A drinking culture has given rise to a 'mummy needs wine' mentality, where women are told it is acceptable to use alcohol to 'survive' parenthood.
That's according to 'Soberful', a new book by psychotherapist Veronica Valli.
"When we realise we don't want to drink anymore or can no longer drink safely, it can feel like the only choices are to spiral out of control or embrace a joyless life" says Valli.
"But it's not true. Sobriety can be a path filled with fun, excitement, belonging, relaxation, and romance."
She also debunks widespread beliefs about alcohol and sobriety - including that alcohol itself is the problem.
Niamh Delmar is a counselling psychologist and writer. She told Newstalk Breakfast there is glamourising of this culture.
"I think there's a valid point in that, and it's a very interesting read.
"The psychotherapist talks about... women especially being culturally conditioned into thinking there's nothing wrong with it.
"And I think as more and more women are drinking alcohol then obviously there's going to be a lot of mothers that are in that cohort as well.
"And it's glamourised - but it also downplays it, and makes alcohol use a little bit misunderstood.
"And on the spectrum, then, where do we differentiate what's a problem [and] what isn't a problem?
"And it does kind of give out that message [that] there's nothing wrong with it.
"But it's definitely out there on social media, pop culture, and really it's a symptom of mothers unable to cope".
'Perception of alcohol'
She says slogans around a 'wine o'clock' culture do not help things.
"It's kind of a promotion of drinking aimed at women, including mothers.
"And the message is 'Look, you can't cope with parenting so have a big glass of wine and it'll be fine'".
But Ms Delmar says she is not here to preach to others.
"I'm not putting myself on any pulpit here, saying 'Oh now, nobody should be drinking or having their glass of wine'.
"But it's just the way the relationship is with alcohol - there can be a healthier one or there can be a very unhealthy one.
"And also our perception of alcohol - it has to be full-blown dependence or nothing - needs to be changed as well.
"There's a lot of talk now about 'grey area' drinking, where it's in the middle.
"It's not full-blown dependency but there is a preoccupation with the glasses of wine or the alcohol and a struggle to give up.
"And also there's another movement of sober curious people that want to give up, but don't necessarily have to give up".
