Why Mothering Matters

Pregnancy is a time of profound physical and psychological change. The transition to motherhood can be complex and difficult, and in all the discourse about pregnancy and birth the huge personal changes that women undergo can be overlooked. In the 21st century it can seem that mothers are blamed and blame themselves for everything, as they struggle to manage their multiple identities as mothers, lovers, sisters and daughters.

Why Mothering Matters is a nuanced and revealing discussion of how it can feel to become a mother in modern society. It calls for better recognition of the work of motherhood, and better support for women and families as they learn what parenting looks like for them.

Maddie McMahon is a doula, doula course leader and breastfeeding counsellor in Cambridge, and has vast experience supporting new parents. She writes a blog about birth and breastfeeding issues at thebirthhub.co.uk. Her first book Why Doulas Matter, is also part of the Pinter & Martin Why It Matters series. Maddie lives in the UK.