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.
About the Author
Over the past five years, Jamila Rizvi has firmly established herself as the preeminent voice of young Australian women online. As a writer, presenter, interviewer and commentator, Jamila injects her own special brand of humour, irreverence and authenticity into the public debate. She has more than 65,000 highly engaged social media followers across Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram.
Jamila is an accomplished host, interviewer and commentator, appearing regularly on, The Project, The Feed, The Drum and ABC News Breakfast. She has also appeared on Q and A, The Verdict, Studio 10, Today, 7.30, A Current Affair and The Morning Show. Jamila wrote, produced and hosted the popular ABC iView series “What’s Going on Canberra” with comedian Rosie Waterland in 2016. She is also a digital columnist for News Limited, where she writes regularly about everything from politics to pop culture to parenting. Her columns have also been published by Mamamia, The Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan Magazine and Ventura Press.
Jamila is the former Editor-in-Chief of the Mamamia Women’s Network websites, which reach more than 2 million women each month. In 2014 Jamila was named one of Cosmopolitan's 30 Most Successful Women Under 30 and in 2015, was listed as one of Australia's 100 Women of Influence by the Australian Financial Review. Jamila was a finalist for Best Newcomer in the 2014 Women In Media Awards and under her stewardship Mamamia was named 'Brand of the Year' in 2013.
Prior to entering the media, Jamila worked in politics for former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Minister Kate Ellis. Having advised governments at the very highest levels, she has extensive experience in policy areas including women, media, child care, employment and youth.
