Mom Genes: Inside the New Science of Our Ancient Maternal Instinct

Journalist Tucker (The Lion in the Living Room) takes readers on a tour of the “science behind the tender maternal instinct” in this revealing survey. Worldwide, Tucker writes, “more than 90 percent of all women become moms,” yet the “cellular-level revolution that rebuilds the female brain” during pregnancy and beyond is still poorly understood. Among the fascinating topics Tucker digs into are that “moms dream differently than other people,” that experience babysitting can predict postnatal hormone changes in men, and that the inner workings of baby-to-mom messaging (such as fetal movements) “serve an important psychological purpose.” Environmental factors such as access to shelter, chemical pollutants, and socioeconomic background, meanwhile, can increase depression and may even affect a baby’s sex—she cites a Columbia University study which showed that 70% of “the most emotionally and physically maxed-out” participants had girls. Tucker has a knack for making complex science accessible, and she encouragingly touts the importance of mothers having a support system: “New mothers depend on others for physical help... for practical guidance... and also for the more mysterious matter of emotional sustenance.” Moms-to-be in search of a straightforward look at the changes ahead will find this a good place to start. (Apr.)