Product Description

Pressurised by the media, scrutinised by their peers, frowned upon even by those closest to them, mothers today face relentless criticism and pressure. Breast or bottle? Work or stay at home? Routine or feeding-on-demand? The choices are infinite and at the heart of each question is the more controversial and divisive debate of what makes a good mother. "Good Mother, Bad Mother" is an illuminating, moving and thought-provoking study of this enigmatic question. Never before has the subject of motherhood been tackled with such unflinching honesty. Drawing on her experience of thousands of mothers, bestselling parenting author Gina Ford has turned her attention to the women behind the contented little babies. She addresses the challenges of contemporary motherhood and fervently argues that these awe-inspiring women seldom receive the support, respect and admiration they deserve. And for the first time, in a candid, personal account, Gina interweaves stories from her own childhood, revealing how her relationship with her own mother has shaped the choices she has made. Any woman who has ever doubted her capabilities as a mother will find comfort and reassurance in the insights of the woman whose books have been justly described a 'godsend'.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32828 in Books
• Published on: 2006-05-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 240 pages

Pregnancy baby and You – July 06
`a reassuring read... will help any uncertain mum to detach herself from today’s many pressures to be the perfect mother’

Modern Mum
'an insightful and compassionate read'

From the Publisher
A compelling, highly personal examination of contemporary motherhood from Britain's number one childcare expert

Customer Reviews

Best book for modern mums!
I love this book!! I've had a copy since it was first published and just read it (for the third time) last week. Everytime I read it I cry!!! It makes me feel so proud to be a mother - Gina's examination of the pressures on modern parents, and the insights into her relationship with her own mother, make fascinating and thought-provoking reading. I couldn't care one iota whether or not Gina Ford has kids, she has worked with hundreds of mothers in her career and is very well-placed to objectively observe our pressures.

Definately not just for those who follow the Contented Little Baby routines, "Good Mother Bad Mother" is essential reading for all mums today!

PLEASE READ THIS BOOK BEFORE YOU REVIEW IT!
As a fan of Gina Ford I am saddened to read reviews on this website which trash Gina and her methods, when it's blatently obvious to anyone who does follow her ethos, that these people have never even read the book let alone attempted to write an informative review!

Perhaps these people attempt to make themselves feel better by putting someone else down?

This book is a heartwarming and thought provoking script looking at all aspects of motherhood. It emcompasses views from mothers of all ages, experiences, social situations and origins. It takes the reader on a projective journey through their own experience of motherhood, and leaves the reader feeling more fulfilled, less guilt ridden and generally better about themselves. My husband read it and claims it gave him more of an understanding of women and their struggles as mothers and it has strengthened his relationship with his children. Highly recommended for all mothers out there who are looking for support and encouragement.

A relief to read
I would like to state that there are the anti Gina Ford bregade who obviously write reviews without reading the book.

If they had read the book then they wouldn't be so harsh to keep bringing up the fact that Gina isn't a mother herself. This book was born from her relationship with her mother. It doesn't just discuss a new mother's role and pressures in the 2000's but the historic change in the mothering role - which is very interesting. It also covers the relationship with our own mothers, sons relationships with their mothers, external mothers EG aunts etc., etc.,

Throughout the book Gina shows the various experiences of motherhood but not once does she judge. This is the overall theme of the book is not to judge each other.

As a first time mum I found this book a relief to clarify that some of the pressures I felt as mum in the 2000's was real.

Put it this way - in 2005, after a long and traumatic labour, I was booted out of hospital having had no help with latching on. Then a midwife kept me in the bedroom with my 2 week old baby who had just fed (bottle) and was asleep, stripped her down so she would be cold enough to stay awake and tried to get her to latch. After 2 hours of my baby and I being utterly distraught she mumbled "it would take perserverence". As a new Mum Gina's books were a lifeline when I was at an all time low. My daughter is growing into an affectionate, chattering joy who loves her veg and I am positive that is because Mum is happy and content within her role.