The Myth of the Perfect Mom: From Postpartum Perfection to Everyday Joy

by Erin Schlozman

Let go of impossible standards and embrace a more joyful, authentic postpartum experience with this self-help guide for new moms.

Are you tired of feeling like you have to "do it all" as a mom? Do you ever think, “Life was easier before kids” or “Why is this transition so hard?” After becoming a mother, priorities change, self-compassion changes, ambition changes...everything changes. And on top of all of these dramatic life shifts and the exhaustion of parenthood, mothers are expected to climb the Mount Everest of be the best mom, the happiest mom, the most perfect mom.

But perfection is impossible to achieve. The good news? You don’t have to be everything for everyone. The Myth of the Perfect Mom breaks down the harmful myths surrounding what it takes to be a great mom and nine other “myths” that weigh new mothers down in postpartum. Therapist and owner of 4th Trimester Wellness, Erin Schlozman, provides compassionate, practical guidance for creating a postpartum life rooted in connection, grace, and self-acceptance.

The Myth of the Perfect Mom places the spotlight on the new mom’s emotional and psychological well-being and development because motherhood is as much about the birth of a mom as it is about the baby.

Schlozman addresses ten different myths of being a perfect mom, including the

Your birth should have been executed perfectly.Moms should feel bonded to their babies immediately.Postpartum bodies are ugly.You’re either ambitious or a good mom, but you can’t be both.
The Myth of the Perfect Mom gives mothers the permission and the guidance to move past outdated ideals, be kind to themselves, and stop trying to be perfect so that they can parent in the way that is most authentic to them.

Genres: Parenting

304 pages, Paperback

Published April 7, 2026

Reviews

[Bushra Shaikh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Myth of the Perfect Mom by Erin Schlozman
⭐️ Genre: Nonfiction / Motherhood

What if the “perfect mom” you’re trying to be… doesn’t actually exist?

When I say this book should be on every new mom’s must-read list, I mean it. It’s gentle, honest, and full of helpful exercises that truly support moms especially in the postpartum stage when everything feels overwhelming and blurry.

My favorite part was the section on breaking free from traditions and expectations about what motherhood “should” look like. I loved the reminder that creating your own path, your own routines, choices, and rhythms; promotes authenticity and real emotional wellness.

Motherhood isn’t about fitting into a mold. It’s about finding your own way, and this book does an incredible job of validating that.

📚 Perfect for readers who want:
✨ Postpartum support that feels realistic
✨ Empowering mindset shifts
✨ Practical exercises grounded in compassion

[Anna Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains so many things new moms need to hear. I cried through several of the chapters. I wish I could have read it a couple years sooner! I'd definitely recommend it as a postpartum resource.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Myth of the Perfect Mom is an important read for new moms. There are so many fallacies about motherhood that are taken as truths and this book breaks them down one by one and explains how the narrative has to change.

Some of the outdated ideas discussed and debunked are:

— you must enjoy every second of motherhood
— being a mom means you can’t also have a career and ambition
— once you become a mother, it is your only identity
— the best moms can do it all
— breastfeeding is the only acceptable way to feed your baby
— you will bond with and love your baby immediately

…as well as quite a few others.


I found this book very readable (an important quality in a nonfiction book) and relatable. Certain sections really resonated with me. I liked the case studies included as well as the author’s own anecdotes and experiences.

Basically the book’s message is to give yourself grace and embrace the idea that your baby doesn’t need perfection — they just need you.

I also love this quote (which made me tear up a bit): “[motherhood] is pride in watching your child grow mixed with the bittersweet realization that they need you a little less each day.”

[Sofia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly didn’t know what this was about when I started reading, and I was expecting this to go more into an humoristic approach, well couldn’t be more incorrect, in other hand, if you have a female friend that just had a baby or is expecting, this could be the perfect present, this comes from the point of view of someone that works with recent mothers and understand how them are going through difficulties in their new role.

I think people nowadays feel isolated, and there’s so many expectations from us women that we don’t know how to go forward, so while this book wasn't meant for me, my youngest son is 8 years old, I think this would be a good resource to get to new mother.

Thank you Netgalley and Alcove Press, for the free ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Christin Mujica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely tailored to mothers in the immediate postpartum period. I thought it would be relevant for mothers overall. As a mom of a toddler, not super helpful! As a psychologist, i thought it would be a great tool to share with my newly postpartum patients. I found the activities and reflections nice! And as someone who loves to study identity, that was my fave chapter. Still longing for a book for the mom’s past that postpartum period!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you NetGalley for the arc! the myth of the perfect mom is out now ✨

therapist erin schlozman debunks several hard held beliefs about motherhood and society’s unwritten expectations of (new) mothers.

supported by stories of her clients and many useful exercises to do to debunk your own belief in the myths, this book is a very useful one to read when you’re entering parenthood (like I am) or are in the thick of it.