The Mama Perspective

Motherhood and Maternal Wellbeing

  • The First Six Months as a Mum of Two

    Somehow, we’ve already arrived at the six-month mark with Jack, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around how quickly time is moving. It feels like only yesterday he was this tiny newborn curled up on my chest, and now here we are – introducing foods, moving him into his big-boy cot, and watching him grow into his own little personality. I’ve got a KIT day coming up at work soon, which has stirred up all sorts of mixed emotions. It’s exciting in some ways, stepping back into that part of my life, but there’s also a little sadness that comes with realising just how fast time is passing by. I think every mum understands that tug-of-war between wanting to see their babies grow while wanting to freeze time entirely.

    Jack seems to be in no mood for slowing down though. He wants to be on the go constantly. The minute he’s on the floor, he rolls straight onto his tummy and pushes himself up like he’s ready to take off. He’s so determined at attempting to crawl. It’s so cute seeing his little legs kicking away, his arms stretching forward like he’s reaching for the next big adventure. It’s amazing to watch, even if part of me is whispering, “No, not yet… I’m not ready!”

    What hasn’t changed is how happy he is. He really is the smiliest, most content little boy. He loves his playtime, loves cuddles, and absolutely lights up when he hears nursery rhymes. It often reminds me of his big brother at this age – another little mover who could never keep still. I’m starting to wonder whether we’re raising another future footballer.

    Each day is day busy, full, but they’re also incredibly special. That’s what I’m trying to remind myself. There’s something magical about watching Jack discover the world bit by bit – new tastes, new sounds, and lots of giggles. Every small milestone feels like something to celebrate and a reminder of how lucky I am to witness it all. It also shows me that no matter how big my biggest baby gets, we should never stop celebrating him too. 

    Six months in, I’m emotional, grateful, tired, and proud – especially of Freddy being the kindhearted big brother he’s grown into. Motherhood is such a blend of feelings – happiness mixed with nostalgia, and excitement mixed with a longing for time to slow down. But as I look at Jack growing into his own little person, I’m trying to make the most of the rest of my maternity leave before I won’t get to see his little face all day. Queue the tears… 

  • Six Months Postpartum: Too Soon to Know Who I Am Now

    I’m almost six months postpartum with baby number two, and lately I’ve been wondering who I am now.

    Not in a dramatic, identity meltdown kind of way – more in a quiet, curious sort of way. Like when you catch your reflection and think, I look familiar, but also a little different. Being a mum of two kids does that to you eh? 

    Becoming a mum for the first time changed me in ways I expected – priorities shifted, patience stretched, sleep disappeared. But this time feels different. It’s not just an adjustment; it’s a complete reshaping. The version of me that existed before two children feels a bit blurry now. 

    I don’t know yet what parts of the “old me” will return, or whether I even want them all to.

    Who I’m becoming 

    Right now, I feel like I’m standing in the middle – one foot in the world of motherhood, the other still reaching toward something familiar. I’m still me but some days, I miss the structure and freedom of pre-baby life. Other days, I’m content to be completely absorbed by the small moments that fill these early months. Especially because within the blink of an eye, they are gone. 

    I can feel parts of myself – the one who loves to write, the mum who loves her kids, a marketing manager, but as for the rest? I guess it’s waiting quietly in the background. Not gone, just… paused, I hope. 

    Rediscovery on the horizon 

    Next year, I’ll be returning to work, and I think that transition might help me find pieces of myself again – or maybe even introduce me to stronger version of myself

    Something needs to help me bring myself back to the balance, you know? Not because of the job itself, but because it might remind me what it feels like to be me in a different context – one that isn’t entirely defined by motherhood. 

    But for now, I’m still here, living in the in-between.

    Learning to sit in the unknown

    There’s a lot of pressure to “bounce back” – not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. To reclaim who we were before becoming in a mum, whether it’s your first or subsequent child. But I don’t think that’s the goal. Maybe motherhood isn’t about finding the old version of yourself again, but allowing space for a new one to be comfortable in.

    Some days, that thought brings comfort. Other days, it feels like loss.

    Either way, I’m trying to trust that identity isn’t something you lose or find – it’s something you grow into, again and again, as life changes around you.

    As for now… 

    For now, it’s too soon to know who I am becoming, and maybe that’s okay. Maybe this stage – the uncertainty in the middle – is part of the becoming process itself.


    If you’re a mum who has been through this stage before, when did you start to feel like yourself again or did you discover a newer version of yourself instead? 

  • It Isn’t About Picture Perfect Brother Moments

    The moments of a big brother welcoming his little world into his world can be hard at first but it’s also heartwarming. 

    Ever since we found out we were pregnant and the time was right to break the news to Freddy, he was so excited to become a big brother. Although I don’t think he quite understood what it actually meant to be a big brother. I’ll be honest – parts of me and Danny (probably me for the most part) were a little worried. Will Freddy feel left out? Less important? Less loved? Will be want to love his baby brother?

    But to our surprise – from the day Jack was born and Freddy came to meet him in hospital, he came him a little teddy bear. He was a little quieter than usual because I think the realness of Jack actually being here in Freddy’s world was a shock even know he knew he was coming, he didn’t quite know what to expect.

    Since we came home just over five months ago now, Freddy has helped to make bottles, change nappies, comfort Jack (giving him is dummy, saying “it’s okay Jack”), he kisses him and says night night and sweet dreams. He doesn’t always want photos or to be told how to interact with Jack becusss he wants to find his own ways – that’s exactly what he’s doing. It isn’t always picture perfect or “instagramable” but it’s everything. 

    The fact I longed for two children and now have two boys to grow together, to hopefully become best friends in the future, reminds me to count my lucky stars every single day.

    I have a lot of tough days – some that I feel will break me but I have to remember that they won’t. I’ve come too far in motherhood and learned a lot about myself as a young woman to let that happen. I cry and I lose it sometimes. I know I’m not perfect

    And that’s the thing – it isn’t about perfect photos to capture the “perfect moments” like smiling for the camera in sync, though it’s nice when that does happens. It’s about the small, natural moments that no one else sees.

    It’s the quiet giggle when Freddy makes Jack laugh and the way his face lights up to follow everything his big brother does. It’s the mess, the noise, the tears, and the cuddles that somehow make everything okay again.

    The fact that Freddy knows different ways to settle Jack shows how much he’s watching and listening, and really wants to help him. My heart melts.

    Learning as I go

    Motherhood, for me, has never been tidy or predictable. I think that’s why I’ve struggled at times. I’m a tidy person and I like order!

    It’s learning as I go, forgiving myself when I fall short, and finding a way to handle the chaos. Watching Freddy step into his big brother role has shown me that love doesn’t always need to be taught. Sometimes, it just grows naturally, in its own imperfect way.

    There will be days when I’ll still worry about whether I’m doing enough, giving enough, being enough. But then I see the two of my boys together, and I’m reminded that I’m doing okay even if I don’t feel it every day. 

    Because this is what it’s all about – the real – messy but beautiful moments that make our little family what it is.

Anxiety Confidence Family Mental Health Mindset Motherhood Parenthood Parenting Positivity Postpartum Self Esteem Wellness