Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy

Angela Garbes provides an autopsy of the biological and social realities of pregnancy, centering on physiological facts often omitted from standard medical literature. She examines the complex metabolic functions of the placenta, the nutritional composition of breast milk, and the physical recovery process of the pelvic floor. The text challenges patriarchal healthcare norms by documenting how historical medical research has frequently ignored the pregnant person's autonomy and physical experience. Garbes bridges the gap between clinical data and the cultural expectations that dictate how pregnant people should eat, drink, and behave.

Expectant parents and those interested in reproductive health read this book to gain a factual understanding of their bodies that bypasses traditional prescriptive advice. The reader acquires technical knowledge about fetal development and maternal biology while learning to identify the systemic biases present in modern obstetrics. By finishing the book, the reader possesses a toolkit for navigating healthcare conversations and making informed personal choices based on evidence rather than social pressure or fear-based narratives.