Mom Brain: Proven Strategies to Fight the Anxiety, Guilt, and Overwhelming Emotions of Motherhood―and Relax into Your New Self

by Ilyse Dobrow DiMarco

Have you had a “mom brain” moment? Your heart is racing, your palms are sweaty, and your mind is spinning with anxiety, self-doubt, and whether or not you remembered to pack the diaper cream. Becoming a mother is a joyful rite of passage, but it can also be overwhelming--physically and emotionally. How can you calm the worries, quiet the guilt, and be present with yourself and your kids? Psychologist and mom Ilyse Dobrow DiMarco specializes in the myriad issues that women with young children struggle with. In this compassionate guide, she shares science-based strategies to help you cope with common challenges and make peace with your transformed identity. Dr. Dobrow DiMarco uses frank, funny, and moving stories to illustrate ways to tame self-critical thoughts and navigate the "new normal" of work, marriage, and friendships. Learn how you can mindfully accept the highs and lows of parenting--even in the toughest moments.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Psychology, Audiobook, Mental Health, Self Help

276 pages, Paperback

Published May 23, 2021

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book validated so many feelings I have as a mom with young kiddos. It also gave some good strategies to try to not get overwhelmed. This is one I would definitely revisit!

[alicebme]

Did not read entire book. Loved the chapter on Managing Fears. I really could’ve used it when my daughter was little, but even now that she’s a teen it is helpful. It also gets into the mother’s mental health about her own body health, which is something I’ve always struggled with.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mom Brain" offers strategies to help moms learn how to take some pressure off of themselves and make small changes that result in big outcomes, rather than telling moms what they're doing is wrong. There are many parenting books out there, but few talk about what goes on with us as moms and how difficult it is to transition into a new phase of life.

This book will be a new guidepost for moms to deal with everything changing in their lives. Even though this book targets younger moms in the trenches of kids five and under, I think the strategies work for all moms and parents of kids at any age. There is a whole section on how we compare ourselves to other people and how social media affects us. The author also offers a cognitive behavioral therapy treatment to our "mom-perfectionism" problems that may help us let go a little more and delegate. Moms can read this book all in one sitting. Or, for the new moms and busy moms, you can dip in and out as you need to.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/dr-...

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I wish was available when my son was born. As a CBT therapist and a parent, I was most eager for this book to come out and it does not disappoint. It is full of actionable, evidence-based tips and strategies to cope with the anxiety that comes up while being a mom. The tips Dr. DiMarco provides are practical, realistic and incredibly useful. Most of all, she normalizes the overwhelm that new moms experience and reduces the shame associated with it. Parenting is HARD. There are so few resources for parent mental health - there are plenty of books that tell us how to be a better parent, but so few that teach us how to manage the stress of parenting. I applaud Dr. DiMarco for writing this book. It made me realize that I am not alone. It is an outstanding book and I highly recommend it, and I will be recommending it to all of my patients who are moms!

[Lisa Gusewelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Most Useful Books

This book helped me understand the cognitive shifts that I have made in my life by giving them names, strategies and reasonings. Before this, I could not clearly explain the why and how of my thinking changes that have led to me becoming a much happier person. I was not aware that some of the most impactful life experiences that I have had were related to CBT and DBT, though there was no affiliation or knowledge that they were related.

This book created a whole new lens for me in my research on teaching students argument, and I am now observing different impacts resulting from argument, such as developing foundational social-emotional skills.

I think this book would be very helpful to parents and that it is worth the read.

Thank you for the book recommendation, Dr. Lisa Damour.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good read. I enjoyed most of this book and plan to implement some of the strategies discussed throughout the book. The one chapter I didn't like was the one where she talked about kissing your idea of vacations and holidays and special events goodbye and just not giving a darn about it. I understand we can't control our children and they can act out, but I do believe you can have an enjoyable event with your children and can look forward to these events. Otherwise, it was pretty good and I enjoyed it and could identify with some of what she talked about.

[Yael Schonbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the parenting literature, it's hard to find guidance that is offered in a warm, accessible tone and which is also backed by strong science. Enter Mom Brain. I loved this book for its many relatable (and often hilarious) stories, for the concrete tips, and, most of all, for the way all ideas have a basis in what we know actually works. A must-read for stressed out moms and anyone who loves them.

[Katelynn Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t exactly what I needed but it was still good! If you’re a highly anxious mom and you need steps on setting boundaries, navigating sickness anxiety or relationships and maybe if you feel you haven’t quite found your rhythm, this book may be more for you! I do love how it gave very practical examples and tools. This could definitely be used if you want to see if therapy is for you or as a precursor to going. Nothing truly replaces the benefits of therapy but this could help!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for moms. I only wish this had existed ten years ago when I first became a mother. It would’ve saved me a lot of heartache and wondering “is this normal?” Very thorough Resources section in the back for a variety of areas and feelings readers might discover are not typical of all moms.

[Marina · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is filled with silly examples of Jane that and Joe who, stories about Instagram dependency and other filler material that did not appeal to me at all. As a matter of fact I felt slightly dumber from just reading it.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mother, clinical psychologist, and parenting coach, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Dr. DiMarco's writing is engaging, relatable, and even humorous, and the strategies/tools she presents are pragmatic, accessible, and easy to implement. A must-read for moms everywhere!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

All in all, an excellent book I wish I had read years ago! It covers a lot of topics that are challenging after becoming a mother. However, I disagree with ever, even under very trying circumstances, calling one's own child an a-hole.

[Debbi]

Best for new moms

[Sarah McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read. I have not felt so seen since becoming a mother. I cannot recommend this book enough.

[Emily Edlynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

DiMarco has given the universe of parenting guidance a true gem: "Mom Brain" targets what should be the focus of more guidance, meaningful care of the mother. As a clinical psychologist myself who works with parents, children, and families, I admire her ability to translate scientific concepts and evidence-based strategies in ways that even the most exhausted mom can understand. She blends empathy, humor, intelligence, relatability, and expertise in a way that makes you feel like you are getting wise support from a friend. Although geared towards mothers of 0-5, I find it helpful for mothers across stages, as we continue to face similar struggles such as our identity changing after motherhood. Of all the options out there for tired moms, this one should be at the top of the list!

[Kathryn Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mom Brain" is an outstanding book filled with relatable examples and science-guided practical tools for navigating stressors and bolstering mental health. Dr. Ilyse Dobrow DiMarco's writing is clear, compelling, and compassionate. As a therapist and a mom, I deeply appreciate this wonderful resource and have recommended it to several clients!