To Have and to Hold: Motherhood, Marriage, and the Modern Dilemma Audiobook (Free)

A clinical psychologist’s exploration of the modern dilemmas women face in the wake of brand-new motherhood.

When Molly Millwood became a mom, she was completely prepared for what she would gain: an adorable baby youngster; hard-won mothering skills; and a messy, chaotic, gorgeous lifestyle. But what she did not anticipate was what she would lose: aspects of her identification, a baseline degree of happiness, a general sense of wellbeing. And though she had the benefit of a supportive husband during this changeover, she going to Have also to Hold: Motherhood, Marriage, and the Modern Dilemma also at times resented the fact that this disruption to his lifestyle appeared to pale in comparison to hers.

As a clinical psychologist, Molly knew her knowledge was a standard response to a life-changing event. But without the benefit of such a perspective, lots of the patients she treated in her private practice grappled with self-doubt, guilt, and dread, and experienced the dual pain of not merely the struggle to change but also the overwhelming shame for battling at all.

In To Have and to Hold, Molly explores the complex terrain of new motherhood, illuminating the ways it affects women psychologically, emotionally, physically, and professionally-as well as how it impacts their partnership. Along with the entrance of a bundle of joy come thorny issues such as self-worth, control, autonomy, and dependency. And for most new mothers, these problems are experienced within the framework of an intimate relationship, adding another level of tension, discord, and confusion for an already challenging time.

As Molly examines the inextricable link between women’s well-being as fresh mothers as well as the well-being of their human relationships, she offers guidance to help visitors reclaim their identities, overcome their guilt and shame, and restoration their associations. A mixture of personal narrative, medical research, and tales from Molly’s clinical practice, To Possess and to Keep offers a much-needed lifeline to new mothers everywhere.