Mardy S. Ireland is an author and psychoanalyst, who practices in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Previously she practiced and taught in Berkeley, California.
In 1993, Ireland wrote "Reconceiving Women: Separating Motherhood From Female Identity", which focuses on three types of women: mothers, child-less, and child-free.
[1] Acknowledging the distinction child-free became critical as a legitimate choice for women.
The "academic book" had struck a chord and found broad appeal.