The Mama Perspective

Motherhood and Maternal Wellbeing

The voice behind the blog

Natasha is a mum of two little boys and the voice behind The Mama Perspective. Passionate about maternal mental health and self-care, she writes honestly about the highs, lows, and healing moments of motherhood.
  • My First Christmas as a Mum of Two

    My First Christmas as a Mum of Two

    Wow, my first Christmas as a mum of two has been magical, but it’s also been hard. The lead up is pretty draining, making sure everything is done, with support from their daddy of course. But still, I wish for a couple of quiet moments in the day. I long for the kids’ bedtime so I can then go to sleep – mostly when my youngest goes, I go too, to be honest.

    I’ve been lucky to be on maternity leave and not have to worry about returning to work just yet, although it is actually a bit of a worry in my mind. I suppose that’s normal though. Motherhood has a way of holding excitement and worry at the same time.

    Now, the house is cleared of rubbish – all the wrapping paper, boxes, and plastic packaging gone. And I do love a fresh house, even if it’s for two minutes before the chaos of toys and noise continues. All of the new toys and clothes have “a home,” as I like to call it, and there isn’t a present that my boys don’t love. They’re grateful, and we are too as their mum and dad, but the most important thing for us is presence over presents.

    What was special about this Christmas?

    It was Jack’s first Christmas, and he turned 7 months old on Christmas Day. It’s also the first year that Freddy has shown a clear understanding of Christmas – the countdown for Santa coming with his reindeers, delivering presents, leaving a carrot, cookie, and milk out! Then to ask on Christmas morning, “Why didn’t Rudolph finish all of the carrot?!” You realise how much you really need to learn and answer for when you have a kid in the “why” stage, don’t you?

    Freddy’s excitement was the best part for me – and also the fact that he got his baby brother involved, even if he did want to open Jack’s presents as well as his own. The love between my two boys has grown stronger, and for that, my heart couldn’t be fuller. We’re seven months into this family-of-four life, and we didn’t get the picture-perfect moments early on, but over Christmas we’ve taken a few and they’re ones I’ll remember forever.

    What a year it’s been

    This year has also been a year of growth for me. A year of learning to say no when I don’t want to say yes, instead of doing it just to please someone. Becoming a mum has done that to me – especially becoming a mum of two – and in the best way. I’m learning to protect my energy, my time, and my presence, because that’s what my boys need most.

    This Christmas was loud and tiring but real and full of love. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

  • Prioritising My Mental Health as a Mum of Two

    Prioritising My Mental Health as a Mum of Two

    When you become a mum – everything changes. I don’t care who says it doesn’t. Your identity – how you see yourself in the mirror and possibly how others see you too. I know I’m a stronger person since becoming a mum, and even more so since bringing my second son into the world earlier this year. I mean come on, 9 months of pregnancy, labour, and pushing a human being out of me counts towards that right? But it doesn’t stop there. Recovery is hard. It’s mentally and physically draining even when I tried to convince myself otherwise during early postpartum both times round, especially the second time round like, I’ve done this before so I have to okay.

    But here’s what no one really prepares you for – the mental load that hits differently when you’re a mum of two. Suddenly you’re split between meeting the needs of a newborn and still trying to show up fully for your first child, all while attempting to hold on to pieces of yourself. Some days, it feels like I’m juggling emotions, mental notes, and expectations that I didn’t even know existed. The endless lists. And in the middle of it all, there’s me – still a person, still a woman, still trying to figure it all out and trying to look after myself.

    I don’t want to be perfect, I just want to be happy

    For a long time, I pushed my own needs to the bottom of the list because that’s what we’re conditioned to do, right? Be the strong one. The organised one. The present one. The mum who just “gets on with it.” Ugh, I hate that perspective. But the truth is, that only leads me to feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, and disconnected from myself and sometimes even the people I love.

    This time, though, I promised myself something different. I made a conscious choice to prioritise my mental health – as a must. It’s far from perfect but I know I have to keep trying and get the support I need. Because when I take care of my mind, other things become more manageable. I wouldn’t say everything but more things do. I’m a little more patient at times and just feel a bit more grounded. More me? Or maybe a slightly different version of me – one that really is just fine most days. 

    Finding calm in the little moments

    Prioritising my mental health looks different every day. Some days, it’s as simple as stepping outside for five minutes of fresh air. Other days, it’s asking for help without feeling guilty or admitting that I’m not coping and need a moment away from everything before my head feels like it’s going to explode. It’s choosing rest, slowing down, and recognising that my worth isn’t measured by how much I can cram into the time I rarely do have to myself.

    Most of all, it’s learning to tune back into myself – to listen to the signs my body and mind are giving me instead of ignoring them. Motherhood can feel so noisy, but within it, I’m in the middle of finding space to breathe again. And that, to me, is something positive.

    I’m still figuring it out. I’m still learning how to balance being a mum and being a woman with my own needs. But I do know this: putting my mental health first doesn’t make me less of a mum. It makes me a better one. I really do believe in the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” You’ve got to fill that cup up to give yourself the energy and happiness you need.

  • The First Six Months as a Mum of Two

    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… 

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