(Philadelphia, PA, January 10, 2005) -- Every so often a book is released that has the power to change the way we think. Motherhood has long been the focus of topical discussion; although it is the most magical journey of a woman's lifetime, it is subject to constricting stereotypes, myths and conflicting advice. After countless centuries of misinformation and secrecy, maternity expert and author, Rebecca Matthias, has lifted the veil of silence to openly discuss pregnancy: its highs and lows, aches and pains, and myths and monsters.

Matthias, who dresses more than 2.7 million expectant moms each year and has three children herself, has taken a girlfriend approach in her second book entitled 51 Secrets Of Motherhood: That Your Mother Never Told You (Franklin Mason Press, 2005, Price: US $15.95) to candidly share the many secrets she's learned over the past 23 years working with pregnant women. Her "secrets" include contributions and anecdotes from specialists on the subject including authors, a renowned OB/GYN doctor and celebrity moms.

"Motherhood is fantastic, but the road to motherhood is paved with information overload. I wanted to offer new moms a practical handbook that empowers them to enjoy, understand and embrace the physical, mental and spiritual changes that are taking place during pregnancy," said Rebecca Matthias.

After informally talking to countless friends and customers over the past two decades, and conducting a survey of more than 1,000 expectant mothers from across the country, Matthias has organized a special book of 51 "secret" chapters. No stone is unturned. She tackles everything from cravings to advice about the most common secret fears, five greatest and worst things about being pregnant, sex and feeling sexy.

Contributors to 51 Secrets Of Motherhood include Deepak Chopra; his daughter Mallika Chopra; Dr. Robert Siefring, a renowned OB/GYN from the faculty of Rutgers University; actors and mothers Mimi Rogers, Catherine Bell, Marcia Gay Harden, Marlee Matlin, and moms from all walks of life. Their voices supplement Matthias's wisdom by providing a variety of inspiration, education, and information that no mother-to-be should be without.

In the What Are The Odds chapter, Matthias addresses the number-one surveyed fear among expectant moms: birth defects. She provides comforting statistics and practical advice about prenatal health care and encourages concerned women to find out more through the March of Dimes. She even takes action, with a portion of book sales being donated to the March of Dimes.

Matthias has built a successful maternity company based on serving the unique needs of pregnant women. Trained as a civil engineer and architect, Matthias had trouble finding professional clothing to wear to work while pregnant with her first child. With a new baby, little money and much determination, Matthias started a maternity apparel business. Twenty plus years later, she is president and COO of Mothers Work , with sales exceeding $500 million per year (Nasdaq: MWRK), which includes retail stores Motherhood Maternity®, Mimi Maternity® , A Pea in the Pod® , Destination Maternity^TM Superstore and Edamame Maternity Spa^TM . Matthias is still forging new maternity territory with the release of her second book, 51 Secrets of Motherhood. Matthias is also the author of Mothers Work, How a Young Mother Started a Multi-Million Dollar Company on a Shoe String, available on-line at motherhood.com.