What Mothers Do
Naomi Stadlen
This deeply affirming book explores the invisible, emotional, and instinctive work mothers do every day. Drawing on real conversations with mothers, Stadlen gives voice to the complexities of early motherhood—the tasks that don’t come with checklists, the feelings that don’t always make sense, and the identity shifts that are often overlooked. Rather than offering advice, she validates the unique, moment-by-moment nature of being with a baby and reminds mothers that what they do—especially when it looks like “nothing"—is profoundly meaningful.
Why It’s Included:
We include this title for its quiet, revolutionary power. Stadlen’s compassionate insights challenge the cultural undervaluing of mothering and shine a light on the unseen labour of nurturing. It’s a book that mothers often describe as life-changing—not because it tells them what to do, but because it helps them see what they’re already doing in a new light.
Who It’s For:
Highly recommended for new mothers, those supporting them, and anyone working in the perinatal space. Especially valuable for mothers feeling uncertain, exhausted, or unseen. Also ideal for doulas, maternal health professionals, and birth educators seeking a deeper understanding of the emotional realities of early motherhood.
“Reading this book for second time twenty years after it was published was frustrating - not because of the book but because society had actually devolved further down the path of not valuing motherhood. Now, even more, women feel they must be in the paid workforce to be productive and the care work they do within their families are not valued. This is a must read for every woman transitioning through matrascence and beyond.”
Further Reading:
What Mothers Learn – Naomi Stadlen
How Mothers Love - Naomi Stadlen
Why Grandmothers Matter - Naomi Stadlen
Publication Year:
2004
