I have treasured all of Naomi's books and I agree that "What mothers do" should be required reading, not just for women who are pregnant or who have had babies, but for everyone. How many of us mums have been subjected to the "jokes" and barbs about how "lucky" we are to be having "time off" when we are caring for babies and children?
We are forming the adults of the future by forging the foundational relationship that is the mother/baby dyad. This is the most important relationship we will ever have as it is the one that we will repeat and remodel in every subsequent human interaction we have.
"What it means to be human is summed up by Winnicott as, “It is a joy to be hidden but a disaster not to be found”. We all value privacy and need time to think our own thoughts. But to not to have a mother who knows and understands us, who does not “find” our real self is a disaster indeed. For in our mother finding us, we are able to find ourselves." https://lucyleader.substack.com/p/donald-woods-winnicott
Sounds like the book I wish I had known of and read .
I was given baby and child by Penelope leach which by the sounds of it touched on what Naomi was writing about. That was my bible . I would have gained great comfort and reassurance from what mothers do I am certain .
What a beautiful tribute, Milli. I remember feeling monumentally overwhelmed and nauseous at the thought of having to keep a baby alive. I haven't read Naomi Stadlen but wish I had! I was incredibly fortunate to have the Blandford Breastfeeding Support group on my doorstep. They saved my life!
The book is a bit like a virtual group of mothers really, only they are mothers who are being REALLY honest, which is so helpful! Glad you found that group xx
For my era I rather liked Penelope Leach who used to laugh at any suggestion that mothers could be consistent… anyway by baby number 2 I was involved with LLLGB and it was their peer support that was important - so sad what has happened… good luck to MaMo.
I have treasured all of Naomi's books and I agree that "What mothers do" should be required reading, not just for women who are pregnant or who have had babies, but for everyone. How many of us mums have been subjected to the "jokes" and barbs about how "lucky" we are to be having "time off" when we are caring for babies and children?
We are forming the adults of the future by forging the foundational relationship that is the mother/baby dyad. This is the most important relationship we will ever have as it is the one that we will repeat and remodel in every subsequent human interaction we have.
"What it means to be human is summed up by Winnicott as, “It is a joy to be hidden but a disaster not to be found”. We all value privacy and need time to think our own thoughts. But to not to have a mother who knows and understands us, who does not “find” our real self is a disaster indeed. For in our mother finding us, we are able to find ourselves." https://lucyleader.substack.com/p/donald-woods-winnicott
How lovely, Milli! I will recommend it to a pregnant young woman I know!
Yes do. A true gift! x
Thanks Milli. It's a great book and saved my sanity. As you say it could be read at any stage of mothering.
Rip Naomi.
Yes, probably very healing if you read it later on in life, too. x
This made me want to cry. It’s why I trained as a midwife at age 44 and love every day working with women. What mothers do is so incredible!
Agreed!
What a beautiful encomium you’ve written, Milli!
That is a word I don't think I've ever heard - encomium! Thanks for a new word! x
Sounds like the book I wish I had known of and read .
I was given baby and child by Penelope leach which by the sounds of it touched on what Naomi was writing about. That was my bible . I would have gained great comfort and reassurance from what mothers do I am certain .
Oh I haven't read that one.
To be honest you could still read and enjoy What Mothers Do at any life stage. It's so good. xx
What a beautiful tribute, Milli. I remember feeling monumentally overwhelmed and nauseous at the thought of having to keep a baby alive. I haven't read Naomi Stadlen but wish I had! I was incredibly fortunate to have the Blandford Breastfeeding Support group on my doorstep. They saved my life!
The book is a bit like a virtual group of mothers really, only they are mothers who are being REALLY honest, which is so helpful! Glad you found that group xx
A gorgeous tribute Milli x
For my era I rather liked Penelope Leach who used to laugh at any suggestion that mothers could be consistent… anyway by baby number 2 I was involved with LLLGB and it was their peer support that was important - so sad what has happened… good luck to MaMo.