The Hidden Feelings of Motherhood: Coping with Mothering Stress, Depression, and Burnout

This book is comforting to moms who often feel overwhelmed, with lots of helpful info and solutions. good read.

Kathleen Kendall-Tackett once again enlightens us as women, mothers and partners with her latest edition of The Hidden Feelings of Motherhood. This manuscript is a must read for mothers at any stage of motherhood. From the anxiety and exhaustion of the novice mom to the stressed out, burned out mother of teens, this book speaks volumes about how to get your life in order and distress your daily routine. Kendall-Tackett gently reminds us about the truly important aspects of life as women and mothers, and infuses energy once again with wonderful ways to trim the excess stress from living. In this, her second edition of Hidden Feelings, Kendall-Tackett adds more information for mothers of children with special needs, as well as behavioral and health issues. She also provides a wide range of resources for further exploration of topics at the conclusion of each chapter. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett becomes a mentor and friend as you quickly read through the book. Written in a soft spoken manner, Kendall-Tackett is easy on the mind as you slowly feel yourself taking back the life that has been overridden by lists much too long for even a super hero to conquer. I highly recommend this book to each and every woman living on the planet. Lisa Lamadriz, RNC, IBCLC Wife and Mother Registered Nurse International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant

Dr. Kendall-Tackett's book provides an excellent articulation of thevarious difficulties faced by mothers. The book succinctly explainscurrent academic knowledge and makes it relevant to the livedexperiences of mothers in today's families. Written in a truly caringtone, the book does an outstanding job of placing the reader at easeabout challenges they may face as mothers and offers a wide array ofhighly effective solutions. Written primarily for mothers, this bookalso provides men with useful insights into the difficulties faced bytheir mothers, wives, sisters and friends, and so can help them to bothsympathize and effect changes to help the mothers in their lives.

The role of the mother in modern day time is honored throughout this book and it is written in a positive tone with the utmost respect for women and mothers. The author acknowledges both stay at home mothers and employed mothers without entering the "Mommy Wars" or even getting into a discussion of what she thinks is best (because she recognizes that what is best for each person is different and unique to that individual). The role of mother is have is not always an easy one. The difficulties, pressures, and stressors of the modern mother are outlined including some historical information about the role of the mother and technological changes regarding housework over the last couple of hundred years. The author contends that each of us is in control of our lives and how we choose to react to these stressors is up to us. By becoming aware of the various things that can make our lives miserable, we can pick and choose which things we want to do or not do or how we react to things, so that life is manageable for us and we can lead happy lives. The author explains that if stress builds up burnout and depression can occur.This book is not negative in tone. It provides good information to orient the mother as to why there is good reason for feeling overwhelmed with all that she has to do. I have not read any book on this subject that has this focus, this unique attitude of holding motherhood as an important role and providing ideas for how mother can remain sane and happy in her role. This is not like some books that basically have the tone that as a stay at home mother we should feel privileged and not have anything to complain about. The author also does not blame the mother for lifestyle choices she makes and then saying it is her fault. This book applies to all mothers, not just mothers of babies. The author is not judgmental about parenting choices and as an example, portrays breastfeeding in a positive light and mentions cosleeping as fine if that is what works best for your family. Here is a listing of what is covered in the order of the chapters: stress, what it is; depression, recognizing it, how to get treatment, treatment options; burnout, what it is, recognizing it, how to avoid it. History of the housewife in America, how we arrived where we're at, are our jobs easier now that we have modern appliances? Working outside the home, why mothers might want to combine work and motherhood, making it manageable, making the decision to work. How to lightening housework to a manageable level, sharing duties with spouse and children, organizing the household so it runs smoothly. Sleep deprivation, what it is and how it affects our bodies and mental state. Adult survivors of childhood abuse: physical, verbal, sexual and how it affects the parent, including how it may affect breastfeeding and general mothering issues. The added stress of living with a "spirited" child (such as ADD/ADHD), the special stress of living with a child with medical problems.

While reading this book many thoughts went through my mind. But the one thought that would not leave me is that I wish this book had been around when I was raising my children. Now that I have finished reading it both my daughter and my daughter-in-law will be receiving a copy from me. I am a grandmother who has been there and done that (or at least most of it) and found this book to be helpful in explaining why I may have done some of the things that I did or felt when my children were still at home. Ms.Kendall-Tackett has covered every aspect of motherhood in her book. Reading this book was easy and very informative. I love that she has also included many resources and web sites for the reader . As a woman, wife, mother and grandmother, I highly recommend this wonderful book.