Mama Rising: Discovering the New You Through Motherhood

by Amy Taylor-Kabbaz

Are you struggling to figure out who you are now that you're a mama?
Do you feel like you're coming last in your own life?
Do you feel guilty for not loving every moment of this motherhood gig?

As someone who used to put themselves last-doing everything she thought was 'right' for her children and family, but not really listening to what her body and her spirit was begging for-Amy understands first-hand the overwhelm and complex range of emotions that mothers face.

Amy's background as a journalist set her on the path to uncover all that she could about the latest research on matrescence, the transition a woman undergoes when she becomes a mother. She now shares what she's learned in the hope that it will help you navigate this stage of your life.

Happy Mama includes interviews with experts, case studies and Amy's own tried-and-tested advice on how to reconnect with the woman you are underneath all that washing, cleaning and caring.

Full of useful and empowering insights that will help you change the way you feel about motherhood-and yourself-so you and your whole family can flourish.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2020

Reviews

[Lisa Garner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving it a low 3 stars. I appreciate the book as it speaks about Matrescence, a subject relatively untackled, for that it gets an extra star. But I was quite put off by the sexist tones, especially the end part about how you only get adored by your husband if you show him respect. Why can't he show the woman adoration in order to get respect? It is the same old narrative that the positive change in a relationship must always start with the woman. Also a big part of the matrascence ideal seemed to be women conforming to traditional gender roles. As my husband takes on half of the childcare and housework etc. I felt that a lot of what she said didn't resonate with me.

[Kate McCready · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book at 36 weeks pregnant and honestly it didn’t particularly resonate. Perhaps it’s too soon as I don’t really understand yet, what it is to be a mother.

There are some nice ideas in it, but it basically comes down to be kind to yourself and realise you’re going through a massive transformation that is not fully acknowledged in society.

[Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciated the idea of matrescence I found this very interesting. But the author's ideas about female-male relationships are very sexist and outdated.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every woman needs to read this book. Absolutley life changing 🧡

[Jemima Welsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

On audiobook. I tend to avoid parenting books like the plague, finding them to be either prescriptive and condescending, or glossy in their descriptions of the ‘romance’ of motherhood. How on earth does one attempt to describe ‘good parenting’ when every single child and every single parent is different?

This book was a welcome change, and I found myself crying and laughing in equal measure at some of the stories and turns of phrase. I related a lot to the author’s personal descriptions of realising she needed to slow down from her all-encompassing career and reimagine her identity and growth outside the scope of productivity. The term “matresence” was a revelation and made complete sense in helping me to understand the immense shift in development that women (and many men/non-binary parents) go through when having and raising children.

At times I found the focus a bit exclusive of other perspectives, and there were some generalisations of women’s experiences and the role/feelings of male partners, but the book certainly gave me strength and renewed compassion for my own journey, as I embark on giving birth for the second time. Thank you, Amy!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall enjoyed this book. It had some interesting points, not all of which resonated with me but that’s to be expected with any “self-help” book.

I see a lot of people are commenting on the more traditional exploration of male-female relationships, especially at the end. Honestly, my husband and I listened to this part of the book together and after some conversation we realised that for us, it was actually pretty spot on if we looked at the narrative from fresh eyes.

I think if you can be open minded to the ideas on offer, this book can provide some interesting ideas to mull over.

[Shannyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some incredible insights. I didn’t resonate with the narrative that mothers feel overwhelmed, disconnected and undervalued. In my experience these moments have been more fleeting than how I feel as a whole, but I appreciated a lot of the insights into the mindset transformation of matrescence.

[Leia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the sentiment of this book, but I didn’t find it to be anything special. I felt like I had read this stuff before.

[Saska Coote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really insightful book. I would recommend this book to all new mothers. You may not agree with everything said by the author (I would say there was about 5% of the book that I didn’t resonate with) but overall she has some really great ideas and notions about motherhood. It really helped to validate a lot of the things I have been experiencing as a new mum and I am very grateful to have read this book.

[Ance · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed the author's soothing voice. For me, this book felt like the world's greatest pep talk. At the same time, it made me angry for the society being shit like it is.
As healing as it is, it also opens up wounds and made me notice the unfairness around me even more. However, it has opened up a door to self forgiveness, grace, compassion and an understanding that I am not alone in feeling what I am feeling, and it's okay.

[Jo Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that I needed, words that really resonated with me when I needed them. Amy articulates motherhood, it's highs and lows, and the changes women go through as they navigate motherhood so beautifully.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put this gem down!
My short experience in motherhood summed up perfectly with beautiful reminders of what truly matters. Feeling light and uplifted after finishing it in a day. Keep up your amazing work, Amy!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful. Took a lot away.

[Brit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't recommend a better more loving book for pregnant women and mothers! I am so thankful I picked us this book and will now be gifting it to any and all mother's out there.

[Asha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I needed after I birthed my first child. I am so incredibly thankful for this book as I grow my second baby in my womb. No guilt, only acceptance and warmth.

[Ajna Maharaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every single mother!!!!!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. I loved the ideas and practical applications. Will need to listen or read again. So much helpful dialogue.

[Alice Bollington · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good starting point. I've read alot of books already around this sort of thing so was all a bit obvious to me but a very good refresher and also a good starting point I think.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic book with so many aha moments! If you’re interested in finding more balance in your life as a mama on a soul level, then this is the book for you. This absolutely spoke to my heart.

[Mery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this postpartum and really enjoyed it.