What mothers learn : without being taught

'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' Breastfeeding TodayIt 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.