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.
  • How Me and My Son Grow Together

    How Me and My Son Grow Together

    Being a mum is everything to me. Ever since I saw the two pink lines on the first pregnancy test I took, I had to take two to three more, to really believe it. Every single step of the way from the morning (any time of the day) sickness, to gaining a baby bump, first kicks, and finding out if our baby was going to be a boy or girl, I found a new love.

    Being a mum is my priority. I will do everything in my power to make sure my son (Freddy) is happy. Sometimes, that’s a little stroke on his head and a kiss on his forehead, or a cuddle and sitting still for a while in the moment. It also means being the mum who understands what Freddy enjoys. Every child likes to learn in their own way. So, when Freddy gets happy about counting numbers, or singing the alphabet, I’m here to say well done. When he meets new friends, welcomes them and shares his toys, I’m here to say “Good boy.”

    The thing is, as a mum, I’ve noticed more and more that people can be so quick to judge from the outside. And sadly at times, those people include women who are mums themselves.

    I’d be lying if I told you I haven’t worried about the little details, mostly stemming from being out in public since Freddy was born and then onto starting new chapters of Freddy’s life like primary school. After a while though, I take a step back and realise he is still and will always be learning. Small milestones are worth celebrating.

    For example, during his first week of school, Freddy was mostly carried there each morning whilst crying. Week two was up and down. Then by the time week three arrived – he was walking to school happily, holding his lunch bag and reading bag. He always makes me feel so proud.

    Being a mum always reminds me what’s important. And I do tend to feel guilty for worrying so much because in a way, it can come across like I’m pressuring Freddy. But I’m not, it’s more people’s judgements that I struggle with. I’m starting to see that’s not always the case and there are struggles that other parents are bound to be facing.

    Freddy is his own little person and his personality is shining every day. Together, me and him will learn to grow, through the dancing and the sadness. I want him to be able to express how he feels and teach him that it’s okay. He is human just like me.

  • My Son’s First Two Weeks of School

    My Son’s First Two Weeks of School

    A couple of weeks ago, I shared a post on how I was feeling about my son starting school for the first time. It’s been a little up and down with getting him dressed in the morning. We’re getting there though. He’s not crying as much going to school. But that’s typical Freddy – he has the time of his life once he’s there. When I seen photos of him playing via one of the school’s social pages, I immediately smiled.

    When we pick him up, he walks out looking so happy with a big smile on his face as he runs to us. Seeing him wearing his little backpack that’s actually more than half the size of him and carrying his reading bag, melts my heart. Little Mr Independent.

    So, I think at first, it’s the change from private nursery to primary school. Freddy is all about routine – days of the work associated with certain environments and directions on where those places are. But two weeks in, and full time from now on (woooo), we’re starting to notice a difference.

    Just yesterday, when we arrived at the playground outside school, Freddy said, “Yay!” and was happy to see the teachers open the doors. He’s took a liking to a certain one of course, and goes in for her to hold his hand or have a cuddle first. Freddy has been this way ever since starting private nursery at 9 months old. It’s always really nice to see. He likes to root for his safe person in the room so I’m happy he has her.

    Remember I said I might even meet a mum friend too? Well, there’s one who has said hi and chatted to me and Danny right from Freddy’s first day and her daughter is so friendly to all the kids. I hope there are more parents and children that can be as kind. And there’s something special when seeing her and Freddy walking back from school some days and going to the shop. You wouldn’t guess it, but Freddy goes for ice pops, no matter the weather! Oh, and one of each colour that’s in the freezer. I do love him and his cheekiness. Every time I hear him say, “Shop now” it’s either going to be to stock up on ice pops, fruit, or cucumbers! Random choices I know, but they are his go-to items.

    I happen to be writing this part last but it’s the one thing that I still stare at and makes me realise just how much Freddy is growing. The uniform. Seeing him wearing it, especially through struggled of getting him dressed most days so far, he’s always happy once it’s done and looks extra cute each day. He’s obsessed with his dinosaur wellies and I love it.

    No matter if Freddy finds something challenging, even if other kids don’t, or what comes to easy to him, but not for other children, it’s okay. He’s his own little person and I couldn’t be prouder of him. I say that and he’ll probably do something new and I’m amazed again.

    Here’s to Freddy on his new adventure. Go and have the best time!

  • Nothing Needs to Be Picture Perfect

    Nothing Needs to Be Picture Perfect

    There’s more to life than being ‘picture perfect’. Behind the cracks, nothing is ever perfect. One day, probably not so often, you might see a photo where I was looking nice for a few hours but then the next, I’m in my comfy clothes walking back from Gregg’s eating a sausage roll without a care in the world. If you’re new to my blog, something about me you can find out now is that food makes me happy and I always bring it up in conversation.

    It’s good to have days where you feel more confident about yourself but we shouldn’t lose too much authenticity to how we look and feel naturally. Smile because you deserve to be happy. Wear the outfit because you feel comfortable in it not because you constantly feel like you have to look your best or make an impression.

    The power of social media has always puzzled me. It’s easy to get hooked, on the not so good habits, like comparing your life to someone else’s. I’m guilty. I’ve done it and still do to be honest. But it’s also a happy place to share things that are important to you or like a digital memory box.

    It’s easy to feel like everything in life needs to be picture perfect. I see flawlessly curated feeds showcasing the same perfect appearances, perfect homes, and perfect families. But behind every post, there’s a reality that’s often messy, imperfect, and chaotic. Why don’t we share more honesty? I don’t mean we have to go full on negative but you know, something a bit closer to reality.

    Live in the moment. There’s always something worth smiling for right now in the present. This is coming from a woman who worries left right and centre. It’s like it’s embedded in my brain to but I’m trying to not let it overpower me. Just the other day, I asked Danny, “where do you store all the worrysome stuff?” and he told me something along the lines of “Channel your energy into something. Write, go to the gym, go for a walk, do whatever makes you happy.”

    Life doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. Your appearance doesn’t have to meet every societal standard to be accepted for who you are. A photograph doesn’t need to be flawless to capture a special moment. Family life isn’t about having everything in order but about sharing love, even in all the chaos. A fun social life isn’t about constant plans but about real friendships even in quieter moments.

    Life isn’t real without imperfections. Guess what? Going to the gym and ending up with a red sweaty face after a workout is normal. Bumping into someone in the middle of your food shop isn’t your best look but it’s fine. My whispy hair is in full force today and that’s okay too.

    Being perfect is over rated anyway. I’m going to take a leaf out of my son’s book and be happy over the little things. The way his face lights up, makes everything else slow down.

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