In the first six weeks after her son was born, Jamila Rizvi felt isolated, exhausted and frustrated - as if the world she knew had disappeared forever. Then her salvation came in the form of a letter. A dear friend - who had been there herself - wrote to tell her that she would get through this. That she was seen and supported. That she was not alone. Now Jamila wants to pay it forward to other new mothers.

The Motherhood is a collection of warm, witty and wise letters from some of Australia's favourite women, sharing what they wish they'd known in those first six weeks. Coming from writers with a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, no two stories are alike - but all are generous and compassionate and deeply honest.

It takes a village to raise a child - and to support a mother. Here is your village. These sisters (with babes) in arms are here to share the joy, the fear and the 20/20 hindsight. And they will give you the strength and courage to share your own experience and kindness with other women in your life.

Featuring contributions from Rebecca Sparrow, Zoë Foster Blake, Clementine Ford, Alys Gagnon, Jessica Rudd, Kumi Taguchi, Anna Rose, Nicky Champ, Sarah Harris, Jo Stanley, Emma Macdonald, Em Rusciano, Erin O'Neill, Janine Shepherd, Carla Gee, Jen Clark, Kirstie Innes-Will, Bronwyn McCahon, Felicity Harley, Lanai Scarr, Karen Pickering, Nareen Young, Gorgi Coghlan, Katie 'Monty' Dimond, Laura Chalmers, Georgina Dent, Kara Keys, Alissa Warren, Clare O'Neil, Holly Wainwright and Clare Bowditch.