Regretting Motherhood: A Study Paperback – July 11, 2017

Very well written book and an important study. I feel for the women who bravely shared their stories. To the author for shedding light into this important topic despite the backlash-Chapeau! Motherhood is often glamorized but reality is far from it. Next generation of girls would benefit from going into motherhood more informed, with more realistic expectations, so that there is less disappointment when they crossed on the other side and there is no way back.

I’ve really liked this book. I want to be a mother more than anything else but I’ve seen a lot of people have kids when they didn’t want to. My mom never wanted kids so I’m very passionate about women’s choice and not having kids unless you really want them. So for me, this book was a really interesting read and I would definitely recommend it.

Very interesting topic but the book is rather dry. I feel there's an amount of duplication that could have been prevented.

How to ever express my gratitude for this book? Thank you to the author for lifting this veil off society norms and providing a much-needed voice to a taboo topic. I can't recommend this book enough for all women-women who want children, those who do not, and those who are ambivalent, even men considering parenthood will benefit from this book.Personally, I am childfree by choice, and I am fully aware that I am privileged to live in a culture and family where motherhood is optional. So often, however, I think of the women who share my sentiments, but cannot make the choice to be childfree, and my heart goes out to these women. To the women who participated in this study, thank you for the courage to speak out.This book is rather academic, I do hope the author considers writing a non-academic version so it's more widely accessible.

I truly enjoyed this book. It was very well written, very well cited, and honest. For such a taboo subject I really appreciate the author's work and the candid interviews. Although regretting fatherhood is not the subject of this book, it would have been nice to have a chapter dedicated to that also. The author does make a note or two here or there and it's also very insightful. Overall, a very good read for those who are thinking about having children, or if you regret having children....you aren't alone.

An honest, in-depth, well-organized, comprehensive look into the interaction of societal pressure and the pursuit of motherhood, which inevitably leads to regret for many mothers. It is an affirmation for those who've already chosen not to become mothers, informative for those on the fence, and should be required reading for those wishing to become mothers. The author makes excellent points on how we as a society need to lift the veil off of romanticized motherhood and be realistic on how motherhood actually impacts personhood. 5 stars.

1st: it is too academic and I think it could have been written more reader friendly. My opinion, is the author wanted to be taken seriously when delving into such a taboo subject.2nd: Israel has the highest birth rate and unlimited IVF. A followup of IVF moms, donor egg USA moms and the PTSD that often follows would be even more insightful. I know for a fact this is NEVER discussed here in the states. Just always "I have my miracle baby." Also, do special needs parents experience greater or less of these feelings? Do traumatic births contribute to regret? The consensus of the regret was never discussed at the end?I am not a feminist and I have no vested interest in whether a women is childless or not . However, this book is just the tip of the iceberg.I hope the author decides to work on another which is less boring and more expansive in the future.

This is a deeply important book. The author, an Israeli sociologist, has interviewed 23 mothers (of children who range from infants to middle aged adults) who look back on their decision with regret. The heart of the book is these women's actual words, their love of their children, their efforts to be good mothers, and the too high price they have paid. Because these feelings, as well as the actual lived experience of mothering, are almost always silenced, this feels like a revolutionary testament, one we owe our daughters and our selves to acknowledge and consider. Donath's careful and complete commentary places the women's words in a wider context of culture, choice, individuality and the meaning of a good life. These interviews, done anonymously, allowing women to speak truthfully without worrying their honesty would harm their children, are a gift to all of us.

Well written, thought provoking, honest and intelligent. This book offers an insightful look into the singular path of motherhood that is offered to women. Necessary reading for anyone who may be on the fence about becoming a mother, and wishes to explore "the other side" that is so rarely talked about. A sensitive and thoughtful exploration of the topic that ultimately reveals the beauty and necessity of having true freedom to decide on one of life's biggest choices.

I enjoyed reading this book. The fact that it's based on a qualitative study carried out for a PhD study makes it both scientifically sound and readable to anyone interested by the subject. Lots of conceptions and notions approached. Not judgmental; whether its towards mothers or non mothers (on the contrary to certain childfree books who are sometimes really condescending towards mothers).

I jumped by chance into this book and straight bought it. The theme itself is very difficult to handle.... stereotypes, prejudices, habits and religious traditions overcharge the topic of being a mother. The author is very sensitive and intelligent not to fall into all these preconceptions, but she deploys the issue letting the interviewed women speak and presenting/introducing their thoughts in relation to social and cultural habits. The reader is always face to face with the question of unwanted, undesired motherhood without having the feeling of being obliged to be for or against any assumption. No prejudices and no judgments, but a sense of hearing, understanding, and compassion that embraces the whole book. Looking forward for Donath's next book.

As a woman who doesn't wish to be a mother, I have often been told, 'you'll regret it.' My response for the last few years has been to point out that I'd rather regret not having children than having them.While acknowledging parenthood as tough, Society demands that those who have children look back and sigh, 'It was all worth it.' This book is an antidote to that pressure. Enabling the voices of those who regret to be heard allows more of us to be true to our own feelings, and eases the guilt placed upon us.Donath's book is a fascinating read, nomatter your personal position or desires. It allows us to empathise with women who wish to be nobody's mom.

Patriarchy should die out sometime in the future for a more compassionate world. Too many women have sacrificed their desires, needs, feelings, emotions and basic human rights. The author has brought an honest perspective to this much needed discussion.