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Mothers Be HEARD
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August 08

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August 08

Being a mum. Ever wondered what it's like for other mums?  Read what these women have to say.

I don't know about you, but as a mum myself I love to know about how other women feel about being a mum, and sometimes it's also good to say how you feel.

Mothers Be HEARD is a site for mums all around the world to tell it like it is and to feel connected.  This site is for new mums and seasoned mums alike. 

Mums (and Dads!!) have a very special role in our society.  Being a mum today can be a pretty tough gig.  Sure there are more opportunities and choices for women now - but the rubber can hit the road when you try and combine this with motherhood.  Who's listening to you?

Mothers Be HEARD knows that today's mum, more than ever before, probably established a 'life' for herself before becoming a mum. You might have studied, travelled, developed a career, set up a home, established a set of friends,  and focussed on some hobby or recreational pursuit; all before embarking on the journey of motherhood.

This site recognises that mothers are people too, and wants to give you a chance to re-connect with the woman you are.  I believe in giving mums a voice where they might not otherwise get an opportunity and, in doing so, create a greater awareness and acknowledgment of what it means to mother in our community. 

This site moves beyond the motherwars and wants mums to feel OK about whatever is going on for them - the intense love they have for their child, feeling isolated and trapped, in conflict about returning to paid work, incredibly fulfilled in the job of raising the next generation....

Mothers Be HEARD is a celebration of motherhood and welcomes you irrespective of your race/ethnicity, spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation, marital/ partner status, whether you work for pay or are a stay-at-home mum.  All mums are welcome on this site. I hope you enjoy this site as much as I do!

Felicity Chapman

B.Soc.W. (Hons.), Assoc.Dip.C.Counselling, MAASW,

and member of The Association of Research on Mothering - Australia (ARM-A)

Feedback:

"Excellent idea, especially for ex-professional women who have sacrificed

a BC Life for the ideal of a nurturing mother!" 

Natalie, July 2006

"I think this website touches on some great issues; a lot of the stories I can relate to. I love that it gives mothers a voice. ....This website is a must for all mums, what ever age they are."

Darlene, March 2007

"..thanks for the opportunities to get things off your chest, it is great."

Colleen, April 2007

"Hi There, What a great site, congratulations! I would like to see something on your site relating to older mothers like me - ie. with teenage children (19 & 17) as although I'm now at the stage where they are older & need me less, and in a different way, there are still many 'issues' to deal with! To all those exhausted women out there, it does get easier in that you do get to spend more time doing your own thing & doing things with your partner."

Alicat, October 2007

Administrators note: I know this site does seem geared toward new mothers but, really, it is for all mothers and any entries from those with older children are more than welcome!  Also feel free to post on the discussion board - there are a few mums with older kids there.  Thanks Alicat for your feedback!

"This is fantastic, so informative and professional. The stories are so heart felt and I can relate to so many of the emotions expressed. It is incredible that with such common themes running through the stories of mums we can at times feel so alone and isolated. Thank you for the time and dedication you have given to this amazing resource for women."

Lynda, May 2008

"I am a mother of a 15 yr old son and a 13 yr old daughter, times are a changing again for me. Recently I took the family on a world trip covering eight countries and 8 and a half months and felt free of the constraints that being a stay at home mum brings. To be free and have my family with me was the greatest gift of all. But the comedown has been even more difficult; the reality of being back in my culture (England) and the constraints of once again feeling 'trapped' within the home are all back with a vengeance and gradually being worked through. Its great to come across sites like yours. It reminds me there are other 'mums' out there that feel the difficulties that comes within being a mum, with the choices that are made. In our culture being a mum does not seem to be valued, although all of us that are doing it know how difficult it is and the responsibilities that come with it and the value within it. Its tough. All learning is done whilst on the job, yet when I listen to my teens and hear their voices I know it was all worthwhile. That's love for you! "

Janice, August 2008