In the first stage of this project, three different groups of first-time mothers (28 in total) and their babies came together to explore the rewards, expectations and challenges of motherhood. The sessions took place at Hangleton Park, Tarner and City View Children's Centres, Brighton between May and October 08.
The idea behind the project was twofold. Firstly, to give mothers the chance to talk openly and honestly about their feelings and experiences, without fear of judgement. There are many Mother and Baby groups, but these are often informal drop-ins, not suitable for discussing issues that might be difficult or painful. There are also post-natal depression groups, but I wanted to take away the stigma of 'not coping'; for the issues to be re-addressed as challenges to be shared. A sympathetic ear can work wonders.
Secondly, to give mothers the chance to celebrate and commemorate this point in their lives. It is very easy for a new mother to feel sidelined by the focus that is naturally placed on the baby and to have difficulty expressing her feelings in a way that can also be creative. By documenting the participants' opinions, the event acts as a validation for what they are experiencing. Plenty is written and said about motherhood, but not always by the mothers themselves.
There was a Mothers Uncovered exhibition at Tarner Children's Centre, Brighton 10th-14th Nov 08. The exhibition was in three sections:-
- an album for each of the centres, containing the participants' photos and writings, plus some of their thoughts about the experience
- photography of the sessions by Cecile Chevalier
- a film by Miriam King created out of the event
The photographs from the project are being exhibited at each of the main children's centres in Brighton through 2009. Livestock received an Awards for All grant for this project
Check out our blog or Mothers Uncovered on Facebook
Comments from the exhibition - Tarner Children's Centre, 10-14 Nov 08
'A valuable and feel-good scheme that should be sustained and spread across the city.' - Councillor Bill Randall
'What a wonderful exploration and celebration of one of the most neglected and significant transitions we make in our lives - to becoming a mother. Lovely photos and many profound insights in the writings of the mothers who had this incredible opportunity.' - Cathy Fry, National Childbirth Trust
And from the participants...
'I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful group.'
'Seeing the end result was better than expected. I feel privileged to have been a part of Mothers Uncovered.'
'So many moments have been captured that we as mums experience every day. I'm really glad I took part and felt it was really beneficial.'
Comments from the participants' feedback forms
'I would recommend the project to any new mum. It's learning, therapy, bonding and friendship all in one. It provides an invaluable forum to swap experiences in a comfortable, open and non-judgemental environment. It puts your mind at rest and confirms your faith in your own ability as a mother. Motherhood should be celebrated, especially in modern society where it's been downgraded and even demonized by the media and government. This project offers a really positive and useful way to do that. The sense of self-worth the sessions provide is priceless and I can see from the way the mothers blossomed by the end of the fourth session that it is something that will have an enduring impact. In four short sessions, Mothers Uncovered does more for the psychological well-being of mums than the health profession does throughout pregnancy and beyond.'
'It made me feel like my experiences, although hard, were perfectly normal and that there is more than one way to deal with things.'
'Very worthy project. Great to meet others mums and find a relaxed, informal space to talk and listen.'
'I loved this project - I wish it went on for longer.'
Future Plans
We plan to run an audio Mothers Uncovered project in 2009/2010. Participants will take part in group discussions, give interviews and relate anecdotes. The material collected will be crafted into documentary style monologues for performance. The performance itself is planned to run during the day in Brighton, with a creche alongside.
The initial stage of this is Mothers Uncovered - The Naked Truth
We will be doing three shows for the Brighton Fringe 09 at the Brighton Media Centre.
See calendar page for more info.