‘What I wish I knew before I became a mother’ is a new book about
motherhood written by Australian mothers, Peace Mitchell and Katy
Garner.
As new mothers Peace and Katy found the reality of life with a baby
completely different to what they had previously imagined.
Unprepared for the adjustment from a career to the role of
motherhood they struggled with challenges such as self doubt, a
changing identity, sleep deprivation, loss of independence,
conflicting advice and isolation.
After speaking to many other women with children of all ages they
found they were not alone and that these challenges were common
experiences for new mothers in contemporary Australian society.
"The original idea for this book came from the realisation that
becoming a mother is not simply about giving birth and waiting for
your maternal instincts to kick in. Learning to take care of a baby
takes time and we wanted to help mothers realize this and be
prepared for the adjustments that come with becoming a mother. We
wanted to write a book that would reassure new mothers and help
make this journey a little easier for them."
What I wish I knew before I became a Mother is written specifically
for new and expectant mothers. This book addresses topics such as
pregnancy, preparing for birth, encouraging communication with your
partner, breastfeeding, ensuring you have a strong support network,
knowing when to ask for help and looking after yourself.
‘What I wish I knew before I became a mother’ aims to help new
mothers adjust to the demands of life with a newborn in a positive
and uplifting way. Featuring gorgeous photography and practical
tips and advice this book is the perfect gift for new and expectant
mothers!
Published by Boolarong Press 'What I Wish I Knew before I Became a
Mother' and is available in
bookstores, baby boutiques and online.
About the authors
Peace and Katy are sisters who are passionate about motherhood and
the importance of supporting new mothers. They believe that by
supporting, encouraging and empowering mothers, benefits can be
seen for the whole family. Since becoming mothers their lives have
changed dramatically, it has been an amazing transformation and has
been at times overwhelming, exciting, challenging and rewarding.
In 2003 they established a community playgroup to help provide a
strong support network for themselves and for local mothers, this
successful and close-knit group provided invaluable support to its
member families when Cyclone Larry devastated their community in
2006.
Wanting to do more to help local families through such a difficult
time Peace and Katy along with two of their friends Liz Provians
and Karen Portelli formed non-profit organization, Mothers Helping
Others Inc. In the 12 months following Cyclone Larry this group
focused on efforts to provide emotional recovery for children,
mothers and families through a diverse range of innovative
projects. These projects included publishing a book of children’s
stories and artwork, rebuilding damaged playgrounds, holding a
photography workshop and an exhibition featuring local mothers
work, establishing a young parent’s playgroup and holding a Girl’s
night out for local women.
Since then the group has gone on to launch a community literacy
initiative called ‘Books for bubs’ which encourages reading to
children from birth by providing a pack of books for all new babies
born in the Innisfail Hospital. They have coordinated a 12 month
parenting program focusing on nurturing mothers and have been
instrumental in changing local government legislation with the
implementation of the charter for inclusive communities which
addresses issues such as facilities and access for parents of young
children, disabled and elderly community members. In 2008 Mothers
Helping Others received a state Tidy Town award as Queensland’s
most outstanding community group.
Peace Mitchell is a primary school teacher and has been a member of
the board of management of Playgroup Queensland since 2007. In 2008
Peace was awarded the Australia Day Johnstone Shire Citizen of the
year award for her work with Mothers Helping Others.
Katy Garner is an events coordinator and in 2008 coordinating
community events and established the International Women’s Day
“Women who make a difference” awards which recognize local women in
the community.
Peace and Katy have now established a new business called ‘Love
being a mother’ and this book is the first in a series of books
written by mothers aimed at celebrating motherhood.
Contact us: E: info@lovebeingamother.com.au M: 0448 684 379 A: PO
Box 1420, Innisfail Q 4860 W:
http://www.lovebeingamother.com.au/
