of motherhood and not just for baby, if you just find parenting very hard sometimes, this is a book worth picking up.
This book talks a lot about the often undiscussed and unacknowledged impact of the transition to motherhood, emotionally, physically, mentally, and on the parents' relationship to each other. If that impact packed a wallop, as it did for me, reading it even well into motherhood may be helpful. My kids are 5 and 10, and I still related pretty hard to a lot of this book. The author gets into all of this through attachment theory, discussion of cultural gender norms and the lack of social support for new mothers, and professional experience as a therapist. I am finding I don't know how best to talk about this book in a way that doesn't sound very dry. It's not, really. And I think it's important enough that it's going on my shortlist of books about parenting to recommend and buy for new parents. I think many, many mothers will feel very seen and validated by reading this book, and maybe have a clearer view of themselves and their relationships that allows them to let go of guilt and confusion surrounding how hard this can all be. If your relationship and your sense of self took some hits, if you'd like to prepare for your own experience of motherhood and not just for baby, if you just find parenting very hard sometimes, this is a book worth picking up.
It’s so important to acknowledge how complicated the transition to motherhood is—and how hard it can be to parent children with a spouse. Even though so many people do it, that does not mean it is simple or easy. Millwood addresses so many conflicting thoughts that mothers have as they learn to be a mother, a stay at home mother, a working mother and says that all of these emotions are important. She also addresses some differences that may arise when parenting with a male partner, many of which I already see.
I am so glad this book is out there in the world. I think it might be a better read for me in a few years and perhaps I’ll come back to it.
I am so glad this book is out there in the world. I think it might be a better read for me in a few years and perhaps I’ll come back to it.
I was worried this book was only going to be relevant to moms who currently have babies, but I found myself relating to a lot of the discussions Millwood’s clients have, even 8 years into motherhood. An essential read for any mother!