Mothers Are Made - by Danielle Sherman-Lazar

Book Synopsis

A deeply personal motherhood memoir about how the challenges moms face daily sharpen them into stronger, braver, and better parents for their children.

Motherhood is hard. It's full of plenty of moments where a mom might think, "I don't know if I can do this."

Danielle Sherman-Lazar has had this thought many times as she's raised her four young daughters under 10, from her struggles with breastfeeding to two of her daughters' stays at the NICU. Through personal and honest stories on motherhood and her struggles with eating disorders, Mothers Are Made shows how moms aren't instantly born along with their babies--mothers are made through time and experience. It's when mothers go through the fire, Danielle argues, that we are forged into resilient, brave, and courageous parents.

Danielle's writing is raw and relatable, and she shows how overcoming challenges with eating disorders, then facing the challenges of perfectionism, self-doubt, anxiety, and loneliness has given her tremendous inner strength, resilience, and confidence. Through real stories full of honesty, love, tenderness, and humor, she reminds her readers that they, too, have the knowledge and tenacity to persevere through any obstacle.

Mothers Are Made will help moms realize that they can handle crises as they arise--large or small. And they will recognize that they are not alone in their struggles. Danielle's vulnerability will help readers find the courage to keep going through the uncomfortable parts of motherhood, knowing they'll get to the other side--a better, happier, and stronger mom.

Review Quotes

Praise for Mothers Are Made
"This book will prove relatable to the many parents who have faced mental illness along with the everyday challenges of parenting that include body changes, the perfectionist-inducing list of demands society pushes on moms, and the inconveniences of powering through on sick days or experiencing shame as a child throws a tantrum on the floor in a public space."
--Library Journal

"Mothers Are Made is compelling, hopeful, and refreshingly authentic. Danielle Sherman-Lazar invites us deep into the sacred land of her experiences as a mother and beautifully models for us what it looks like to see our own journeys with compassion and pride. I felt like I was on a long walk with a friend hearing her stories and feeling seen at the exact same time."
--Eli Harwood, MA, LPC, therapist, creator of Attachment Nerd, and author of Raising Securely Attached Kids

"Mothers Are Made is a heartfelt guide for every mom who needs permission to embrace imperfection, to learn as she goes, and to show herself the same compassion she gives to others. In this empowering book, Danielle shares the truths that no one tells you about motherhood--not just the sleepless nights and diaper changes, but the emotional rollercoaster of becoming a mother. With humor, raw honesty, and practical wisdom, she reminds us that we don't need to have it all figured out and that grace, both given and received, is the key to thriving. Whether you're holding your first baby or navigating the endless twists and turns of motherhood, Mothers Are Made will give you the support and reassurance you need to keep going, one imperfect step at a time."
--Sue Varma, author of Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being

"Danielle's words hit straight to the heart of every mother. She captures the gut-wrenching agony and the profound beauty found in parenting our kids in today's modern world. But most importantly, she reminds us that we are not alone in this journey, offering us a hand to hold as we walk this challenging path--and there is no greater gift than that."
--Whitney Fleming, co-owner, Parenting Teens and Tweens, creator, @WhitneyFlemingWrites

"Motherhood is hard and lonely and so absolutely wonderful. Dani gets it. Her gorgeous words help us feel seen and known throughout every stage of motherhood. Thank you, Dani, for walking beside us on this incredible journey."
--Leslie Means, founder/owner, Her View From Home, LLC

About the Author

Danielle Sherman-Lazar is a social media entrepreneur, mental health advocate and author of Amazon's number-one bestselling picture book It's Okay to Not be Okay. Her writing has appeared on Scary Mommy, Love What Matters, Her View from Home, Motherly and many others. Danielle lives with her husband Jonathan and four girls in Northern New Jersey. You can follow her on Facebook at Living FULL by Danielle Sherman-Lazar or Instagram @livingfullaftered.