The Other Mother

I felt as if I could have written this myself. My first daughter is two weeks and it’s been a rough adjustment so reading this was super comforting, knowing someone else like me has been there done that and it worked out. I know a lot of people didn’t like that so much of this was just about general parenting but I think that’s a strength, because being the “other mother” is just in your head— you ARE a parent and raising your kid the same as any other parent would do!

If you are a parent you will laugh your head off. I highly recommend it to fathers, a lot to empathize. And it is a view to same gender parenthood, which in some ways is just the same, but quite different in others.

Finished in less than a week end, every spare moment I had was absorbed by the reading of this book.I already loved this stand up comedian, she is just awesome.So when I saw she wrote a book about her journey to become and be a parent, I knew I had to read it.I have 4 kids, 2 of which are only 12 months apart, and this book totally spoke to me.It is the amazing journey of 2 women in love, who fight to become parents, who fight for acceptance, who fight to be the best parents they can be.From the moment they are parents, the journey is the same as any parents, except that both are mothers, and I believe that both maternal instincts seem amazing. I wish I had had another mother with me too rather than my kids dad around for the first couple of years of their lives. The story of these women is just heartwarming, written in such a beautiful sense of humour and lots of love.I definitely recommend.

This author is, without any doubt, THE most under rated female comedian EVER!! She is totally hilarious.I first saw her on one of the 'Live from the Appollo' shows. I was about to go out to work on a night shift and I ended up crying laughing, and I can't remember the last time I did that!!!This book is an account of Jens' and her partner Chloes' IVF journey, and the birth of their twin sons. It describes the difficulties same sex couples face when wanting to start their own family. It is a fab handbook for any other same set couples wanting to start a family, but it is also an incredibly funny read for anybody at all. And, Jen has undoubtedly helped those of us not in a same set relationship understand the difficulties and heartache that same sex couples do face when wishing for a family of their own.Two of my own daughters are in a same set relationship and both are currently in the process of getting IVF treatment and this book has helped me understand what they will be facing. I may even let them borrow my copy of Jen's book!!!Seriously, if you need a blooming good laugh, buy this book!!! You won't be sorry!!!I really hope we see more of Jen, she has the kind of brilliant wit and natural ability to tell stories that is rare. I would say she is a female version of Billy Conolly and I hope she very soon receives the recognition she thoroughly deserves. And I, for one, hope she has a second book published very soon!!!

This book is by far the funniest and most accurate book on parenting that I’ve read since becoming a mum myself. And I’m pretty sure I’ve read them all! Obvs Jen is a comedian and a bloody great one at that. But it’s the completely raw truth about the daily grind that I loved. She’s articulates it so brilliantly, but doesn’t take it too seriously, and takes you along the ride with her. Thank you for writing such a brilliant read.

Could not put this down. As an anxious ‘other mother’ to be in a matter of 4 weeks - i purchased this book as it came recommended on a forum for lesbian moms.I think i done everyones heads in when I constantly said “listen to this shes hilarious”A few times i nearly woke the sleeping pregnant fiancé when reading certain scenes and even bookmarked them to read back to her in the morning.Thankyou for enlightening me on whats to come. You’ve helped to engulf fear of parenthood around explosive nappies haha but also brought some much needed light to an anxious time. My anxieties have more than halved after reading this. Thankyou!

I laughed a lot and now take myself a lot less seriously. Before reading this book it had never really occurred to me to think what it must be like being the other mother in a same sex relationship with children. This book has opened my mind. It’s not bad for the Brighton tourist trade either.