ABSTRACT
Before the baby arrives it is difficult to imagine how each day will be spent. It is often thought babies sleep for extended periods, leaving the new mother with plenty of time on her hands. By this stage, the women in the group will be all too aware of the work involved in childcare, and will be growing accustomed to the many and varied daily tasks to be done. The roles, skills and qualities provide the growing child with a mixture of practical and emotional support. Several professions are rolled into one: carer, teacher, counsellor, adviser, entertainer, doctor, secretary, manager, coach and accountant, to name just a few. In most households, women are the lynchpin of the family and all too often put everyone else’s needs before their own. It is always interesting at the second session to see if everyone comes back. Sometimes we lose people along the way and often have no way of knowing why.
