Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy by

Angela Garbes, a food and culture writer, embarked on a journey to understand the science and culture surrounding pregnancy and motherhood when she became pregnant. Frustrated by the lack of satisfying answers from medical professionals, online sources, and traditional books, she dove into intensive research to uncover the truths behind the physiology, biology, and psychology of motherhood. In 'Like a Mother,' Garbes offers a deeply personal and rigorously researched exploration of topics ranging from miscarriage to postpartum changes. With the curiosity of a journalist, the perspective of a feminist, and the intimacy of a mother, she debunks myths and challenges dated assumptions, providing guidance and camaraderie for women navigating one of life's most profound changes.

Reviews

Goodreads · 2025-10-21

insightful 4.20

The stream-of-consciousness style is engaging and the personal experiences shared are honest and relatable. The book provides a valuable perspective on pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood.

This book is a heartfelt journey through the author's experiences with pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood. The stream-of-consciousness style makes it feel personal and intimate, as if you're having a conversation with a friend. The author's honesty about her experiences is both refreshing and relatable, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in these topics. The book also provides a unique perspective on the science and culture surrounding pregnancy and motherhood, making it both informative and engaging.

Quick quotes

Despite the stream-of-consciousness style, I really enjoyed Garbes' honest presentation of her experiences of pregnancy, birth and early motherhood.

She delves into the science and culture of pregnancy and motherhood with a feminist lens, making it both informative and thought-provoking.

The book is a great addition to any doula's bookshelf, offering a valuable voice in the conversation around pregnancy and motherhood.

Around the World One Female Novelist at a Time · 2020-12-01

fascinating 4.75

The book is full of research on pregnancy through a scientific and cultural lens but written in an engaging style. The author's mixed heritage adds a unique perspective to the conversation.

This book is a fascinating exploration of pregnancy and motherhood, blending scientific research with cultural insights. The author's engaging writing style makes the complex topics accessible and interesting. Her personal experiences and mixed heritage add a unique perspective to the conversation, making it a must-read for anyone interested in these topics. The book is both informative and thought-provoking, offering a fresh take on the science and culture of pregnancy and motherhood.

Quick quotes

The book is full of research on pregnancy through a scientific and cultural lens but written in an engaging style.

I loved that Garbes is mixed and brings a unique perspective to the conversation.

The book is a candid and sometimes scary look at the realities of pregnancy, the history of obstetrics, and the way pregnant women are sometimes treated.

DONA International · 2018-08-15

valuable 4.50

This book is a great addition to the doula's bookshelf, offering a valuable voice in the conversation around pregnancy and motherhood. The author's feminist perspective is both informative and thought-provoking.

Like a Mother is a book that every doula should have on their shelf. It offers a unique perspective on the science and culture of pregnancy and motherhood, with a feminist lens that makes it both informative and thought-provoking. The author's personal experiences and research make the book both engaging and relatable. It's a valuable addition to the conversation around pregnancy and motherhood, and a must-read for anyone interested in these topics.

Quick quotes

Like a Mother (Harper Wave, 2018) is a great book that adds a valuable voice to those on the doula's bookshelf.

Garbes offers a rigorously researched and compelling look at the physiology, biology, and psychology of pregnancy and motherhood.

The book is a candid, feminist, and personal deep dive into the science and culture of pregnancy and motherhood.

Appears in Lists

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