Throughline Motherhood
31 snips
May 1, 2025 
Chelsea Connaboy, a health and science journalist, and Premila Nattison, a history professor at Barnard College, dive into the complex landscape of motherhood. They unpack the myth of the ideal mother, discussing pressures and unrealistic expectations. The podcast explores the stereotypes of maternal instincts and the 'Welfare Queen,' linking these narratives to broader societal frameworks influenced by race and capitalism. Through personal stories and activism, they advocate for a more nuanced understanding of motherhood and the often-overlooked labor behind it.
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Motherhood's Emotional Reality
- Chelsea Connoboy felt prepared for motherhood by reading and attending classes, but still experienced overwhelming worry once her son arrived.
- The transition to parenthood involves significant growth, but also comes with emotional costs and challenges.
The Ideal Mother Is Imaginary
- The ideal mother is a powerful fantasy that distorts society and policy by expecting devotion without compensation.
- America lacks systems like universal healthcare and paid family leave because it assumes this ideal mother exists.
Maternal Instinct Is a Process
- Maternal instinct is not a fixed biological trait but a process shaped by brain changes, hormones, and interaction with the child.
- Fathers and non-gestational parents can develop similar caregiving instincts through experience and hormonal shifts.
