'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 Today

It 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.