Dear Motherhood: A collection of real, raw and romantic poetry and prose about the big little love story that is early motherhood.

by Emma Heaphy

The ups and downs of early motherhood, beautifully captured through a collection of real, raw and romantic poetry and prose.

Dear Motherhood is not your standard motherhood book. Made up of chapters addressed to each mother at key stages in her early motherhood journey, the 112 musings contained within carry the reader through, or back to, this very special time in her life.

In this motherhood must-have, Emma Heaphy delivers fresh perspectives on many unspoken motherhood realities, leaving the mother feeling seen, encouraged and inspired. Written from the depths of her love for her children, the pieces are rich in heart, soul and vulnerability, and have captured the attention of mothers around the world.

Dear Motherhood is the perfect gift, personal guide and keepsake. It is a breath of fresh air and it deserves a place on every mother’s bedside table, feeding station or bookshelf.

“Emma’s poetry brings a smile to your face and tears to your eyes simultaneously” - The little black and white book project.

“I feel so lucky to have come across Emma and her writing which parallels and so often perfectly speaks to my own feelings of being a first-time mum” – Erin Sullivan.

“Emma’s words are the heart and soul of every mum. She inspires me to become a better mum” – Cathy Zeghrini.

"Emma’s writing is a gift to mothers around the world. I hope it never stops” - Yasmine Duvall.

Genres: Parenting, Poetry, Nonfiction

258 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2021

Reviews

[Liz Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Emma Heaphy on Instagram, and decided to buy her book. I buy it for every single new mom I know. I cry every time I read it. Every mother should read this. ❤️

[Windekresstard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see the value in this book for other mothers but it felt at times dismissive of the people who don't have a good experience raising a newborn. it's OK to not love being a mom. some of the beginning made it feel like "you'll get it" and for some people they don't. that experience is valid too. but for some people you will get it and that's great and I hope this book makes you feel less alone and hopeful.
I love being a mom even if I struggle. I just think I was looking for a poem book and got more stories/musings. Not my cup of tea.

[Morgan King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so blown away. The words in this book are the truest words ever written, and there’s so much comfort and validation to be found in this collection of poems. Absolutely BRILLIANT for all stages of motherhood, especially the early years

[Kayla Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a new mom to two, this helped remind me to slow down and take it all in, even when things are frustrating or hard.

[Victoria Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

12/10 book; Beautiful poetry that helped to verbally define many of the emotions I experienced during pregnancy, postpartum, and life with a newborn.

[Kiersten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautifully written. I had so many emotions going through it and will definitely be gifting this to expecting mothers!

[Kenneth Tsui · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading this after reading Women Race & Class may have adjusted my opinion about this book. It was painful to read how many responsibilities the role of Mum included according to the author. Stay at home mum unfortunately includes cooking, cleaning, and other things. It really doesn’t have to be that way, but in their relationship it is.

I didn’t like that this experience makes it seem like a mother must be thankful and should realize everything is worth it and your partner who is working hard at an office should be thanked when he grabs the kids and gives you a break. That should be an expectation, not a treat.

I was hoping to learn some points on motherhood, and I did. There were some nuggets in there I did very much appreciate.

Overall I did was trying to get through this book just to finish it. I didn’t love the rhyming poetry which sometimes was nice, but most times felt rudimentary and forced.

[Giorgia M · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to describe this book in one word: Exquisite. As a mother, you'll relate to something in every single one of her musings, and some will ring so surprisingly true and uniquely personal to you that you could've written them yourself

[Tamika Hewitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

To me this book was more like a journal then poems. Although very relatable it didn’t all flow together like a poem. I love that it’s real and that it’s raw. I love being able to compare and feel like I’m not alone but I just think it could have been written a bit better.

[Lauren Hobbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Made me a little anxious but some good gems in there

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing poetry. Was reading poem or two at a time on difficult days and cried a lot. Those poem spoke to my heart and soul. Really helped me through early motherhood.

[Kacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reccomend this book to all mothers, especially new ones! Truly feeling seen in the early years of motherhood is all I could ask for. Emma gets me in a way that no other mother has before. At least not in poetry form!

I will never truly be “done” with this book, as I have read and reread parts and plan to mark my favorite lines and poems when I can. So I will likely be diving into this as well as her other books time and time again.