Motherhood is quite literally the biggest rollercoaster in the world. The best and hardest of times. Here’s a bit of mush as a reminder why we do it 💛

Being a working mum feels like continuous compromise. Just when you think you’ve got it right, something shifts and you’re left questioning (yet again) the balance (or lack of). Will it ever be perfect? I guess not. I guess it’s a constant learning curve. I guess it’s in the title of the podcast right, it’s learning to mum…20 months in!

That is the question…well, not really for us. Forever sharing our reality. It’s a no from us, but let me share why.

Ophelia turned 18 months on the 10th Feb so this is a little delayed but hopefully you get the gig. Forever juggling 🤹🏼‍♀️ over here. Anyone else relate 🙋🏼‍♀️

I’ve spoken about mum guilt before and I raise it again in episode one of series three. Amongst other topics such as how the heck your parenting solidly over the Christmas holidays 🤯

As women, we don’t operate in 24 hour cycles. Throughout the month our hormone levels rise and fall and whilst this is nothing but normal, it can be hard to navigate while parenting. This episode acknowledges how tricky it can be.

Early motherhood felt like a test. It was one I thought I had failed. I look back now and realise it was not a test, it was a period of adjustment to this brand new life. New life I had brought into the world and the inevitable new life it created for me. I look back now and want to say with love, you did the best you could and that was enough. To anyone who needs to hear this, this is for you.

Learning to mum for me has been about compromise. Constant adjustment to new routines. Relinquishing control. Leaning into the process of motherhood and all its beauty and challenge. I have however, lusted over more time to myself as the weeks and months have passed and encouraging Ophelia to play independently has always been part of that makeup. In this episode I’m sharing some of my thoughts on this. Independence is one of the skills I am personally so proud to have in abundance, if I can help Ophelia have this by teaching her from a young age that time yourself is not only enjoyable but necessary and vital then I’m all for it. Enjoy my thoughts!

In this episode I share how I believe time has allowed me to mature into motherhood. As Ophelia grows, so too does my confidence and, honestly, my passion to parent. The joy in seeing her grow, being able to do more and more with her and fundamentally, have a little pal has been EVERYTHING. I can’t wait to see what the future brings. Well I can, time - slow down!

Ophelia turns one next week, so a 12 month update felt timely. Also, taking time to find me again. Enjoy!

A long, overdue update on where we’re at. Ophelia is now 10 months, swiftly heading to 11 and changes have been taking place. In this episode I touch on sleep, forming opinions and the joys developmental changes can bring. Enjoy!

This week I speak to Bek Homer who is mum to Seth. Bek shares her experience of PND with a view to raise awareness and shine light on the reality of maternal mental health. Whilst this episode might not be for everyone, it’s a topic that impacts so many - by speaking more openly about such things, we can continue to break down the barriers which in turn encourage more people to open up. Bek highlights that the only way she was able to move forward was to talk about her reality. In this episode she’s sharing that with you and I’m so grateful for her honesty and openness. ***trigger topic*** Websites reference: PANDAs

This week has not gone to plan - personally as opposed to anything “mum specific”. I was going to hit pause on recording but actually, figured it was a good opportunity to share reality. Life happens, we can only control how we respond to it, not necessarily the stumbling blocks sent to try us!

This week it’s all things PND. After suffering from a prolonged period of baby blues I went on to study a diploma in PND. I’m sharing some on the learnings so you too, can be more aware. Let’s make it ok to not be ok.

A little trailer as to what you can expect from episode 1 of series two as well as an update from me. Enjoy and speak to you all very soon 🤍

I wanted to drop a bonus epi in between series to give you an update and talk about the topic of mum guilt - something that I think plagues many of us. This will be a continued area of discussion but I wanted to share where I’m currently at and some considerations when it comes to managing your relationship aside being a mum. See you in a few weeks for series 2 🤞🏻

It didn’t feel right to close series one without touching on my reality of learning to mum through a pandemic. I touch on pregnancy, birth and maternity with a view to share some thoughts and considerations on what I would have done if we’d have been in “normal” times. My aim with this is to give others some reflection points and find what’s right for them. Thank you for listening to series one and I will see you in series two in due course 🖤

Becoming a mum threw into question my identity - whilst being “just a mum” (if there can ever be such a thing) is enough for so many people, for me, regaining back some aspects of my former-self was vital. Going back to work, having time to myself, learning new skills all added to me being the best mum I could be. The statement is true - happy mum, happy baby - whatever that looks like for you, do it!

This week I’m sharing our current routine with you. Ophelia is currently heading to the 7 month mark and this has been our routine from around 6 months. It covers sleep and weaning in an attempt to share a view of how it all links together. I always think it’s interesting to hear what other mums are doing, gives you opportunity to consider whether similar practices would work for you. Enjoy!

“I truly believe I’d be a great mum if she would just let me sleep” - a statement that often plagued my thoughts in those early weeks and months. Sleep is so precious and impacts so many other aspects of life. Equally, it’s one of the biggest adjustments new parents go through when their new bundle arrives. I feel so passionately about the topic of sleep and so strongly about sharing the reality of what the forth trimester can bring so we can normalise, relieve some pressure and know that good habits can be instilled as time goes on even if it feels impossible in the early days of motherhood.