Mom Brain Proven Strategies to Fight the Anxiety, Guilt, and Overwhelming Emotions of Motherhood—and Relax into Your New Self

by Dobrow DiMarco, Ilyse

• ISBN13: 9781462540266
• ISBN10: 1462540260
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2021-05-23
• Publisher: The Guilford Press

Summary

Have you had a “mom brain” moment? Your heart is racing, your palms are sweaty, and your mind is spinning with anxiety, self-doubt, and whether or not you remembered to pack the diaper cream. Becoming a mother is a joyful rite of passage, but it can also be overwhelming--physically and emotionally. How can you calm the worries, quiet the guilt, and be present with yourself and your kids? Psychologist and mom Ilyse Dobrow DiMarco specializes in the myriad issues that women with young children struggle with. In this compassionate guide, she shares science-based strategies to help you cope with common challenges and make peace with your transformed identity. Dr. Dobrow DiMarco uses frank, funny, and moving stories to illustrate ways to tame self-critical thoughts and navigate the "new normal" of work, marriage, and friendships. Learn how you can mindfully accept the highs and lows of parenting--even in the toughest moments.

Author Biography

Ilyse Dobrow DiMarco, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Summit, New Jersey. She specializes in helping women use cognitive-behavioral therapy and related evidence-based strategies to navigate the myriad challenges of motherhood. Her writing has been featured in Motherly, Motherwell, Pop Sugar Moms, Psychology Today, Scary Mommy,The Week, and Today Parenting, as well as on her own blog, http://drcbtmom.com. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two sons.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. “What’s Happened to My Head?”: “Mom Brain” and How CBT Can Help
2. “What’s Happened to My Heart?”: Understanding the Emotional Roller-Coaster Ride of Motherhood
3. “Who Am I Now That I’m a Mom?”: Redefining Who You Are and How You Work
4. “Why Can’t I Stop Worrying?”: How to Cope When You Sweat the Small (and Big) Stuff
5. “Why Don’t I Feel Safe?”: Managing Fears about Injury, Illness, and Other Threats
6. “How Can I Possibly Find Time to Shower When I Have to Take My Toddler to Her French Lessons?”: Taking Care of Yourself While You’re Taking Care of Your Kids
7. “Why Can’t My Life Be More Instagrammable?”: Coping with Comparison-Making and Social Media
8. “Why Can’t I Mom Perfectly?”: What to Do When You Expect Too Much of Yourself
9. “How Can I Nurture My Relationship When I’m Busy Nurturing This Kid?”: Navigating Changes and Challenges with Your Partner
10. “Who’s the Mother Here?”: Coping with Extended Family
11. “Where Has My Social Life Gone?”: Fitting Friendships into Your New Life
12. “Why Isn’t Anyone Having Fun?”: Surviving Vacations, Holidays, and Special Events with Young Kids
Appendix: Values Worksheet
Resources
Index