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The Motherhood

By: Jamila Rizvi
Narrated by: Jamila Rizvi, Clare Bowditch, Clementine Ford, Holly Wainright, Fiona McLeod, Helena Plazzer
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Publisher's Summary

In the first six weeks after her son was born, Jamila Rizvi felt isolated, exhausted and frustrated - as if the world she knew had disappeared forever. Then her salvation came in the form of a letter. A dear friend - who had been there herself - wrote to tell her that she would get through this. That she was seen and supported. That she was not alone. Now Jamila wants to pay it forward to other new mothers.

The Motherhood is a collection of warm, witty and wise letters from some of Australia's favourite women, sharing what they wish they'd known in those first six weeks. Coming from writers with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, no two stories are alike - but all are generous and compassionate and deeply honest.

It takes a village to raise a child - and to support a mother. Here is your village. These sisters (with babes) in arms are here to share the joy, the fear and the 20/20 hindsight. And they will give you the strength and courage to share your own experience and kindness with other women in your life.

Featuring contributions from Rebecca Sparrow, Zoë Foster Blake, Clementine Ford, Alys Gagnon, Jessica Rudd, Kumi Taguchi, Anna Rose, Nicky Champ, Sarah Harris, Jo Stanley, Emma Macdonald, Em Rusciano, Erin O'Neill, Janine Shepherd, Carla Gee, Jen Clark, Kirstie Innes-Will, Bronwyn McCahon, Felicity Harley, Lanai Scarr, Karen Pickering, Nareen Young, Gorgi Coghlan, Katie 'Monty' Dimond, Laura Chalmers, Georgina Dent, Kara Keys, Alissa Warren, Clare O'Neil, Holly Wainwright and Clare Bowditch.

©2018 Jamila Rizvi (P)2018 Audible, Ltd

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Perfect listening for middle of the night feedings

As someone in the thick of newborn life, this book was such a welcome connection to reality - the reality that it’s not just me and that it’s hard for everyone. I felt seen, encouraged and helped to keep going, keep laughing and keep reaching out for help.

So wonderful to be surrounded by other mums speaking kindly in my sleep deprived ears during the early morning feedings with bub.

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Comforting and reassuring in postpartum

I listened to this after the birth of my daughter and gift it to every friend who is newly postpartum. I think the timing of this book is key, perhaps when pregnant it would seem daunting and heavy but when you are postpartum it is so comforting to hear that you are not alone in your struggles as a new mum in those first 6 weeks. I loved it.

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2 people found this helpful

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A must read for all new or expecting mothers!

As a first time mother with a 6 week old baby - this audiobook has been invaluable. The stories shared provide such an incredible insight into motherhood and also offer reassurance that much of what you're experiencing is just part of the incredible journey of being a mother.

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quite the listen

Honestly I am a little traumatized by the things mentioned in this book but absolutely loved hearing the stories and knowing I wouldn't be alone

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If his was a recipe for motherhood ??

Right from the beginning, what a horrible indictment of motherhood.
yes it is a change , but the virulent wording of " my life is over, blah blah blah.
I have been lucky enough to have 3 children, where was the joy and honor of being a mum that many people miss out on and is an integral part of the experience.
i don't understand.

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Depressing

Very depressing accounts of mums struggling to cope. The process of writing these expletive-laden accounts must have been cathartic for the authors, but I didn't find them at all helpful or encouraging as we prepare for parenthood. Rather, they just left me in a bad mood.

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Makes you rethink a family

I thought having children would be hard, but the stories shared here have made me rethink planning a family.

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Not interesting for child free

If you are childfree or ambivalent don’t bother reading this book. I really enjoyed Jamila Rizvi’s book “Not just lucky” and thought I might enjoy this too. I returned if after giving it a go through 8-9 chapters. This is basically a help book for mothers of young infants, which is not me.

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tm

found the book to focus on the negatives a little too much a times found myself wanting to take a break from the book

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.