The existence of maternal hostility poses a conundrum in Western cultures which idealise motherhood. The widespread belief that mothers a biologically primed to love and protect all their children, makes it difficult to comprehend maternal neglect, abuse and, most tragicallly all, infanticide.  Due to this lack of understanding, mothers who exhibit hostility  are often vilified, shamed, and labelled as unnatural or mentally ill.

Mothers internalise these attitudes, experiencing shame when hostility arises. Tragically, this shame increases the likelihood that mothers will act out their hostility.

While maternal hostility is always harmful, viewing these behaviours as unnatural may not be the most helpful way to understand or address them. In this presentation, I propose that adopting an evolutionary perspective provides a more insightful, helpful and compassionate framework.

This presentation focuses on infanticide because it is the most extreme manifestation of maternal hostility, but it is equally relevant to less severe forms of maternal hostility and neglect. It also applies to mothers who surrender their children to adoption, as well as to mothers who are unable to be present for their children due to physical or psychological illness, or social hardship.

The aim of this presentation is twofold: first, to support change among mothers who harbour negative feelings towards their children, and second to help those who have been affected by such relationships in healing. This perspective may also contribute to public programs aimed at addressing the roots of maternal hostility, potentially reducing its occurrence and impact.