Author: Molly Millwood PhD
Publisher: Harper Wave
Hardcover:
ISBN 10: 0062838652
ISBN 13: 978-0062838650
A clinical psychologist’s exploration of the modern dilemmas women face in the wake of new motherhood
When Molly Millwood became a mother, she was fully prepared for what she would gain: an adorable baby boy; hard-won mothering skills; and a messy, chaotic, beautiful life. But what she did not expect was what she would lose: aspects of her identity, a baseline level of happiness, a general sense of wellbeing. And though she had the benefit of a supportive husband during this transition, she also at times resented the fact that the disruption to his life seemed to pale in comparison to hers.
As a clinical psychologist, Molly knew her experience was a normal response to a life-changing event. But without the advantage of such a perspective, many of the patients she treated in her private practice grappled with self-doubt, guilt, and fear, and suffered the dual pain of not only the struggle to adjust but also the overwhelming shame for struggling at all.
In To Have and to Hold, Molly explores the complex terrain of new motherhood, illuminating the ways it affects women psychologically, emotionally, physically, and professionally—as well as how it impacts their partnership. Along with the arrival of a bundle of joy come thorny issues such as self-worth, control, autonomy, and dependency. And for most new mothers, these issues are experienced within the context of an intimate relationship, adding another layer of tension, conflict, and confusion to an already challenging time.
As Molly examines the inextricable link between women’s well-being as new mothers and the well-being of their relationships, she offers guidance to help readers reclaim their identities, overcome their guilt and shame, and repair their relationships. A blend of personal narrative, scientific research, and stories from Molly’s clinical practice, To Have and to Hold provides a much-needed lifeline to new mothers everywhere.
Review
“To Have and to Hold speaks to so many women’s experiences of motherhood and marriage. Molly’s expertise shines on every page, and she writes beautifully. This book is exactly what I would be looking for if I were a new mother.” (Dr. Sue Johnson, bestselling author of Hold Me Tight)
“A love note to mothers everywhere, movingly written, To Have and to Hold shines a powerful light on aspects of motherhood too long shrouded in shame. Millwood’s refrain— you are not alone, and what you’re feeling is normal—is as empowering as it is healing.” (Dr. Craig Malkin, lecturer, Harvard Medical School, author of Rethinking Narcissism )
“A compassionate book that affirms that emotional difficulties for new mothers are not anomalous but universal and can extend well past the immediate postpartum period, with profound effects on their relationships with their spouses.” (Publishers Weekly)
“Informative, entertaining, and enlightening research and personal reflections on the multifaceted ways children change a person forever.” (Kirkus Reviews)
From the Back Cover
A clinical psychologist’s exploration of the modern dilemmas women face in the wake of new motherhood
When Molly Millwood became a mother, she was fully prepared for what she would gain: an adorable baby boy; hard-won mothering skills; and a messy, chaotic, beautiful life. But what she was not prepared for—and what she did not expect—was what she would lose: aspects of her identity, a baseline level of happiness, a general sense of well-being. And though she had the benefit of a supportive husband during this transition, she also envied and at times resented the fact that the disruption to his life seemed to pale in comparison.
As a clinical psychologist, Molly knew her experience was a normal response to a life-changing event. But without the benefit of such a perspective, many of the patients she treated in her private practice grappled with guilt, self-doubt, and fear, and suffered the dual pain of not only the struggle to adjust but also the overwhelming shame for struggling at all.
In To Have and to Hold, Molly surveys the complex terrain of new motherhood, exploring the ways it affects women psychologically, emotionally, physically, and professionally—as well as how it impacts their partnerships. Along with the arrival of a bundle of joy comes thorny issues such as self-worth, control, autonomy, and dependency. And these issues are most often experienced within the context of an intimate relationship, adding another layer of complication, conflict, and confusion to an already challenging time.
As Molly examines the inextricable link between women’s well-being as new mothers and the well-being of their relationships, she offers guidance to help readers reclaim their identities, release their guilt and shame, and repair their relationships. A blend of personal narrative, scientific research, and stories from Molly’s clinical practice, To Have and to Hold provides a much-needed lifeline to new mothers everywhere.
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