In the 1950s, prior to the Women’s Liberation Movement, motherhood was the dominant career choice open to women. Second-Wave Feminists realized this “career” limited women’s agency. They wanted more for women. For this reason, many Feminist periodicals worked to redefine motherhood. This project focuses on the periodical Up From Under, published from June 1970 to June 1971. As a publication created “by, for, [and] about” women, Up From Under redefines motherhood’s various aspects, including abortion, forms of birth control, reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth, and raising children. Throughout all five issues of Up From Under, the editors feature candid poetry such as Robin Morgan’s “The 2 A.M. Feeding” and Rhoda Gaye Ascher’s “Friday Night Song,” which unite readers in the demanding experience of motherhood. The editors also publish various educational essays such as Beth Cagan’s “Giving Birth in Dignity” and Alice Wolfson’s “Health Care May Be Hazardous to Your Health,” which inform women about their own reproductive health, birth control available to them, and empowering birthing techniques. By uniting and educating their readers, Up From Under empowers women, specifically mothers, to demand the respect they deserve. Ultimately, this periodical calls upon society to share the burdens of motherhood, allowing women to explore their identity beyond their domestic title.

— Monika Bhaskar

This image depicts the cover page of Up From Under’s inaugural issue. Published in June 1970, this issue focuses on the celebration of women.

This image depicts the cover page of Up From Under‘s second issue. Published in September 1970, this issue focuses on women’s domestic role.

This image depicts the cover page of Up From Under’s third issue. Published in February 1971, this issue focuses on the critiques of the nuclear family.

This image depicts the cover page of Up From Under’s fourth issue. Published in April 1971, this issue focuses on intersectional feminism.

This image depicts the cover page of Up From Under’s final issue. Published in June 1971, this issue focuses on women in the economy.

The Health Care System’s Control of the Reproductive Process: A Look at Doctors’ Control of Birth Control Information

The Lamaze Birthing Technique

“Children of my own to be fed”: A Look at Working Mothers’ Responsibilities

“The Complete Mother Unit”: A Look at Society’s Expectations for Mothers 

“I Never Asked to Be a Slave”: A Look at Mothers’ Sacrifices

Second-Wave Feminist’s Call for Free, Universal Child Care