The complex world of motherhood is here unveiled. Covering issues ranging from whether we should occasionally lie to our children, to the unexpected challenges and complications of being a mother, Motherhood - Philosophy for Everyone offers insightful, serious but often humorous essays that can be enjoyed by everyone - including husbands and fathers.* Considers salient philosophical issues relating to pregnancy, birth, babycare, and raising a child* Chapters include "The Days and Nights of a New Mother: Existentialism in the Nursery", "The Media Proudly Presents: Lessons' from Celebrity Moms", and "The Off Button: Thought Experiments and Child Control"* Contains work from diverse academic perspectives, including economics, psychology, education, English, sociology, women's studies, and theological studies, as well as from nurses and stay-at-home mothers* Includes a foreword by Judith Warner, the New York Times columnist ("Domestic Disturbances") and author of Perfect Madness: Motherhood in the Age of Anxiety

ForewordAcknowledgmentsNavel-Gazing at Its Finest: An Introduction to Motherhood - Philosophy for EveryonePart I: Mommy Brain: Truth, Knowledge, and Belief in MotheringPart II: Labor Pains: The Work and Wonder of Being a MomPart III: Mom's Morality: Ethical Issues in MotheringPart IV: Is Motherhood Everything You Thought It Would Be? Fantasy Meets RealityA Brief Afterword: Some Words from Contributors' Kids on Motherhood and PhilosophyRead All About It: A Feminist Bibliography on Pregnancy and MotheringNotes on Contributors