Maternal Ambivalence: The Loving Moments & Bitter Truths of Motherhood with Dr. Margo Lowy

What if the hardest feelings you have as a mother are actually the most important ones? In this deeply honest conversation, Dympna sits down with psychotherapist, researcher, and author Dr. Margo Lowy to explore the concept of maternal ambivalence and why naming it might be the most liberating thing a mother can do.Dr. Lowy brings over 45 years of personal and professional experience to this conversation, drawing from her book on maternal ambivalence, her PhD research, and her work as a practicing psychotherapist. She challenges the polished, one-dimensional portrait of motherhood we see in social media and offers something far more honest, and far more human, in its place.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhat maternal ambivalence actually means — and why it's so often misunderstood. (Hint: it's not indifference, and it's not just "mixed feelings.")Why the difficult, dark feelings of motherhood aren't signs that something is wrong — they are the experience.How shame builds up when we suppress our complicated feelings, and what it looks like when women begin to work through it.The power of three guiding mantras Dr. Lowy returns to throughout her work: mothering is messy, it's interrupted, and it's loving — all at once.Why the idea that you're "making it up as you go along" is actually a gift, not a failure.How mothering is a lifelong process of holding on and letting go — from newborns to teenagers to adult children.The role of self-forgiveness, flow, and fluidity in becoming the mother you want to be.Why who you surround yourself with matters enormously — and how to build your "team."How our children learn emotional regulation by watching us navigate our own feelings.Why the narrative of motherhood needs to shift from exclusive (either/or) to inclusive (and/and).Resources & Links📖 Dr. Margo Lowy's book: https://drmargolowy.com/book/ ✍️ Read her monthly articles on Psychology Today: http://psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/margo-lowy-phd 🎬 Film recommendation: A Happy Event (French film, 2000s) Don't be a stranger.You can reach me at [email protected]://www.dympnaweil.comThanks for listening. Your support means everything - so if you are moved to, please leave me a review and share this episode with a friend who may need the messages held here.Don't be a stranger.You can reach me at [email protected]://www.dympnaweil.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.