After Jack was born I was undone by all of the different books, blogs, and opinions on mothering. From attachment parenting to Ferber I was confused and overwhelmed by the choices and sense of judgment in the mothering community. Having never done this before (and being one of the first of my friends to have a baby) the choices left me paralyzed. From troubles with breastfeeding to colic to pure exhaustion I was paralyzed.
I think the biggest thing I needed was someone to say, “I’ve been there. I know what you’re experiencing. It is hard. It is confusing. Let me tell you how I coped and then let’s figure out what works for you. And if we can’t, then let’s just sit together and know we’re together in this.”
I wish Sarah Wilson’s book Heart Matters of Early Motherhood had been around when I was in those first months of motherhood.
Sarah’s book is a refreshing splash of truth and compassion for new moms. Filled with research on the challenges modern moms face on a daily basis as well as her own stories, Heart Matters of Early Motherhood is an encouragement for the new mom.
Perhaps the most affirming chapter for me was the one on breastfeeding. Breastfeeding was a constant battle with Jack – the entire 10.5 months I recklessly persevered. No one talks about it in writing, but Sarah goes there. Sarah affirms the struggle in a culture that pushes “breast is best” while shaming the women who just can’t do it. “There really does need to be a cost benefit analysis where breastfeeding is concerned.” (p 31)
Read more about Sarah below, in this wonderful paragraph she provided for me concerning her book, followed by a Q&A about her heart for you wonderful mums. (Oh, did I mention she’s from New Zealand? I love how she talks about mums and nappies. So much cuter than diapers.)
“I decided to write this book, not because motherhood has been a breeze for me, but because it hasn’t been. In fact, this book has been borne out of my struggles, rather than my successes. These struggles are common to most mothers, yet they remain unarticulated. A conspiracy of silence seems to exist around motherhood, yet the well-being of mothers is worth talking about. If we were to believe what we see on television or social media, we might be forgiven for thinking that motherhood is all about apple pie, roses, and rainbows. We are probably all familiar with photos of a smiling family dressed in white on a white couch in an immaculate living room. I don’t know about you, but my family doesn’t look like this! And no one I know with children has a white couch!” (emphasis mine)
Q: Why did you write the book?
A: When I had my first child 8 and a half years ago, I longed for a book that put into words what I was feeling and experiencing. Of course I loved motherhood, and it was amazing, but it was also much harder than I ever imagined it would be. It was a steep learning curve! I decided to write the book that I needed to read in my early years of motherhood.
Q: Who is the book for?
A: Anyone in the trenches of early motherhood. If you are a Mum that has it all together, then you don’t need to read this book. But if you have ever felt weary, struggling, or in need of encouragement (isn’t that most of us?) then it is my hope that this book would be a balm for your soul.
Q: How would you sum up this book in one sentence?
A: This book aims to encourage the heart of mothers in the early years.
Q: What was the hardest part to write?
A: Being vulnerable hasn’t come easily to this private person. Sharing my heart in the pages of this book has been a brave step for me.
Q: How do you find time to write a book when you are a mother?
A: I’ve squeezed in writing in the small pockets of time that I have available – when the children are at school & kindergarten, and late into the night.
Q: What is your next book going to be?
A: My next book is going to be about ‘Restoring Hope in Depression’.
‘Heart Matters in Early Motherhood’ will be available in paperback and ebook through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and The Book Depository.
By purchasing a copy of “Heart Matters in Early Motherhood” book you will help free people from slavery. All royalties will be donated to A21 campaign – a campaign to abolish modern day slavery. See www.A21.com
What others are saying about ‘Heart Matters in Early Motherhood’
‘Each chapter is a breath of fresh air.’ Trina Pockett, Author of Unexpected: Grit, Grace and Life “In Between.’
‘Sarah presents an encouraging, balanced study on what it means to be a mother today, and it is an excellent companion in the challenging years that accompany mothers of young children.’ Mary Crosson, Children’s Author, Midwife, Pastor’s Wife and Mother of three.
‘Sarah writes with transparency, insight and encouragement of her early parenting experiences. She offers a frank and supportive message to parents and a word to the Church about it’s role in caring for today’s family’. Robyn Appleton, Children’s Pastor, Nurse and Mother of three and Grandmother of three.
Sarah Wilson is a wife and mother to three little lovelies, a ‘Director of Domestic Affairs’, currently living in Dunedin, New Zealand, but about to move with her family to England! A psychologist by training, she practisedin special education before her children were born. Since her children arrived on the scene she has taught a little at the local university. She has also completed Christian counselling and prayer ministry training, and hasled the prayer ministry at her church. Sarah is a keen blogger and a member of the Redbud Writer’s Guild. Other interests include playing music, and having fun with graphic design, photography and all things creative.
Find Sarah online:
Blog: www.latteslacedwithgrace.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lattegracelaced
Facebook: www.facebook.com/latteslacedwithgrace
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lattegracelaced/
No Comments Yet