The Existential Crisis of Motherhood

This is an amazing and rich exploration of motherhood through many different voices. It shines a light on so many hidden voices and from many unique and fascinating perspectives. I loved the differing chapters each with their own focus interwoven with the stories of women, and men, and scientific literature. Highly recommended not only for those working with mothers professionally but also for new mums to explore this unique time in their life. -Dr Rebecca Moore, Perinatal Psychiatrist and Co-Founder Make Birth BetterThis extremely well-written book discusses motherhood in the context of our existence as a whole. The contributions range from philosophical considerations to social and cultural dimensions to clinical practice. It turns out that motherhood teaches us a lot about what it means to be human, if only we are willing to share and listen. A unique collection, fascinating to read.-Tanja Staehler, Professor of European Philosophy, University of Sussex, UKThis book offers a new perspective on the motherhood experience. Drawing on existential philosophy and recent phenomenological research into motherhood, the book demonstrates how motherhood can be understood as an existential crisis. It argues that an awareness of the existential issues women face will enable mothers to gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted aspects of their experience. The book is divided into four sections: Existential Crisis, Maternal Mental Health Crisis, Social Crisis and Working with Existential Crisis, where each section examines different experiences of being a mother. Each chapter is based on either experiential research or the author's extensive therapeutic experience of working with mothers and reflects different aspects of the motherhood journey, all through the lens of a philosophical existential approach. The book offers a new resource for mental health practitioners and researchers working with mothers, midwives and health visitors, but it is also written for mothers, providing new insights on this important life transition. Claire Arnold-Baker is a counselling psychologist and existential psychotherapist specialising in working with mothers. She is also Course Leader of the DCPsych Programme, a joint programme with The New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling and Middlesex University, UK.