The Motherhood

'Welcome to The Motherhood, my dear.'

After her son was born, Jamila Rizvi felt isolated, exhausted and confused. While desperately in love with her new baby, the world she'd known had disappeared overnight and so had her sense of self.

Jamila's salvation came in the form of a letter. A dear friend, Clare Bowditch - who had been there herself - wrote to tell Jamila she would get through this. Her comforting words reassured Jamila that she was seen, that she was supported and that she was not alone.

Now Jamila wants to pay it forward to the next generation of new mothers. The Motherhood is a collection of letters from some of Australia's favourite women, sharing what they wish they'd known about life with a newborn. Coming from writers with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, no two stories are alike - but all are generous, compassionate and deeply honest.

As the old adage goes, 'It takes a village to raise a child' - and it also takes a village to properly support a new mother. Here is your village. These sisters (with babes) in arms are here to share the joy, the fear, the love, the laughter, the tears and the frustration, and to hold your hand in the dark.

Together, they will give you the strength and courage to find your feet as a new mum.

Full list of participating writers, as per book cover:
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.