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  • Published: 30 April 2018
  • ISBN: 9780143783572
  • Imprint: Viking
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 288
  • RRP: $40.00

The Motherhood




Australia's favourite women share what they wish they'd known about life with a newborn, in this funny, moving collection edited by Jamila Rizvi


'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.
______________________________________

'All new mothers need to read this book . . . Bravo to these women who have bravely put themselves out there in the hope that their stories will help new mothers find the strength to push on through.' Bookseller+Publisher

Contributors include Zoë Foster Blake, Clementine Ford, Holly Wainwright, Clare Bowditch, Jessica Rudd and more.


  • Published: 30 April 2018
  • ISBN: 9780143783572
  • Imprint: Viking
  • Format: Trade Paperback
  • Pages: 288
  • RRP: $40.00

About the author

Jamila Rizvi

Jamila Rizvi is the author of the bestselling Not Just Lucky, a career manifesto for millennial women, and The Motherhood, an anthology of letters about life with a newborn.
Jamila is Editor-at-Large of the Nine Network’s Future Women, host of their podcast Future Women Weekly and weekly columnist for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. She is also a regular commentator on The Project, Today, The Drum and Q and A, and an occasional host on ABC Radio Melbourne.
Jamila is the co-founder of the popular event series Tea with Jam and Clare, which attracts an audience of thousands each year. She previously worked in politics for the Rudd and Gillard Governments, advising on issues including media, women, childcare and employment. Jamila is an Ambassador for CARE Australia and board member of the Melbourne Writers’ Festival.
Jamila has been named as one of Australia’s 100 Women of Influence by the Australian Financial Review. She lives in Melbourne with her husband Jeremy, son Rafi and many loads of clean but regrettably unfolded washing.

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