The Motherhood Complex

A welcome, refreshing and clear-eyed look at the twenty-first century expectations of motherhood and what they can do to twenty-first century mothers. From the biological consequences, such as the self-fulfilling prophecies of a belief in the 'mummy' brain, to the political and legal consequences of the 'pregnant then screwed' type (all played out on the stage of social media), this book catalogues how the demands of parenting can damage women who become mothers. Women feel like less, so they have to do more! But it also offers uplifting insights into the more relaxed alternatives seen in other cultures. This is a wake-up call to encourage more positive ways of thinking about women-as-mothers, both to the parents themselves, to enjoy what they are doing, and to the society to which they are contributing, to value this contribution

author of THE GENDERED BRAIN

Brilliant. Beautifully written and rigorously researched. A much-needed evidence-based voice in a world of so much taboo and sexist nonsense

author of LOSING EDEN

THE MOTHERHOOD COMPLEX offers a fascinating and deeply engrossing portrait of identity change after one of life's biggest events. Along the way, Melissa Hogenboom debunks many parenting myths, and dissects the paradoxical demands placed on mothers at home and in the workplace. THE MOTHERHOOD COMPLEX shows that we need more open and honest conversations about our society's expectations of mothers. Anyone who cares about gender equality should read this book

author of THE INTELLIGENCE TRAP

Thank you Melissa Hogenboom for telling it like it is! Blending case studies with scientific findings, mums can now understand and appreciate their changing identity and use best practices as they journey through parenthood. A must-read from a superb and insightful writer and mum

Professor at Temple University; senior fellow, Brookings Institution; author of EINSTEIN NEVER USED FLASHCARDS and BECOMING BRILLIANT