What Mothers Learn - Naomi Stadlen

''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.