Overview

The contexts for becoming a parent are ever-changing, bringing new opportunities and new challenges. Becoming a Parent examines the transition to parenthood from diverse perspectives – it is about becoming, rather than being a parent. Drawing on a large body of theory and research, the book explores universal psychological journeys as well as the specific challenges faced by those whose pathways to parenthood are non-traditional or medically complicated. It also examines the unprecedented reproductive choices in contemporary society and provides a comprehensive overview of the personal and social impact of reproductive technologies. Pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood (the so-called 'fourth trimester') are discussed in detail and illustrated with case anecdotes and personal stories of people with 'high-risk' pregnancies, fathers as well as mothers, adoptive parents, and LGBTQ as well as heterosexual adults. It concludes with social and policy initiatives that can better support positive adaptation during this crucial life transition.

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9781108799287

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Reviews

'Everything you might want to know about the transition to parenthood is in this book. Becoming a Parent provides an astute, nuanced, and masterful analysis of different theoretical approaches and the findings of empirical research alongside the issues faced by real people through illuminating accounts of their experiences.' Susan Golombok, University of Cambridge, UK 'This thoughtful and well-researched book is a must-read for practitioners and researchers with an interest in parenthood in the twenty-first century. It explores the challenges of childbearing decision making and the transition to parenthood, and the complex ways in which they are influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.' Karin Hammarberg, Monash University, Australia 'This very readable and fascinating book integrates descriptions of the multiple avenues to parenthood, illustrated with historical changes, divergent theoretical perspectives, and personal accounts of parents. The author sensitively captures the complex psychological processes inherent in the transition to parenthood. Prospective parents, educators, and many others will find it extremely informative.' George W. Holden, Southern Methodist University, USA 'Becoming a Parent is a twenty-first century book that captures the incredible variability as well as the predictable universalities of this important life transition. Carefully edited interviews with women and men from highly diverse backgrounds make the research-based information come alive. A must-read for students, educators, and policy makers.' Marsha Weinraub, Temple University, USA

'Everything you might want to know about the transition to parenthood is in this book. Becoming a Parent provides an astute, nuanced, and masterful analysis of different theoretical approaches and the findings of empirical research alongside the issues faced by real people through illuminating accounts of their experiences.' Susan Golombok, University of Cambridge, UK 'This thoughtful and well-researched book is a must-read for practitioners and researchers with an interest in parenthood in the twenty-first century. It explores the challenges of childbearing decision making and the transition to parenthood, and the complex ways in which they are influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.' Karin Hammarberg, Monash University, Australia 'This very readable and fascinating book integrates descriptions of the multiple avenues to parenthood, illustrated with historical changes, divergent theoretical perspectives, and personal accounts of parents. The author sensitively captures the complex psychological processes inherent in the transition to parenthood. Prospective parents, educators, and many others will find it extremely informative.' George W. Holden, Southern Methodist University, USA 'Becoming a Parent is a twenty-first century book that captures the incredible variability as well as the predictable universalities of this important life transition. Carefully edited interviews with women and men from highly diverse backgrounds make the research-based information come alive. A must-read for students, educators, and policy makers.' Marsha Weinraub, Temple University, USA

Author Information

Catherine McMahon is Honorary Professor at the School of Psychological Sciences in Macquarie University, Australia. Her research focuses on psychological adaptation during the transition to parenthood, and she has published extensively on perinatal mood disorders, infertility and assisted conception, and the parent-infant relationship. Her current collaborative work with community-based services aims to build an evidence base for programs to support parenting in the early years.

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