Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. All views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

As a first-time mom caring for a toddler, this book was just what I needed to help me better understand the complexities and the push and pull between positive and negative feelings that arise when caring for one’s child. By using the term “maternal ambivalence”, Dr Lowy allows mothers to feel validated, by giving a name to the feelings or situations that sometimes we are unable to articulate due to societal pressures and expectations of what a “good mother” should be.

The book also shows examples from other mothers in different stages of motherhood, and even from her own personal struggles as a mother to show how maternal ambivalence is a normal part of the motherhood experience, and will hopefully allow readers to be more empathetic and less judgmental of the the mothers that they see. Everyone is just doing their best to raise their children the best way they can.

Thank you Dr Lowy for this insightful work. I would definitely recommend this book to any parent!

Maternal Ambivalence: The Loving Moments and Bitter Truths of Motherhood is officially one of my favorite “mom” books! As a psychotherapist specializing in perinatal mental health, maternal ambivalence is a topic that often comes up but is rarely discussed outside of the therapy room or in hushed tones. Dr. Margo Lowy, PhD gives a voice to these taboo feelings that can emerge with motherhood. Dr. Lowy demystifies ambivalence and identifies the falsehoods that most mothers hold onto.

Extremely validating, informative, and hopeful, readers will be able to not only learn about maternal ambivalence, but also learn ways to better manage the uncomfortable feelings that can arise without feeling like you’re the worst mom ever. Every mom has reacted in a less than ideal way – something that can become compounded with feelings of guilt and shame. It is so helpful for moms to hear that their experiences are not unique and that having instances of “losing it” with your children does not make you a terrible mother. It’s also helpful to know that there is room for repair and change.

I really enjoyed reading about Dr. Lowy’s own experiences as a mother of three. She discloses that she had children at various times in her life – each decade of her 20s, 30s, and early 40s. I found it so comforting that even though she has spent her professional life researching and writing about maternal ambivalence, she actually had a new message of hope since the publication of her first book. After reflection, she noted that previous feelings of regret at not having slowed down or invested as much time in herself, these have since been replaced with less second-guessing, less judgment of herself, and allowing for identification of experiences and naming of feelings. A true message of hope!
This is a book I would recommend to professionals and laypersons alike! I plan to add this to my bookshelf and share the wealth of knowledge with clients. I look forward to Dr. Lowy’s future work and hope that she can share this information through professional presentations as it is such important work that she is doing in giving a voice to the ambivalence experienced by mothers.

Thank you to NetGalley, Post Hill Press, and the author Dr. Margo Lowy for an ARC of Maternal Ambivalence in exchange for an honest review!

The title could not have been more suited and timely.
Lowy does not shy away from addressing the pain and ambivalence that comes with motherhood.
Refreshing, honest, complex and truthful to the experiences of being a mother, this is a wonderful book.