Child

5. Birth of a Mother

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Episode notes

What does it mean to suddenly take on this role, this mantle of ‘mother’. It’s a powerful world and it’s meaning has changed through time.

We speak to writer and science journalist Lucy Jones about the mind blowing experience of becoming one. Writer and historian Elinor Cleghorn about some of the most influential images of motherhood, and how they have shaped the role of women today, as well as artists Conway and Young about their search for alternative depictions of motherhood.

Presented by India Rakusen. Producer: Ellie Sans. Series Producer: Ellie Sans. Executive producer: Suzy Grant. Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts. Original music composed and performed by The Big Moon. Mix and Mastering by Charlie Brandon-King.

A Listen production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds