Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of More than a Mama by Chhavi Mittal

Have you ever looked at a new mother and wondered, Is she still the same person she was before she became a mom? I’ve asked myself that question more than once—especially watching friends who seem to disappear into their new roles, their own identities quietly pushed to the backseat.

That’s what makes Chhavi Mittal’s memoir, More than a Mama, such a refreshing and powerful read. Known for her roles in Indian television and for her hilarious, real-as-it-gets YouTube channel Shitty Ideas Trending, Chhavi has always been someone who wears her heart on her sleeve. But in this book, she doesn’t just open up—she lets you walk beside her through the raw, beautiful, and sometimes brutal terrain of motherhood, breast cancer, and personal rediscovery.

At first glance, More than a Mama might sound like yet another celebrity mom memoir. It’s not. Divided into three parts—Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Beyond—the book is a thoughtful, layered exploration of what it truly means to be a mother and still be yourself. Chhavi walks us through her experiences, busting age-old myths (like “eat for two” or “breastfeeding ruins your body”), while offering wisdom and honesty about everything from fitness and nutrition to postpartum depression and body shaming.

But the heart of the book? It’s her battle with breast cancer, which hits you like a punch you didn’t see coming. It's not the centerpiece, but it lingers through the pages like a quiet reminder of her strength.

Chhavi’s writing is like a chat over coffee with a friend who tells it like it is—but with love. Her tone is casual yet profound, witty yet introspective. There’s no pretense. No “look how perfect I am.” Just a mom, a woman, figuring it out one honest step at a time. Her anecdotes don’t feel curated for effect—they feel lived.

One moment you're smiling at her telling her husband, Mohit, to back off during labor. The next, you're holding your breath as she describes the moment she felt the lump in her breast. That emotional balance—light and heavy—is her magic.

While there aren’t “characters” in the traditional sense, Chhavi herself is deeply multi-dimensional. She doesn’t try to be a superhero. She lets you see the scared parts, the anxious parts, the “I-just-want-to-scream” parts—and that’s what makes her relatable. Her ideas about reclaiming identity, body autonomy, and mental health post-baby are revolutionary in a culture that often silences mothers’ struggles.

The book flows smoothly. There’s no unnecessary fluff or chronological confusion. Each chapter feels like a natural step in her journey, transitioning beautifully from pregnancy to postpartum to the larger canvas of life after motherhood becomes a part of you—not all of you.

What stuck with me most is the message that motherhood doesn’t have to mean martyrdom. Chhavi repeatedly reinforces that you can be a devoted mother and still have dreams, desires, and a deep relationship with your own body and mind. Her conversations around body image, postpartum healing, and even sex after birth are brave and necessary.

She gently but firmly reminds us: You matter. As a woman. As a person. Not just as a mama.

I’ll be honest—some moments wrecked me. Her candid description of feeling “invisible” after giving birth, or the terror in her voice when recounting her cancer diagnosis, gave me chills. But then she lifts you up again, with her humor and her resolve. This book isn’t just an emotional ride—it’s a healing one.

The biggest strength? Its honesty. It’s not filtered through perfection. It’s not trying to “teach” you—it’s inviting you to walk beside her. Chhavi also offers practical tools—workouts, diets, mental health tips—but never in a preachy way. And the cultural relevance (especially for Indian mothers) is bang on.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say some chapters felt a little rushed—especially when discussing her breast cancer journey, which could’ve been explored with more depth. But I get it—this wasn’t meant to be a cancer memoir. Still, a little more on how she emotionally coped would’ve made the story even richer.

As someone who’s not a mother but has watched friends become them—and slowly lose themselves in the process—this book moved me. It made me more empathetic, more aware. I found myself texting a friend just to say, “You’re more than a mama. And you’re doing amazing.”

And that’s what a good book does—it nudges you, it lingers, it shifts something inside you.

More than a Mama is more than just a memoir—it’s a warm hug, a pep talk, a reality check, and a celebration of womanhood, all beautifully rolled into one. Whether you’re a new mom, expecting a child, or simply trying to find yourself beyond the roles life assigns you, this book wraps you in comfort and courage, making you feel seen in the most tender, powerful way. Chhavi Mittal’s voice is honest, relatable, and refreshingly vulnerable—offering not just stories but strength. I truly hope she continues to write, because the world needs more voices like hers. Highly recommended for new moms, expecting parents, anyone feeling buried under labels, and everyone who believes in the quiet power of vulnerability—because sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is be more than a mama.

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