Valuable inputs required for paper on Parenthood, Pregnancy, Birth and Post Birth

Hello everyone. My name is Bheeshma Chand, a student at the University of Melbourne. I'm currently doing an assignment on Parenthood, Pregnancy, Birth and Post Birth and would love for your opnions to be heard. Kindly reply to the following questions, please state your name, age, number of children, location, e-mail address and phone number. If you are comfortable then please give the following information otherwise your answers will do.

1. How does it feel to be a mother?

2. Did you have to prepare yourself mentally, physically and spiritually to experience the joy of giving birth?

3. Did you read up, look at videos, movies and join classes?

4. Did any older family member accompany you through this phase? Was it helpful, the insight?

5. Were you working before you gave birth?

6. Did your employers provide paid maternity leave or any such benefits?

Yes, then what?

No, then has that hurt you in any way? Did you have to save or apply for benefits?

7. Do you think the government is appropriately helping out families especially mothers with their policies?

 8. Do you have any expectations with the Rudd government and his child care policy? Did you know he's set up a commission to look into paid maternity, paternity and parental leave? 

If yes, then what do you have to say about that? 

9. Is it hard balancing work and motherhood?

10. What are the challenges?

11. I have heard a lot of stories about mothers going into depression after giving birth, did you face any problems?

12. Any advise for mums to be and mums out their?

13. Any words of wisdom to the husbands, fathers to be?

Thank you all,

Your input will be valued immensely,

Bheeshma