Academic Mothers Building Online Communities


Book Description

This volume focuses on the diverse ways in which mothers working within academia seek to find others with similar experiences to build virtual communities. Although the faculty and student populations of universities have diversified, mothers in academia are disproportionately overrepresented in precarious faculty and staff positions and continue to experience myriad institutional and interpersonal barriers, such as gender wage gaps that are exacerbated by stop-the-clock tenure policies, inadequate parental leave policies, expensive or scarce local childcare options, and social biases. The book gives space to the many ways women create and challenge their own versions of motherhood through a digital “village,” examining how academic mothers use virtual communities to seek and enact different kinds of support.




Migrant Mothers in the Digital Age


Book Description

This book explores the experiences of migrant mothers through the lens of the online communities they have created and participate in. Examining the ways in which migrant mothers build relationships with each other through these online communities and find ways to make a place for themselves and their families in a new country, it highlights the often overlooked labour that goes into sustaining these groups and facilitating these new relationships and spaces of trust. Through the concept of ‘digital community mothering,’ the author draws links to Black feminist scholarship that has shed light on the kinds of mothering that exist beyond the mother–child dyad. Providing new insights into the experiences of women who mother ‘away from home’ in this contemporary digital age, this volume explores the concepts of imagined maternal communities, personal maternal narratives, and migrant maternal imaginaries, highlighting the ways in which migrant mothers imagine themselves within local, national, and diasporic maternal communities. As such, it will appeal to scholars and students with interests in migration and diaspora studies, contemporary motherhood and the sociology of the family, and modern forms of online sociality. Winner of The Australian Sociological Association Raewyn Connell Prize for best first book published in Australian sociology, 2020-2021.




Mothers in Academia


Book Description

Featuring forthright testimonials by women who are or have been mothers as undergraduates, graduate students, academic staff, administrators, and professors, Mothers in Academia intimately portrays the experiences of women at various stages of motherhood while theoretically and empirically considering the conditions of working motherhood as academic life has become more laborious. As higher learning institutions have moved toward more corporate-based models of teaching, immense structural and cultural changes have transformed women's academic lives and, by extension, their families. Hoping to push reform as well as build recognition and a sense of community, this collection offers several potential solutions for integrating female scholars more wholly into academic life. Essays also reveal the often stark differences between women's encounters with the academy and the disparities among various ranks of women working in academia. Contributors--including many women of color--call attention to tokenism, scarce valuable networks, and the persistent burden to prove academic credentials. They also explore gendered parenting within the contexts of colonialism, racism, sexism, ethnocentrism, ageism, and heterosexism.




Motherhood Online


Book Description

It may take a village to raise a child, but increasingly that means a virtual village. While the media may focus on the so-called “mommy wars,” and babyrazzi follow every move of celebrity moms, millions of mothers world-wide are creating online communities. These mommy groups provide an alternative context for understanding how women construct modern motherhood together. Motherhood Online explores the mutifaceted lives that moms live online. Ranging from longitudinal studies to focused explorations of identity, and the newest community context, mommy blogs, this book documents the millions of mommies who have found an outlet online. Whether centered on region, religion, race, or something else altogether, these communities of mothers are creating a new space for mom and allowing many women to maintain a grasp, however tenuous, on sanity in this crazy-making world of modern motherhood.




The Importance of Postnatal Support Groups for New Moms


Book Description

The Importance of Postnatal Support Groups for New Moms Are you a new mom searching for a lifeline of support and understanding during the challenging yet rewarding postnatal phase? "The Importance of Postnatal Support Groups for New Moms" is your comprehensive guide to finding solace, camaraderie, and invaluable resources within the nurturing embrace of support groups. : Embracing the Postnatal Journey Embark on a journey through the transformative postnatal period, where support groups become beacons of hope for new moms like you. Chapter 1: Creating a Sense of Community Discover how postnatal support groups create an inclusive and welcoming community where you can connect with fellow moms who share your experiences. Chapter 2: Sharing Experiences and Advice Explore the power of shared experiences and the wealth of practical advice that flows within these supportive circles. Chapter 3: Dealing with Postpartum Depression Learn how support groups offer a safe space to discuss postpartum depression, seek guidance, and find solace through the stories of others who have walked a similar path. Chapter 4: Addressing Sleep Deprivation Uncover strategies for coping with sleep deprivation and discover how support groups can provide comfort during the bleary-eyed nights of early motherhood. Chapter 5: Providing Breastfeeding Support Navigate the challenges of breastfeeding with the assistance of experienced moms and professionals who offer invaluable guidance. Chapter 6: Learning from Professionals Access expert advice and resources on postpartum physical recovery, infant care, and development. Chapter 7: Building Confidence and Self-Esteem Boost your self-assurance as a new mom through the encouragement and understanding of your support network. Chapter 8: Sharing Success Stories Celebrate the victories and milestones, both big and small, with fellow moms who genuinely understand the significance of these moments. Chapter 9: Overcoming Challenges Face the hurdles of motherhood head-on, knowing you have a team of understanding and empathetic moms by your side. Chapter 10: Access to Resources and Information Tap into a treasure trove of resources, from local services and programs to recommended parenting books. Chapter 11: Emotional Well-Being and Mental Health Prioritize your emotional well-being and mental health with the support and guidance of those who have walked similar paths. Chapter 12: Reducing Feelings of Isolation Bid farewell to isolation as you find validation, empathy, and opportunities for socializing within your support group. Chapter 13: Parenting Skills and Techniques Learn positive discipline strategies and hone your parenting skills alongside like-minded mothers who share your goals. Join the sisterhood of new moms who understand your joys and struggles. "The Importance of Postnatal Support Groups for New Moms" is your essential handbook to finding the compassion, advice, and encouragement you need to navigate the beautiful chaos of new motherhood. Get your copy today and start building your supportive village!Table of Contents Introduction The Importance of Postnatal Support Groups for New Moms CREATING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY SHARING EXPERIENCES AND ADVICE DEALING WITH POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION ADDRESSING SLEEP DEPRIVATION PROVIDING BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT LEARNING FROM PROFESSIONALS POSTPARTUM PHYSICAL RECOVERY INFANT CARE AND DEVELOPMENT BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM SHARING SUCCESS STORIES OVERCOMING CHALLENGES ACCESS TO RESOURCES AND INFORMATION LOCAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMS RECOMMENDED PARENTING BOOKS EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AND MENTAL HEALTH REDUCING FEELINGS OF ISOLATION VALIDATION AND EMPATHY OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIALIZING PLAYDATES AND OUTINGS ONLINE COMMUNITIES AND FORUMS PARENTING SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES POSITIVE DISCIPLINE STRATEGIES







Intersections of Mothering


Book Description

This book presents new interdisciplinary and intersectional research about women as mothers, highlighting that alternative accounts of mothering can challenge normative societal assumptions and broaden understandings of women as mothers, mothering and motherhoods. Mothering occurs within unequal power relations associated with the disadvantages and privileges of an unjust and patriarchal society. Social inequalities associated with gender, race, class, age, ability, sexuality, violence and nationalism intersect in the lives of women as mothers, to shape their lived experiences and perspectives on mothering. Showcasing the breadth and depth of feminist research on mothering, this book gives attention to the diversity of ways in which mothering is constructed and responded to as well as how mothering is experienced. Drawing on intersectional feminist thought, the book challenges normative visions of ‘good mothering’ and interrogates constructs of ‘bad mothering’. It brings together insights from multidisciplinary scholars who use feminist approaches in their research on mothering, to inform policy development and practice when working with women as mothers in diverse circumstances. Intersections of Mothering highlights the complexities of mothering in a contemporary world, show the benefits of considering mothering through an intersectional feminist lens, make visible lived experiences of mothers and provides challenges to dominant imaginings of and service responses to women as mothers. Intersections of Mothering will be essential reading for interdisciplinary scholars and students in criminology, gender and women’s studies, motherhood studies, social welfare, social work, social policy and public health policy, in addition to practitioners and policy workers that respond to women as mothers.




Motherhood Empowered A Comprehensive Guide to a Healthy and Joyful Pregnancy Journey


Book Description

"Motherhood Empowered: A Comprehensive Guide to a Healthy and Joyful Pregnancy Journey" is an empowering and informative book that takes expecting mothers on a journey through the various stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Written with care and expertise, this comprehensive guide provides essential knowledge and practical advice to support mothers-to-be in making informed decisions and embracing the joys and challenges of motherhood. The book begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding a mother-to-be's life and the significance of holistic care. It covers a wide range of topics, including preconception health, essential nutrients, exercise, sleep, substance avoidance, prenatal care, stress management, coping mechanisms, and professional support. Each topic is explored in detail, providing evidence-based information and practical tips to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby. Throughout the book, readers will discover the importance of self-care, building resilience, nurturing the mother-child bond, and the role of partners, family, and friends in providing support during this transformative journey. The book also addresses important practical considerations such as budgeting for pregnancy and childbirth, understanding maternity leave and workplace benefits, preparing for childcare costs, and saving for future educational expenses. "Motherhood Empowered" also delves into creating a safe and nurturing environment for the baby, including baby-proofing the home, setting up the nursery, and considering environmental factors such as air quality and noise. It highlights the benefits of prenatal classes, explores different parenting styles and philosophies, and provides guidance on breastfeeding, infant nutrition, infant care, and safety. The book takes a comprehensive approach to addressing the physical recovery from childbirth, postpartum depression and anxiety, and the importance of self-care and support during this period. It also offers insights into resuming personal and professional roles, understanding childbirth options and interventions, pain management during labor, and the involvement and support of partners. With its engaging and accessible writing style, "Motherhood Empowered" equips expectant mothers with the knowledge and tools to navigate the transformative journey of motherhood with confidence, empowerment, and a focus on holistic care. It serves as a trusted companion, providing valuable guidance, encouragement, and support throughout the pregnancy journey and beyond.




Taking the Village Online: Mothers, Motherhood and Social Media


Book Description

The rise of social media has changed how we understand and enact relationships across our lives, including motherhood. The meanings and practices of mothering have been significantly impacted by the availability of communities found via forums, blogs, and sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as internet resources that function to inform maternal experience and self-concept (ex. motherhood websites, Pinterest, or YouTube). The village that now contributes to the mothering experience has grown exponentially, granting mothers access to interactional partners and knowledge never before available. This volume of works explores the impact of social media forms on our cultural understandings of motherhood and the ways that we communicate about the experience and practice of mothering.




Motherhood and Feminism


Book Description

How does feminism relate to motherhood, how has it changed over time, and what does the future of motherhood and feminism look like? These are just some of the questions Amber E. Kinser, PhD, tackles in Motherhood and Feminism. The latest in the Seal Studies series, Motherhood and Feminism is an important title, examining the role of feminism within motherhood. The topic has garnered a lot of attention lately, as society shifts to adapt to new definitions of these roles. Kinser has made a career of speaking, teaching, and writing about motherhood and feminism--weaving her own experience as a mother together with the knowledge and critique she has garnered through her studies. She offers insight on the core questions of motherhood: what it means to be a good mother, the role of mothers in the family and in society, and how motherhood has been redefined throughout time. Kinser examines how the changing world of motherhood fits into feminist activism, and speculates on the future directions of these identities.