A Mom Like That - by Aaisha Alvi (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"A brave and lyrical exploration of motherhood and mental health . . . as terrifying as it is riveting." -- Susannah Cahalan, NYT bestselling author of Brain on Fire

A powerful exploration of postpartum psychosis and motherhood -- and a call to end the stigma and blame.

Early motherhood is supposed to be joyous, but for Aaisha Alvi those early days were ruined by terrifying thoughts about her baby and family. Her experience was the antithesis of everything she had ever been told about motherhood, far beyond the trials of breastfeeding or putting her baby to sleep.

Aaisha did recover and began to enjoy motherhood. She was thrilled when she fell pregnant again. Sadly, that pregnancy ended in a miscarriage, and the psychosis returned. This time, however, she was blindsided by the unimaginable: voices urged her to stab her daughter and to harm innocent people. Aaisha felt evil, worthy of taking her own life. But each time she sought medical help, she was turned away.

With unflinching honesty, Aaisha takes readers beyond the vitriol and blame that is flung at women suffering from postpartum psychosis -- particularly women of colour. Hers is a clarion call for increased awareness of a condition that need never result in tragedy.

Review Quotes

A story of resilience that simultaneously educates the reader ... an inspirational addition to the libraries of professionals who work with childbearing women, lay communities, and growing families.-- "Margaret Spinelli, MD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia University"

A Mom Like That is a brave and lyrical exploration of motherhood and mental health. In this remarkable book, the unspeakable is spoken and it is as terrifying as it is riveting. This is an important book that pulls you inside the experience of postpartum psychosis and has the potential to open minds about this devastating condition.-- "Susannah Cahalan, New York Times bestselling author of Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness"

Aaisha Alvi's deeply moving, courageous account of post-partum psychosis should be required reading for anyone with a pregnant person in their life. Alvi deftly captures the gravity of this harrowing condition while still rendering the misunderstood, and often misdiagnosed, ailment with tenderness, compassion, and most importantly, hope.-- "Huda Al-Marashi, author of First Comes Marriage"

A Mom Like That is not only a brave personal narrative, but a bold social commentary. Aaisha Alvi valiantly -- and eloquently -- offers her harrowing experience of postpartum psychosis in service of those without a voice to do so. Her struggle to receive appropriate care, despite pleading for it, is a profound example of the racial and cultural biases underlying contemporary disparities in maternal mortality. Her story provides a jarring example of how such high-functioning individuals can become so ill, and how isolating the experience can be.

-- "Julia Alzoubaidi, Ph.D., Perinatal Psychosis Program Manager, Postpartum Support International"

About the Author

Aaisha Alvi is a postpartum psychosis awareness advocate. She volunteers with various maternal mental health organizations, including Postpartum Support International.