It’s Not About the Wine: The Loaded Truth Behind Mommy Wine Culture

Yvonne, a founding host of Sober Mom Squad, an online community for nondrinking moms, implores “women drowning in the mental load of motherhood” to rethink their relationship with alcohol and parenting in this passionate debut. A former “wine mom,” Yvonne was stretched thin by a demanding job, kids, and the social expectations of motherhood: “the glass of wine I usually drank after the kids went to bed” turned into ”two, three, sometimes the whole bottle,” she writes. While such behavior is sanctioned in popular culture and on social media (“I wine because my kids whine” memes), it masks “the real issue: getting support for mothers who are truly suffering.” Postpartum depression, lack of affordable childcare, and unrealistic expectations of motherhood can leave moms emotionally adrift and lead to anxiety, depression, and self-medication with alcohol or drugs. The author’s suggestions include joining recovery groups such as AA, forging connections with other sober moms, and having conversations with one’s partner about equitably distributing chores. While Yvonne spends more time outlining the ills of “mommy wine culture” than detailing solutions, moms will appreciate her informed advice and candid anecdotes, including a poignant retelling of the moment she first told her mother she had a drinking problem. Stressed-out moms will find comfort. (Sept.)