A Mother is Born Preparing for Motherhood During Pregnancy

Subjects:

• Family Resources » Pregnancy & Birthing
• Psychology » Clinical Psychology
• Psychology » Human Sexuality
• Women's Studies » Women's Studies (General)

Reviews:

• This book may appeal to psychotherapists and Jungian therapists involved in helping pregnant women overcome self image difficulties....
  —
  Journal of Human Lactation
• Unlike most guides for new mothers, which focus on practical skills for daily care of infants, this one emphasizes the necessary emotional and psychological transformation required for a woman to become a mother. Psychotherapist Leonhardt-Lupa explores the impact of her own mothering, changes in self-identity, unreasonable expectations from motherhood, and changes in sexuality and body to help women prepare for the challenges of mothering a new baby. A lengthy case study reinforces her insights. Although Leonhardt-Lupa writes with warmth, she is unflinching in presenting the negative and painful aspects of first-time motherhood, and in the process, she provides unusual and effective reality checks for women who have chosen to assume this responsibility.
  —Booklist

• Endorsement From Thomas Paris, Ph.D.
  
  Author of I'll Never Do to My Kids What My Parents Did to Me!
  : Merete Leonhardt-Lupa has written a valuable and informative guide for mothers-to-be. This book will familiarize pregnant mothers with the roller coaster ride of emotions that come with pregnancy. A Mother is Born covers important ground that many books overlook, the identity crisis, sexuality, the pregnant mother's relationship with her mother, and a woman's basic connection to her own mothering instincts and intuition. Ms. Leonhardt-Lupa continuously brings mothers back to their basic feelings and asks them to trust themselves. Better advice could not be given in an age of instant authorities. This is an original and provocative book that is not only a great "read" but is solidly based on psychological theory and research. A Mother is Born should be the gift of choice at every baby shower.

Table of Contents:

• Preface
• Introduction
• Project Baby
• The Perfect Mother
• A Woman's Way of Mothering
• Walking in Mother's Footsteps
• Mother Care
• A Mother's Body
• A Mother's Sexuality
• Mother Alone, Parent Together
• The Wisdom of the Womb
• Notes
• Selected Bibliography