In Loving Memory of Martha Sears

Martha has been a parenting guide for me since I gave birth. The Breastfeeding Book was my sole guide to breastfeeding in an anti-breastfeeding NICU. I relied on what I imagined was Martha's voice, guiding me through that book, helping me get started breastfeeding. 

It's easy to forget how limited and lopsided parenting advice has been - and can still be. Just a few years ago, complete parenting information was not at our fingertips - it was scarce and inaccessible. If you breastfed, you were a "granola" style parent and the only other advice was to ignore and extinguish annoying child behaviors, which could end up being most behaviors. Parenting any other way was scary and isolating because support didn't exist and criticism was unforgiving.

Martha became a close advisor to many of us through the Sears library of parenting books. Along with her husband Bill, she helped us make sense of a different way of parenting, and research that supported it. This new parenting vocabulary helped us explain our inner wisdom. Research validated what we felt. We were able to build and find support and learn more.

Martha's books and voice informed my parenting as well as my work with Nuturings in supporting other parents too. 

I was lucky enough to meet Martha, work with her and thank her for "being there" for me as a parent. I hope you'll join me in celebrating her legacy by sharing your personal tribute to Martha. Donating to Nurturings in her honor helps us continue her legacy into the next generation. 

I cannot express how important your books were for me.  I was an older pregnant mom (31 pregnant/32 delivery) and I was a motherless daughter from cancer.  Husband who loved me and knew nothing of what was to come.  I read and read.  I loved your books and your point of view.  I didn't want the current What to Expect books.  I hadn't found my village yet.  Thank you Martha, thank you Dr. Sears.  Your books are on my shelf even now as memories.  They helped me think through nursing/latch and vaccines in a balanced way that allows for my sensitive child to be protected and for me to feel supported.  Every generation has someone who is helping or trying to support women and I appreciate your support and help from all ya'll.

Mothering was truly Martha's anointed calling, she mothered her own and she mothered the mothers of the world, without fuss or grandeur. Her wisdom and practical sense was a gift to those of us who followed her through her writing. I had the pleasure and privilege of interviewing Martha - her wit was so much fun! A fond memory was watching Martha and Bill 'rocking and rolling' (or was it jiving?) at a conference here in Australia (at Warrnambool). What a wonderful couple, walking the talk of attachment parenting with their own family, who are so fortunate to have had these wise, patient, fun and connected role models. Thankyou Dr Bill for sharing your precious Martha with us all. 

The name Martha itself embodies the servant heart that Martha Sears had. Martha served others, not only her own large and loving family, but so many absolute strangers through the years of La Leche League and Attachment Parenting. Her great compassion meant that no stranger in need would be ignored. Her networking reach provided a connection across the U.S. for any mother in need, no matter the subject. 

Several years ago, a young mother contacted me needing some breastfeeding coaching. Through Janet Jendron, my sister-in-law, Martha provided me with three different contacts near me in my hometown of Austin, Texas. Within hours, three names came of other women who were willing to help this new mama. They subsequently spent many hours talking to this new mama, at the end of her physical and emotion tether, calmed her and provided practical support, all free of charge. 

This is the legacy that Martha Sears left beyond her partnership with husband Bill, the books, the TV appearances, the conferences: the legacy of a network of mamas needing one-on-one support. No mamas left behind. 

Thank you for all of your contributions to the children of the world.

Martha’s vision, for a more peaceful world through parenting in a nurturing and compassionate way has benefitted generations of parents, their children and the wider world. Thank you Nurturings for continuing this important and visionary work: our world is so much better off because of all you do :)

Martha and Bill Sears, along with their wonderful family, have made an amazing impact on the health of children and families worldwide. Martha will be deeply missed by countless people. She was a wonderful friend to me and I'll be forever grateful to have known her.