Franca Lehfeldt critiques societal expectations of motherhood in new book

In her new book, ‘Gute Mütter, schlechte Mütter’ (Good Mothers, Bad Mothers), author Franca Lehfeldt examines societal expectations placed upon mothers. She argues that it is specifically mothers, rather than women in general, who face systemic disadvantages and harsh judgments, often from other women.

Lehfeldt draws on her personal experiences as a mother to a daughter born in April 2025 with her husband, Christian Lindner. She discusses the tension between the unconditional love of motherhood and her desire to maintain professional identity and financial independence.

The book also critiques modern social media trends, such as ‘momfluencers’ and ‘tradwives,’ noting that recommendations regarding breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and constant proximity to children can feel like rigid rules. Lehfeldt emphasizes that a woman’s level of emancipation should not be defined by whether she stays at home or works, but by her ability to make her own choices.