What Mothers Learn

'Naomi writes so gently; her words are a soothing balm in these months of confusion . . . Thank you, Naomi, for your wise words' JUNO 'Essential reading for mothers' B reastfeeding Today It is amazing to listen to mothers and hear how much they learn... Read more

'Naomi writes so gently; her words are a soothing balm in these months of confusion . . . Thank you, Naomi, for your wise words' JUNO 'Essential reading for mothers' B reastfeeding Today It is amazing to listen to mothers and hear how much they learn. Each mother learns different things - some practical, some mysterious. However, some common patterns come through. Mothers learn that: *Mothering is more than baby- and childcare.*Babies can't talk but they can communicate.*Mothers are 'in conversation' with their babies.*Through their babies, mothers learn about themselves.*Mothers form families based on their own values.*The role of fathers is in the middle of a major change.*The reasons for maternal anger need to be understood.*Mothers can still be feminists.*Part of mothering is a spiritual experience.*Mothers bring usable experience back to their workplaces. What Mothers Learn will show, first, how learning to be a mother takes time, and then what a wonderful experience it can be. It also makes the case that, if enough of us agree that mothering is essential, society must find a way to reward the women who do it. Less