To Have and to Hold

Motherhood, Marriage, and the Modern Dilemma

By: Molly Millwood

Narrated by: Molly Millwood

Length: 9 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's Summary

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

When Molly Millwood became a mother, she was fully prepared for what she would gain: an adorable baby boy; hard-won mothering skills; and a messy, chaotic, beautiful life. But what she did not expect was what she would lose: aspects of her identity, a baseline level of happiness, a general sense of well-being. And though she had the benefit of a supportive husband during this transition, she also at times resented the fact that the disruption to his life seemed to pale in comparison to hers. 

As a clinical psychologist, Molly knew her experience was a normal response to a life-changing event. But without the advantage of such a perspective, many of the patients she treated in her private practice grappled with self-doubt, guilt, and fear and suffered the dual pain of not only the struggle to adjust, but also the overwhelming shame for struggling 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 arrival of a bundle of joy come thorny issues such as self-worth, control, autonomy, and dependency. And for most new mothers, these issues are experienced within the context of an intimate relationship, adding another layer of tension, conflict, and confusion to an already challenging time. 

As Molly examines the inextricable link between women’s well-being as new mothers and the well-being of their relationships, she offers guidance to help listeners reclaim their identities, overcome their guilt and shame, and repair their relationships. A blend of personal narrative, scientific research, and stories from Molly’s clinical practice, To Have and to Hold provides a much-needed lifeline to new mothers everywhere.

©2019 Molly Millwood (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers

Pretty good

Good at identifying how I feel as a new mother, but didn’t really help me in anyway like expected. I did appreciate validation for my feelings but wish there would’ve been some advice in there!

For every expecting mom, new mama, or mom with young kids!

My January read was To Have and To Hold by @molly.millwood.phd

I read this as a hard copy and listened to it as an audiobook. I ended up annotating so many parts of the book because my greatest takeaway was I WISHED I WOULD’VE READ THIS SOONER.

If you’re pregnant (first, second or third time), read this book.

If you have young kids, read this book.

If you felt/feel resentment building or displaced emotions, read this book.

If the transition to motherhood has made you question your ability, read this book.

If your marriage is rocky and you’re at your wit’s end because of parenthood, read this book.

If you’re in constant survival or crisis mode because of motherhood , read this book.

If you need to feel less lonely on this journey, read this book.

This book has helped me understand the emotions attributed to being a first time mom is SO normal. Grieving the person you were before kids is part of the process.

A new start

As a new mom, I quickly learned the struggles of motherhood, No, it wasn't just the breastfeeding, the sleepless nights it was beyond that, it was me, my feelings and my frustrations! Finally my understanding, ability to embrace the situation and feelings and dealing with it came with this book. Listening to it helped me to feel understood and normal for the first time in a long while. It gave me tools to work through it and better enjoy motherhood. I RECOMMEND IT all the time to my friends!

Mother, Grandmother, Husband. Must read. Big help.

I’m the soon to be grandmother. This book helped me heal things in my life from my past parenting.
I felt overwhelmed by all “the negative” which I now define as truths. Good example of learning the live the good and the difficult.
This book has brought to my attention how I can be more sensitive and more gentle, standing as witness next to my daughter instead of trying move her from an emotion she is expressing. I feel more prepared to support my daughter and how she feels which will better help her through the momentum of the upcoming life changes.
This book has great insights for the whole family. I encourage husbands and grandfathers to listen to this book as well. Well done Molly!

Amazing insight!

I sent this book to every new mother I know! The most insightful and impactful listen regarding relationships and the profound changes, both body and mind, that the new mother goes through. Thank you Molly!!

All parents (to be)

I wish I had found this book 6 years ago, when I became a mother. I feel like this book could and would benefit anyone that is expecting, mother and/or father.

For every mother

I recommend this to every mother I know.
I wish I knew about it when my baby was a newborn.

Must Read for Every Mother

Fantastic! Often guarded truths are unfurled with ease. Surprising relatability with sprinkles of humor. This book will accompany every baby shower gift going forward.

Exceptional!!!!

After becoming a mother, I struggled a lot with the changes. I’m not talking about PPD or just giving up a little independence, I’m talking about a loss of identity, wondering what was happening to my marriage, wondering if I would ever want to be intimate again, deeper things. I’m now a young mother of two littles and I can’t rave about this book enough! Written by a psychologist and therapist who talks about her own experiences, she voices the real nitty gritty feelings and thoughts most of us have but are too embarrassed or ashamed to voice aloud. She explains everything I was trying to tell other people without having the words to and she does so in a validating, empowering, non-religious way. I recommend this book 1000 percent!!!! Just finished listening to it and I’m starting it over again 😁

Every new parent should read this book!

Finally a resource that helps you understand your changing identity and relationships as you embark on being a parent.

What I needed

Saved me from my own mind... realising so many people had similar feelings despite different experiences was refreshing. I've cried a number of times through this sense of being seen as the writer has given me words for how I'm feeling has been a balm for my soul.

A balm to my mothering soul

I loved hearing my thoughts about motherhood echoed.

It's a book full of hope.

Read it if you are struggling with the Modern dilemma.

Every mother needs to read this

It's as if the author got inside my brain and wrote down everything I was thinking but struggled to articulate as a new mother. Enlightening, funny, sad and the most relatable book I've ever read. I've recommended it to all my female friends already! I also want Molly as my therapist;)

Every thought you’d ever had about your life and marriage after motherhood

Recommend If you’ve been disillusioned by modern motherhood or your partnership is challenged by your children.

It’s a good reminder that the struggles are universal and not permanent.