What Mothers Learn: Without Being Taught Kindle Edition

One for all new mums

I found this book - and all of Naomi’s books actually- such a tonic to the chatter of motherhood generally. The way that Naomi has pulled together themes from lots and lots of mothers really makes you feel less alone and understood.It’s different from other ‘parenting’ books as it doesn’t tell you what to do (what a relief!!) but allows you to recognise your own innate skills and abilities as a mum. It’s a book that gives you confidence and empowers you as you move forward with your baby.If I was in charge I’d be giving all of Naomi’s books to news mothers on discharge from hospital- absolutely essential reading.

Babies open a new world to mothers – often frightening, baffling, exhausting, guilt making, and even angry making. To which they come untrained, and tired after childbirth. Yet mothers are Key Workers, Essential Workers, for who heard of an Independent Baby ? Naomi’s wonderful ‘Mothers Talking’ little group, running for years, shows clearly, with her careful records, how mothers gain from talking kindly together. Mothers come to see, for themselves, how brave they are, how clever, how responsible is their job. Because we all need mothering. New mothers will realize YES – their troubles are across the board, so common as to be unbelievable. They are given permission to vocalize, to feel sorry for themselves, to understand they are not failures, but heroines ! I laughed so much, and cried too, as a grandmother, as memories flooded back of trials and tribulations.This new book, Naomi’s third, delighted me, and I hope new mothers. With its larger format, and even larger font, plus the so beautiful and tactile cover , this book is really ‘stand-alone’. Modern mothers and even grandmothers – there is a chapter for them - plus partners (neither are they neglected !) may dip in, and then realize how original and unique is this text. And how very comforting. …But, beneath these deceptively simple revelations, is a far more worrying and serious issue. Why are mothers so disregarded, so invisible, so disrespected – often positively ? Our culture is doing badly for mothers, when surely it should be supporting and praising – and most important valuing. Let’s hope that, due to this calm and professional evidence, laid out to justify, times will change for their and future generations benefit. Perhaps what mothers learn for themselves is - it really is worth it – they love their babies whatever, and their babies love them.

This is a beautiful book that gives insight into the mystery of mothering and what mothers learn in their being and doing. I am not a mother as yet but I’ve always esteemed caring mothers and think of mothering as a complete identity. Having faith helps in th appreciation of motherhood I find. Edith Stein’s book ‘Essays on Woman’ may be of grace to women in search of a more secure sense of self, especially as mothers. But this book by Naomi Stadlen is wonderful.