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November 5, 2025 35 mins

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In this episode of 'What Your Therapist is Reading,' host Jessica Fowler chats with Dr. Margo Lowy, a psychotherapist, about her book 'Maternal Ambivalence: The Loving Moments and Bitter Truths of Motherhood.' We dive into the complexities of maternal ambivalence, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and understanding conflicting feelings in motherhood. Dr. Lowy shares personal anecdotes and insights into how these mixed emotions, including the darker ones, can fuel maternal love and growth.  The impact of societal ideals on mothers and the importance of self-compassion and personal reflections in parenting is explored.

Highlights:

The Concept of Maternal Ambivalence

The Good Enough Mother

Postpartum Depression vs. Maternal Ambivalence

Guilt vs. Shame

 

About the author:

Margo Lowy, PhD, is a psychotherapist specializing in mothering. She is the author of MATERNAL AMBIVALENCE: The Loving Moments & Bitter Truths of Motherhood (Post Hill Press) and holds a doctorate from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, where she researched maternal ambivalence. Dr. Lowy is the author of a previous academic book, The Maternal Experience: Encounters with Ambivalence and Love, and has spoken about maternal ambivalence at universities and in media interviews worldwide. She is a member of PEN America and a former advisor to the founder of the Australian Jewish Fertility Network (AJFN). She is mother to three children and is based with her husband in New York City.

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