Mum’s the Word.

SUPER WOMAN

Melissa Doyle, co-presenter of Sunrise on Channel 7, is no stranger to juggling work and motherhood. She talks about the practical guide for new mothers she co-wrote with mum Jo Scard.

How did The Working Mother’s Survival Guide come about?
There are plenty of books about pregnancy, birth, and caring for a new baby, but we saw a gap in the market for a book that specifically helped working mums. How do you negotiate your legal entitlements, manage your emotions and get your head around all the changes?

What is the toughest part about being a working mother?
Some days, it’s just trying to fit it all in – your job at the office and your job at home. The pressure we put on ourselves doesn’t help either. This isn’t the time to expect three-course meals and a dust-free house!

Which other resource do you recommend in your book?
Mothers’ groups! Your friends will never be so valuable. Other mums who are going through the same journey will understand you in a way that is invaluable. Talk to them, support them, mind their kids to give them a break and hopefully, they’ll do the same for you.

What words of wisdom do you have for first-time working mums?
Just enjoy every moment. It’s true that time does fly – those first three difficult months will seem a lifetime away when your little one throws their arms around your neck and says, “Mummy, I love you”. And don’t let it all overwhelm you. Women have been doing this for years without all the mod-cons we enjoy! If it’s all too much, make changes… cut back your hours, take on fewer projects. Don’t listen to criticism – only you know what’s working for you and your family.

The Working Mother’s Survival Guide is published by Allen & Unwin, AU$29.95, ISBN 9781741750348.

Mum’s Mother Knows Best

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE: FIFTEEN JOURNEYS TO MOTHERHOOD
Such a simple phrase that barely explores the depth of strength, perseverance and love of these women who have found their own way to be the best mother they can be. Five Mile Press (Bookwise International), AU$19.95, ISBN 9781741788969.

JUST LIKE MY MUM
A book to share with the little ones, this is a funny and touching book by David Melling about wanting to grow up to be as super as mum. Hodder Children’s (Hachette Livres Australia), AU$15.99, ISBN 9780340944165.

MOTHER ME – A MUM’S GUIDE TO BALANCE, WELL-BEING AND HARMONY
Katie Brown’s guide for new mothers includes advice on taking time out for emotional and physical self-care, finding time for extended family and friends, in addition to nurturing the new arrival. MacMillan Australia, AU$35, ISBN 9781405038348.

MOTHERS’ WIT
“Motherhood is… mind-blowing,” so says Britney Spears. This and other absolutely priceless quotes by the famous and the infamous will surely bring on the laughs. Five Mile Press (Bookwise International), AU$16.95, ISBN 9781742112336.

YOU’RE A FABULOUS MUM
Susannah Mac’s amusing, much-needed foil to all those serious, how-to-be-a-supermum books out there, where mothers are relieved of guilty thoughts and the odd bad hair day. Hardie Grant Books, AU$16.95, ISBN 9781740666220.

Book of the month
THE MOTHER’S BOOK
Here’s a journal for mum to fill in that will become a unique and precious keepsake. Dutch author Elma van Vliet came up with a list of questions for her mother, who was seriously ill, so she could get to know her as a person, not just a mother. The stuff of heirlooms. Short Book (Allen&Unwin), AU$29.95, ISBN 9781906021092.