Myth of the Perfect Mom: From Postpartum Perfection to Everyday Joy
Myth of the Perfect Mom: From Postpartum Perfection to Everyday Joy
Myth of the Perfect Mom: From Postpartum Perfection to Everyday Joy
Description
Description
Let go of impossible standards and embrace a more joyful, authentic postpartum experience with this self-help guide for new moms. Are you tired of feeling like you have to "do it all" as a mom? Do you ever think, "Life was easier before kids" or "Why is this transition so hard?" After becoming a mother, priorities change, self-compassion changes, ambition changes...everything changes. And on top of all of these dramatic life shifts, and the exhaustion of parenthood, mothers are expected to climb the Mount Everest of adulthood: be the best mom, the happiest mom, the most perfect mom. But perfection is impossible to achieve. The good news? You don't have to be everything for everyone. The Myth of the Perfect Mom breaks down the harmful myths surrounding what it takes to be a great mom, and nine other "myths" that weigh new mothers down in postpartum. Erin Schlozman, therapist and owner of 4th Trimester Wellness, provides compassionate, practical guidance for creating a postpartum life rooted in connection, grace, and self-acceptance. The Myth of the Perfect Mom places the spotlight on the new mom's emotional and psychological wellbeing and development, because motherhood is as much about the birth of a mom as it is about the baby. Schlozman addresses ten different myths of being a perfect mom, including:
The Myth of the Perfect Mom gives mothers the permission and the guidance to move past outdated ideals, be kind to themselves, and stop trying to be perfect, so that they can parent in the way that is most authentic to them.
- Your birth should have been executed perfectly.
- Moms should feel bonded to their babies immediately.
- Postpartum bodies are ugly.
- You're either ambitious, or a good mom, but you can't be both.
The Myth of the Perfect Mom gives mothers the permission and the guidance to move past outdated ideals, be kind to themselves, and stop trying to be perfect, so that they can parent in the way that is most authentic to them.
About the Author
About the Author
Erin Schlozman is a licensed clinical professional counselor working primarily in the perinatal and postpartum space. She has worked in a variety of settings over the last fifteen years: in private practice, in community mental health, with Postpartum Support International's clinical team, and as a consultant to some of the biggest corporations in the US. In addition to her patient work, she's built an online community of over 150k and counting through her social media, Substack, and podcast, I Love My Baby And...
Critical Reviews
Critical Reviews
Praise for The Myth of the Perfect Mom:
"Schlozman avoids one-size-fits-all advice, instead encouraging new moms to develop the self-confidence needed to trust themselves . . . [and] airs well-balanced social critiques with practical advice . . . New mothers will find comfort and relief."
--Publishers Weekly "Every mother will feel seen in The Myth of the Perfect Mom. With empathy and clarity, Schlozman dismantles the impossible standards modern mothers face and invites us to reject perfection, write our own rules, and rediscover our confidence and joy in parenting."
--Leslie Schrock, National Parenting Award winning author of Bumpin'
"The Myth of the Perfect Mom is a compelling, relatable, and inspiring collection of guidance around the immense pressure to be a perfect mother. This book beautifully ushers us away from burdensome illusions, and towards the messier, but more sacred reality of our motherhoods. Erin Schlozman helps us tear down the harmful illusions of achieving perfect moods, births, bodies, attachment dynamics, work-life balance, and identity in postpartum motherhood, instead gently guiding us to cherish what is authentically lovely in motherhood."
--Eli Harwood, author of Raising Securely Attached Kids
"This book is the ultimate off-registry baby-shower gift, and should be required reading for all parents-to-be. Schlozman offers palpable relief from the pressure, judgment, and impossible expectations that too often shadow early motherhood."
--Laura Birek, co-host of the pregnancy & parenting podcast Big Fat Positive and co-author of Good To Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent "Erin names what so many of us felt but couldn't say--that the postpartum period isn't about getting it right, it's about becoming whole again on your own terms. This book doesn't just validate the mess; it shows you how to find yourself inside it."
--Heng Ou, author of The First Forty Days "This book is for every person who has ever thought the word Mother contains simultaneously too much meaning and woefully not enough. Erin Schlozman understands that motherhood is not a role anyone can perfectly play because the Perfect Mom is not a person. The Perfect Mom is a set of culturally mandated ideals. Part manifesto, part guide, and part maternal chorus, The Myth Of The Perfect Mom is a balm, a resource, and a love poem to the state of constant becoming."
--Sara Petersen, author of Momfluenced "With grace, clarity, and grounded wisdom, Schlozman redefines what it means to be a good mother, helping moms find their way back to themselves amid the noise of perfection, and toward a more authentic, forgiving version of motherhood."
--Karen Kleiman, MSW, Founder of The Postpartum Stress Center and author of the best-selling Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts "Schlozman lifts the veil on postpartum perfection and tells the truth so many mothers need to hear . . . This book shatters the myth that postpartum life must look perfect when, in reality, it's anything but. It helps mothers reclaim self-esteem, rediscover purpose, and strengthen relationships without the heavy fear of judgment."
--Danielle Sherman-Lazar, author of Mothers Are Made and It's Okay to Not Be Okay: Adults Get Big Feelings Too
"Schlozman avoids one-size-fits-all advice, instead encouraging new moms to develop the self-confidence needed to trust themselves . . . [and] airs well-balanced social critiques with practical advice . . . New mothers will find comfort and relief."
--Publishers Weekly "Every mother will feel seen in The Myth of the Perfect Mom. With empathy and clarity, Schlozman dismantles the impossible standards modern mothers face and invites us to reject perfection, write our own rules, and rediscover our confidence and joy in parenting."
--Leslie Schrock, National Parenting Award winning author of Bumpin'
"The Myth of the Perfect Mom is a compelling, relatable, and inspiring collection of guidance around the immense pressure to be a perfect mother. This book beautifully ushers us away from burdensome illusions, and towards the messier, but more sacred reality of our motherhoods. Erin Schlozman helps us tear down the harmful illusions of achieving perfect moods, births, bodies, attachment dynamics, work-life balance, and identity in postpartum motherhood, instead gently guiding us to cherish what is authentically lovely in motherhood."
--Eli Harwood, author of Raising Securely Attached Kids
"This book is the ultimate off-registry baby-shower gift, and should be required reading for all parents-to-be. Schlozman offers palpable relief from the pressure, judgment, and impossible expectations that too often shadow early motherhood."
--Laura Birek, co-host of the pregnancy & parenting podcast Big Fat Positive and co-author of Good To Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent "Erin names what so many of us felt but couldn't say--that the postpartum period isn't about getting it right, it's about becoming whole again on your own terms. This book doesn't just validate the mess; it shows you how to find yourself inside it."
--Heng Ou, author of The First Forty Days "This book is for every person who has ever thought the word Mother contains simultaneously too much meaning and woefully not enough. Erin Schlozman understands that motherhood is not a role anyone can perfectly play because the Perfect Mom is not a person. The Perfect Mom is a set of culturally mandated ideals. Part manifesto, part guide, and part maternal chorus, The Myth Of The Perfect Mom is a balm, a resource, and a love poem to the state of constant becoming."
--Sara Petersen, author of Momfluenced "With grace, clarity, and grounded wisdom, Schlozman redefines what it means to be a good mother, helping moms find their way back to themselves amid the noise of perfection, and toward a more authentic, forgiving version of motherhood."
--Karen Kleiman, MSW, Founder of The Postpartum Stress Center and author of the best-selling Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts "Schlozman lifts the veil on postpartum perfection and tells the truth so many mothers need to hear . . . This book shatters the myth that postpartum life must look perfect when, in reality, it's anything but. It helps mothers reclaim self-esteem, rediscover purpose, and strengthen relationships without the heavy fear of judgment."
--Danielle Sherman-Lazar, author of Mothers Are Made and It's Okay to Not Be Okay: Adults Get Big Feelings Too
Publishing Information
Publishing Information
Publisher:
Alcove Press
Pub date:
2026-04-07
Length:
304 pages
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