Published to accompany the exhibition held at the Foundling Museum, 24 January - 26 April 2020.

A collection of stories, quotes, and photographs that capture both the inner wisdom and outer beauty of modern motherhood. It introduces the lives of over 50 women, from celebrity mums to single mums, young and old, as they open their hearts and share touching, and very personal, moments of their empowering and sometimes painful journeys.

If you’re a mom (or mom-to-be) who wants to raise decent human beings, maintain your pre-baby identity, and not lose your sh*t along the way, congrats: you’ve just found the parenting book of your dreams. The Rebel Mama’s Handbook for (Cool) Moms is a girlfriend’s guide to early motherhood. It’s the Coles Notes for all those boring baby books you never read. It’s the instruction manual you wish your kid(s) came with - complete with cocktail list. Welcome to motherhood. Let’s do this.

In this dazzling collection of over 200 photos of pregnant women taken from art libraries, childbirth manuals, maternity ads, contemporary art, and personal albums, the authors explore the paradox between image and reality. The photos illuminate how society creates feminine roles through the institution of pregnancy-and how women resist such roles.

First Published in 2000. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Capturing the beauty of pregnancy through photographs is an increasingly popular trend, and this timely guide covers the basics of maternity photography from both artistic and business standpoints. The details of creating a successful maternity portrait are addressed, including how to select a meaningful location, what props and fabrics to use, how to pose the subject, and how to produce a flattering lighting scheme. Helpful digital effects that can enhance skin tone and impart a wide variety of polished and artistic effects are discussed, as are tactics for incorporating other family members in the portrait. Also included are tips for building a strong connection with the subject that can lead to a profitable, lifelong client relationship.

Artist Anna Rose Bain shares her intimate journey from pregnancy up through the start of her daughter’s second year in this portfolio of paintings, drawings, and blog excerpts. Her goal for this book is to inspire and encourage other parents, wives, and caretakers to pursue their dreams and to love without reserve.

The Belly Art Project is a celebration of one of humanity’s greatest gifts: motherhood! Created by Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx and the Sara Blakely Foundation, this beautiful, happy book features photographs of over 100 women who came together and used unlikely canvases - their bellies - as billboards of hope. The Belly Art Project showcases moms-to-be with their bellies transformed into works of art--witty, eye-bending and beautifully art directed--all posed to benefit mothers in need. All kinds of mamas bellied up to the cause, from celebrities like Kate Winslet, mother of three, and Milla Jovovich, mother of two, to business leaders like Zanna Roberts Rassi, fashion editor and TV host, and Stacey Bendet, founder and CEO of fashion brand Alice and Olivia, to everyday women from all over the globe. With a complete how-to belly paint section so readers can paint themselves or their friends, The Belly Art Project is an inventive piece of design and a perfect baby shower present. 100% of the author's proceeds benefit Every Mother Counts.

"Pregnancy Portraits: Navigating the Road to Motherhood" is a captivating and insightful guide that illuminates the transformative journey of pregnancy with grace and authenticity. Through vivid storytelling, personal anecdotes, and expert advice, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of pregnancy, providing expectant mothers and their partners with a roadmap for navigating the joys, challenges, and profound experiences that accompany the path to motherhood. With its compelling narrative and thoughtful reflections, "Pregnancy Portraits" invites readers to embark on a deeply personal journey, delving into the intricate tapestry of emotions, hopes, and fears that arise during pregnancy. From the exhilarating moment of conception to the miraculous journey of childbirth, each chapter offers valuable insights and practical guidance for expectant parents as they navigate the complexities of pregnancy and prepare for the arrival of their little one. Beyond the physical changes and medical milestones, "Pregnancy Portraits" celebrates the transformative power of pregnancy as a time of self-discovery, growth, and profound connection with the unborn baby. With its emphasis on fostering emotional well-being, nurturing relationships, and embracing the transformative nature of motherhood, this book serves as a trusted companion for expectant mothers and their partners, offering support, encouragement, and inspiration every step of the way. Through its candid portrayal of the joys and challenges of pregnancy, "Pregnancy Portraits" seeks to empower expectant parents to embrace the journey of parenthood with confidence, resilience, and unwavering love. Whether navigating the rollercoaster of emotions in the first trimester, celebrating the blossoming bump in the second trimester, or preparing for childbirth and beyond in the third trimester, this book serves as a beacon of hope and guidance, illuminating the path to motherhood with wisdom, compassion, and grace.

Intimate stories from notable and influential women that celebrate the early stages of life and the start of motherhood. A book that changes the narrative about postpartum, Life After Birth illustrates what life is really like after birth—not just days and weeks later, but also years afterward. What is the transition to motherhood really like? From a parent in the military to a mother’s pregnancy of 42 weeks, Life After Birth is filled with accounts of strength, resilience, and power. Every birth is a unique story. While we tend to focus our attention on the arrival of a baby, in pregnancy parents are also introduced to a new self. Life After Birth reflects on the many physical changes as well as the myriad of feelings that are brought on by this transformation and the inseparable bond a new life brings. Revealing real experiences and raw emotions, this book is a celebration of life and a celebration of the human body.