The Birth of a Mother

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As you prepare for motherhood, you will encounter a life-altering experience that reshapes your preferences, pleasures, and values. This psychological transformation brings new hopes, fears, and priorities, influencing your closest relationships and redefining your role within your family. This compelling exploration delves into the profound changes that accompany becoming a mother. Renowned psychiatrist Daniel N. Stern collaborates with pediatrician and child psychiatrist Nadia Bruschweiler-Stern, along with journalist Alison Freeland, to vividly illustrate the psychology of motherhood. Central to this discussion is the idea that just as a baby develops physically, a mother undergoes a psychological birth during the months surrounding her child's arrival. Drawing from hundreds of interviews with new mothers and decades of clinical experience, the authors provide a rich source of insights and validation for the complex emotions that arise with this new identity. The book features revealing case studies and personal anecdotes from women who have navigated this journey. It also addresses related topics such as returning to work, fatherhood, adoption, and premature birth. While mothers-to-be often discuss physical changes and challenges, they may struggle to articulate the profound inner changes they experience. This work finally gives voice to those powerful feelings, offering clarity and understanding to the emotional lan