NO SHELF CONTROL

Title: A Mom Like That: A Memoir of Postpartum Psychosis

Author: Aaisha Alvi

Publisher: Dundurn Press

Publication Date: September, 2024

Genre: Memoir

Pages: 272

My Rating: ★★★★★

A Mom Like That follows Aaisha and her experiences with postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum psychosis occurs in one to two out of everyone one thousand deliveries and can even occur after a miscarriage or termination.

In a study reference by the Center for American Progress, the rate of postpartum mood disorders is between 13-19% across all women. What is striking is the fact that this percentage rises to 38% in women of colour. Women of colour are also, sadly, less likely to seek help. Aaisha discusses medical racism and cultural differences that hinder racialised women accessing the correct help when struggling with postpartum mood disorders.

As someone who is diagnosed with bipolar and experienced command hallucinations, this book was terrifying in places. The way it’s written, especially with the recurring intrusive thoughts, made me really feel like I was experiencing it with her. The writing is personal, emotive and highlights a desperate need for more awareness.

I’d definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to understand more about postpartum psychosis. It will certainly open your eyes, and your heart, to the women who have suffered this debilitating illness.

“I’m just sick and tired of people suffering and dying because of this illness while sane people are ignorant”

Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for my advanced copy.