mothering

noun4

1. •
   The nurturing of a child by its mother.

   • The unification or bringing together of disparate things […] which Mrs Ramsay seeks to achieve by marryings and motherings […] — 1996
2. •
   The protective behavior of a mother towards her child.
3. •
   Nurturing or protective behavior reminiscent of that performed by a literal mother.

   • The institution in the past has done monumental work harboring the homeless, mothering the homeless, mothering the motherless, caring for the poor and dependent — 1912
4. •
   (no longer used) Clipping of a-mothering (“practice of visiting one's literal or figurative mother or mother church”).