''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'' B 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.