'Mother' is a word heavy with associations.

Becoming a mother is surely one of the biggest changes and challenges in a woman's life. It is at once an absolutely unique experience, and yet one which is so common that it is often overlooked. Motherhood is intense, relentless and absorbing, in all senses of the word.

Popular culture seems to have a split personality when it comes to motherhood - at once holding it up as a sacred ideal, and yet being a little dismissive of women as mothers.

A diverse international group of women have been brave enough to share their stories, poetry and artwork to encourage you to think and feel about this most influential of relationships in a new and enlightened way.

* Includes Discussion Questions for Reading Groups *

Authors: Dr. Carla Pascoe, Christa Forster, Angelique Jamail, Tara Cheverestt, Khaalidah Muhammad-Ali, Gemma Wright, Mary Jeavons, Tram Nyguyen, Heather Sadiechild Harris, Alison Bartlett, Ceridwen Masiulanis, Judy McKinty, Judith Field, Judith Dickermann-Nelson, Judith Logan Farias, Kitty Brody, Maureen Bowden, Marie Marshall, Cheri Roman, Rhyannon Yates, Valerie Walawender, Jessica Kennedy, Betty Ming Liu, Sarah Cass, Sabrina Garie, Sandra Danby, Laura Evans, Jennifer James