The birth of an adoptive, foster or stepmother beyond biological mothering attachments - Waterman, Barbara (J. Kingsley, 2003)
Includes bibliographical references (pages 228-245) and index
When the child is delivered to you rather than you delivering the child -- Cracked wide open -- Longing and belonging -- Holding the mirror, holding up the ideal -- Love and difference -- The supporting matrix -- Becoming a mother -- Mothering as a spiritual commitment
Adoptive, foster and stepmothers, like biological mothers, find their lives completely changed by motherhood although they are not always granted the rights and privileges accorded to those who give birth. Barbara Waterman explores the common experiences that are shared by all those who enter the motherhood portal. She highlights the importance of wider family and professional support for non-biological parents and primary care-givers of both genders, and their children. A stepmother herself and a practicing psychologist, Waterman's writing is illustrated throughout with vignettes of children