When Becoming A Mommy Doesn’T Alter You?

Motherhood has the power to transform one’s identity, known as matrescence. However, not everyone experiences it in the same way. In her new book co-authored by Rachel Wiseman, Anastasia Berg explores 13 powerful ways motherhood can change one’s life for the better.

One of the key points is that millennial working mothers are being challenged to devise a new version of motherhood that requires less sacrifice and more self-awareness. Motherhood is a relentless, humbling toggle between fortitude and surrender, recognizing the power one possess and then coming to terms again with how it changes.

Scientifically, motherhood doesn’t stand in the way of artistic pursuits, as studies suggest that women become more creative after having kids. Becoming a parent will rearrange priorities in life, but the idea of parenthood being transformative in terms of identity is largely a myth. It’s what you make of it.

When motherhood doesn’t come naturally to you, you may feel like a failure or something’s wrong with you. However, it’s possible that you don’t have to change. You can simply adjust by taking routines and habits that are important for you. Once you become a mother/parent, your life changes forever.

In summary, motherhood can be a transformative experience, but it’s up to you to decide whether it truly changes your identity.

What is toxic motherhood?

A toxic parent is a person who exhibits harmful behaviors that undermine a child’s self-worth, stability, and mental well-being. These behaviors can be controlling, demanding, and harsh, putting the child at high risk for long-term mental and physical health issues. Toxic parents can use subtle demeanors, actions, and behaviors, such as verbal belittlement, emotional manipulation, and physical intimidation, to control their children. Understanding and dealing with unhealthy family dynamics is crucial for a more stable lifestyle.

There are various types of toxic parents, and understanding these traits can help identify unhealthy behavior and help maintain a stable family environment. Recognizing and managing toxic parent traits can help individuals navigate unhealthy family dynamics and create a more stable lifestyle.

What is depleted mother syndrome?

Mom burnout, also known as depleted mother syndrome, is a feeling of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of fulfillment resulting from intense child care demands. It is more common among women due to the disproportionate burden of parenting responsibilities on mothers, even when they work full-time outside the home. Symptoms of mom burnout include extreme feelings of exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of fulfillment.

Does becoming a mom change you?

Motherhood is a transformative experience that involves physical, mental, and emotional changes. While some of these changes may be challenging, such as balancing a newborn’s needs with your own social life, there are several ways in which motherhood can improve. One such improvement is a greater sense of compassion. As a mother, you are surrounded by children with significant emotions, and you quickly learn how to respond to them. This allows you to understand your child’s highs and lows, and to better understand their emotions and needs. This is supported by scientific evidence.

What is the hardest age to be a mom?

A recent study indicates that the age of eight is the most challenging age to parent, with the ages of six and seven following closely behind. Furthermore, the pre-tween phase may also present certain challenges. The evolving dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship have been a topic of discussion among parents.

What is lost in motherhood syndrome?

Depleted Mother Syndrome is typified by feelings of overwhelming fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and a sense of being overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood. These feelings are often accompanied by feelings of anger towards one’s children for their needs, feelings of being overwhelmed by the amount of work one can do, or feelings of being overwhelmed by the responsibility of being a mother.

What is cold mother syndrome?

Cold mother syndrome is a parenting style characterized by emotional distance, dismissiveness, and rejection, often accompanied by neglect of a child’s emotional needs. This can lead to severe psychological effects, including low self-esteem, self-doubt, paranoid tendencies, impaired decision-making abilities, and a tendency to be a people pleaser. Growing up with an emotionally distant mother can have long-term consequences on mental health and interpersonal relationships, such as challenges in forming deep connections and a tendency to engage with emotionally unavailable partners or unhealthy relationships.

What is bad mother syndrome?

Bad mother syndrome refers to a mother feeling inadequate due to her choices for her children, leading to feelings of selfishness and guilt. This can manifest in various ways, such as not knowing how to answer tough questions or experiencing parent burnout. However, as a good mother, it is crucial to take care of oneself and remind yourself that no one is perfect, and it is impossible to be flawless, especially as a parent.

What is the hardest year of motherhood?

A study by UK-based company Nurofen for Children and Babies has found that the first twelve months of motherhood are “chaotic”, “tiring”, and “stressful”. The study, which surveyed over 2, 000 first-time moms, found that the negative aspects of parenthood, such as sleepless nights, feelings of helplessness, loneliness, and shock at the baby’s wailing, outweighed the positive aspects. Additionally, 1, 000 of the new moms admitted to feeling like they had lost their identity in the baby’s first year. The study highlights the emotional and physical exhaustion that new mothers face during this challenging time.

What is detached mother syndrome?

Cold Mother Syndrome is a condition where a mother’s emotional absence causes a psychological distance between herself and her children. It can be treated with various treatments, including DBT, EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, mindfulness, and more. Experts like Alexis, who has 12+ years of experience, apply a trauma-informed lens to treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use disorder, and suicidality.

Kristen Fuller, MD, has experience in adult, adolescent, and OB/GYN medicine, focusing on mood disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorder, and reducing stigma associated with mental health. Both experts offer valuable resources and information to help individuals cope with and manage their symptoms.

What is toxic mothering?

Toxic parent traits are disturbing behaviors that can affect a child’s mental health at any age. These behaviors can be subtle and not always obvious, but can harm a child’s well-being and development. Toxic parents might use verbal belittlement, emotional manipulation, and physical intimidation to control their children. Understanding and learning how to deal with and navigate unhealthy family dynamics is crucial for having a more stable lifestyle.

There are various types of toxic parents, including dismissive, helicopter, narcissistic, passive, and permissive parents. Dismissive parents overlook or undermine their child’s feelings and needs, creating an environment where the child feels undervalued and struggles with self-expression. Helicopter parenting micromanages every aspect of a child’s life, stifling independence and developing critical problem-solving skills. Narcissistic parents center their family dynamics around themselves, seeking or demanding admiration and struggling to empathize with others’ needs.

Passive or permissive parents avoid confrontation, have difficulty maintaining expectations, and rarely set boundaries or demands. Children raised by permissive parents may have a chaotic path in life and struggle with authority.

Understanding and learning how to deal with and navigate unhealthy family dynamics can help children develop a more stable lifestyle.

Does motherhood age your face?

A study in the American journal Cell Metabolism suggests that while pregnancy may accelerate biological aging, the effect is reversible, with a more pronounced “rejuvenation” effect observed in breastfeeding women who are not overweight. This is because our biological age, which reflects our functional capacities, fluctuates and increases due to factors such as stress, illness, surgery, and pregnancy.

The study, published in Cell Metabolism, also found that while pregnancy accelerates biological age, it reverses after childbirth, particularly in those who are breastfeeding or have a lower-than-normal body mass index.